DesertStrikeMDHack

Rom hack of Desert Strike for the Mega Drive adding 6-button + SRAM support

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Version History

• v1.4
  • Bug fix - overriding a save of a previously cleared stage would lock following unlocked stages
• v1.3
  • Bug fix - stage 3 mission 8 bus not turning when mode pressed
• v1.2
  • Bug fix - loading campaign still has MIA copilot locked after rescued.
  • Bug fix - mission 3 shows 2 power plants on the map.
  • Bazooka soldier height value adjusted to fix collision with the chopper on a lower altitude
• v1.1
  • Bug fix - mission 4 unlocked shows a random high score.

Required Original ROM

• SHA-1: D7E7D8C358EB845B84FB08F904CC0B95D0A4053D
• CRC32: 67A9860B

Hack Features

• A more robust save system, "campaign mode"
• Stages unlocked in main menu when cleared in "campaign mode"
• Per stage high score displayed
• 6-button support
• Implements unused altitude control code found in original ROM
• Copilot bios shortened/altered to reflect rage attribute effects
• Copilot range attributes described in bios
• Copilot winch activation values spaced further for clearer gameplay effect
• Copilots marked as TDY (Temporary Duty Yonder) until unlocked
• Location of MIA copilot "Carlos" changed
• Copilot select menu triggered unless stage started with non-MIA copilot
• No copilot results in very low range attributes
• Lives carried over between stages
• Game restarts to title screen after game over

Controls

Holding "Mode"           = Strafing (enables strafing and missile fire)
Holding "Mode" + X       = Lower altitude
Holding "Mode" + Y       = Reset altitude towards default
Holding "Mode" + Z       = Increase altitude
  

Copilot Effects

The copilot's effect on helicopter behavior was not documented. After reverse engineering, it was found that:

• Each copilot affects target auto-lock distance and winch activation radius
• These attributes are now displayed in their bios
• Winch activation ranges have been spaced further to have noticeable gameplay impact

SRAM Support: "Campaign Mode" and "Practice Mode"

General

• Cleared levels become selectable on the main menu
• Original password system is retained
• Saving happens at the cleared stage screen showing the password

"Campaign Mode" Entry

1. Select an unlocked stage on the main menu
2. Press "A" to load the SRAM-saved password
3. Press "Start" to return to menu with stage select disabled
4. Press "Start" again to begin in campaign mode
5. To cancel, modify the password and press enter; stage select will be re-enabled
6. Choose an unlocked copilot — if MIA, the copilot selection screen appears

"Campaign Mode" Explained

• Always active when starting from stage 1
• Saves copilot state, number of lives, and score
• Saved scores are more accurate than original password scores
• New saves only overwrite if current score is higher

"Practice Mode" Explained

• Starts with 3 lives (or more with extra life password)
• Stage score starts at 0 or password-defined value
• Clearing a stage leads to the next but no save occurs
• Stages cleared don't unlock for main menu selection
• Copilots unlocked only for current session
• MIA copilots found only remain unlocked for current playthrough
• MIA copilots not unlocked from non-SRAM passwords