Mod Guide for a Better Vanilla Experience

Mega Mix+ comes with a dizzying array of shortcomings and changes. This guide focuses on correcting and improving the base game, and doesn't cover mods that add content unrelated to official Sega conent.

DivaModLoader Changes in 0.0.11 (Aug 2023)

DML 0.0.11 integrated a few key components making some mods unnecessary.

• DML now has its own song limit bypass. While this means the Song Limit Patch mod is no longer required for new users, DML's implementation is completely compatible with it for existing users since there's no conversion tool yet.
  
• Module ID Patch is now fully integrated.
  
• Sprite limit increased from 4096 to 32768, rendering Remove Unused spr_db Entries moot.

Full details of the release are available at https://gamebanana.com/news/21817

Getting and Installing Mods

If you're on Windows, download DivaModManager[github.com]. This makes installing mods and keeping them updated a breeze. If you run into any bugs, you can open issues on GitHub.

If you're using Linux, download dmm[github.com], which is a script that'll set up DivaModManager for use under a GE build of WINE[github.com]. Do keep in mind that DivaModManager is not supported in this configuration, so any bugs specific to running under WINE won't be addressed. For any installation issues that the dmm script is responsible for, you can open issues on GitHub.

Fixes and Improvements

High Refresh Rate[gamebanana.com] allows the game to run over 60fps and also allows you to disable vsync. Even if your monitor is only capable of 60fps, this mod also includes an alternate frame rate limiter that will probably work better for you than the stock one Sega coded into the game.

Very Cool[gamebanana.com] modifies the timing judgements to make it clearer that your timing is fast, late, or right on time. The stock game only uses a slanted shading to differentiate an early COOL or FINE/GOOD from a late one which is very hard to make out as you're playing.

Steam Card Art Loading Screens[gamebanana.com] replaces the boring stock loading screens with the new artwork found in the Steam Trading Cards. Not sure why Sega couldn't have worked this into the official game if they weren't going to bring back the PS4 functionality that allowed you to use PV screenshots as loading screen images.

Disable Watermarks[gamebanana.com] does what it says. Japanese view on copyright is ... yeah.


Swap Confirm Button[gamebanana.com] is for people that are overly used to the JP releases of Project DIVA games (including Arcade) where ⭕ is confirm and ☓ is cancel. It's a hard habbit to break if you've spent years getting used to the JP way.


Cubes Lighting Mod[gamebanana.com] improves the shader effects used in 10 different songs: Look This Way Baby, Roshin Yukai, Po Pi Po, The World is Mine, That One Second in Slow Motion, Finder DSLR remix-re:edit, Sound, The secret garden, Promise, and Packaged.

Better Sand Planet Background[gamebanana.com] changes the stock background image used for the song select screen and during practice mode (which is just the album art) to something different (and, frankly, much better) so there's no weird double-image effect happening.

Fixed 2d flowers for The Two of Us - Futaride[gamebanana.com] fixes a goof Sega overlooked when overhauling the graphics for the Switch version, which in turn made it into the PC version. This mod has two versions: one that matches the Arcade/Future Tone CG shading, and one that matches the Switch toon shading.

DECORATOR-RIFE[gamebanana.com] sics RIFE[www.svp-team.com] on the animation used for the crowd in DECORATOR, and comes away with better video footage than what Sega ended up producing. (The DECORATOR PV was released in 2014, and Sega has stuck with whatever they came up with at the time.)

If you're using the Xbox-specific icons instead of the original Arcade icons (How dare you! ;P) Xbox Hold Consistency[gamebanana.com] fixes the X icon to borrow from the Switch icon set instead of borrowing the ❌ (cross) from the PlayStation's icon set.

Fixes and Improvements (Make Elitists Mad Edition)

Yes, people get their britches twisted when you make the game more accessible. Even if the game isn't a Souls-like and the accessibility options are, well, optional.

3D PV Dimming[gamebanana.com] dims (and optionally tints) 3D PVs to make them less distracting. While I personally don't mind that the distraction is part of the challenge, I've seen enough complaints to warrant mentioning this mod.


Less Intrusive Hit Effects[gamebanana.com] dials the hit effect down a notch or two. I've never found the stock hit effect to be of any hindrance, but this can also be of use for recording and streaming.

Fixes and Improvements (Honorable Mention)

No Loading Backgrounds[gamebanana.com] depends a lot on you having a slow loading time. This is true on PS4 and Switch, but not necessarily on PC. If you're still using mechanical storage, this mod may prove interesting. If using a not-bargain-bin SSD or NVME, this mod becomes a lot less interesting as PV assets will load too fast.

Accessibility

Colour Contrast[gamebanana.com] modifies the color palette of the icons to make them more distinguishable to people with color blindness. Some people might also prefer the muted colors over the originals. NOTE: This mod will conflict with any other mod that modifies spr_gam_cmn.farc, like Very Cool and AFT In-Game UI for Mega Mix+.

Song Packs

Mega Mix Thumbnail Manager[gamebanana.com] is needed when using mutiple song packs, as only the song pack with the highest priority will have its thumbnails included. It also includes M&M's LeaderboardBlock.dll so your game won't try to upload scores for songs that aren't part of vanilla Mega Mix+. This mod must have a higher priority than any song pack you include.

X Song Pack[gamebanana.com] adds all of the songs from Project DIVA X to Mega Mix+, including DLC. The three songs that were already in the game -- The First Sound, Hand in Hand, and LOL -lots of laugh- -- use the Arcade note maps with the X PV and have their own listing. Some effects in some PVs are missing due to event handlers that were added to X.

Arcade Unused Song LiNK[gamebanana.com] revives a song that was shown in promotional footage released by Sega for Project DIVA Arcade but never actually made it to Arcade. Nothing special difficulty-wise but still a nice addition considering the derth of official releases lately from Sega.

Restore Cut Songs[gamebanana.com] brings back Saturation, Ievan Polkka, and White Dove. Saturation was never officially released outside of Arcade, while Ievan Polkka and White Dove saw release on PS4 and Switch but sadly didn't make it to PC, most likely because Sega was unable to obtain the additional rights for the PC release.

You'll also want to install Stewie2.0's Remove Unused spr_db Entries and give it the lowest priority so it can clean up spr_db and make room for this additional content. As of DivaModLoader 0.0.11 the Remove Unused spr_db Entries mod is rendered moot.

Arcade CG

You only need these mods if you prefer the Arcade/Future Tone CG shader look over the Switch toon shader look and would like to have the whole of Mega Mix+ reflect that.

Future Tone Customization[gamebanana.com] makes the Customization UI follow the style you set in-game rather than always using the toon style.

Future Tone Portraits[gamebanana.com] replaces the character images used on the main menu with those from the PS4 version. Of note, this mod also includes loading screens from the PS4 version, so be sure to place any alternate loading screen background mods at a higher priority.

PS4 Module and Item Icons[gamebanana.com] replaces said icons with their PS4 versions, thus keeping the CG style.




No-Toon Catch The Wave Shader[gamebanana.com] replaces the stock Catch The Wave shader in Future Tone mode with a no-toon shader from AFT Mega39's pack.

Restorations

ExPatch[gamebanana.com] makes the Extreme and Extra Extreme versions of songs always available like they were in Arcade.





JP Judgements[gamebanana.com] does away with the westernized GOOD, BAD, and MISS judgements in favor of the Japanese originals.



Restore Album Art[gamebanana.com] has an AFT variant that brings back the jacket covers found in Arcade.


For people in Korea, Restore Korean Censored[gamebanana.com] bypasses the regional blacklist for the songs Sebonzakura and Ooedo Julianight.



Restore CRT Off SE[gamebanana.com] restores the CRT off sound effect on the FAILED screen that was in Arcade and PS4 but removed starting with the Switch.



Edit PVBack for One-Sided Love Samba[gamebanana.com] brings back the missing sprites for the PV used in One-Sided Love Samba on Normal and Easy that were removed starting with the Switch version.


Original 2D effect + song logo for LIKE THE WIND[gamebanana.com] restores the red and blue lines as well as the FT version of the logo that were altered starting with the Switch version.



Moyai Restoration[gamebanana.com] restores the Moyai in Interviewer, which was replaced by plain rocks starting with the Switch version.




MegaMix+ Stage Logo Replace[gamebanana.com] replaces the plain Project DIVA logo from the very first game with a Mega 39's+ logo. Close enough for English users. Of note, this is a particular sore spot for long-time DIVA fans as the stage logo has always been customized to be the version of DIVA you were playing, up to and including the Switch version.

SING&SMILE Alternate Ad Logos[gamebanana.com] rectifies the same lackadazical treatment that Sekiranun Graffiti got in SING&SMILE. This mod has several variants, so you can even choose to use a Project Mirai logo (which the song comes from) instead of Mega Mix+ if you want.

Green Liquid Restoration for Envy Cat Walk[gamebanana.com] restores the green liquid in Envy Cat Walk that was omitted for some reason starting with the PC port. My only guess is that this could be a regional censoring applied globally.


Undarken PVs[gamebanana.com] is a matter of personal preference. Starting with the Switch version, Sega started darkening some of the PVs to make them clash less with the main icon/target UI. Some people may prefer the original challenge of that clash.


Vocaloid sings SEGA[gamebanana.com] replaces the modern Sega tone with one of Crypton's Vocaloids singing Sega as they've done for previous home versions of Project DIVA.

Restorations (Extreme Nitpicker's Edition)

I'm putting these mods here because they're technically restorations but they really don't fill a void. The original content isn't sorely missed and/or Sega found suitable replacements that didn't amount to toning down or censoring.

Original projected photos for Meiteki Cybernetics[gamebanana.com] is a bit mis-named as it restores one single photo that changed between PS4 Future Tone and Switch Mega Mix, but not the photo that changed between Arcade and PS4.


PDA Meiteki Cybernetics Projected Images Restore[gamebanana.com] restores both images that were changed between Arcade and the Switch port.



AFT Unused and Removed Accessories[gamebanana.com] restores accessories that, in all honestly, most likely saw so little use that Sega didn't feel the need to bother porting them any further. But if you're an original content absolutists, this mod's for you.

Restorations (Uncanny Valley Edition)

These mods aim to bring back the Arcade experience, but (IMO) end up invoking the uncanny valley[wikipedia.org] effect where it ends up even more apparent you're not playing Arcade. These mods are at least worth mentioning and giving a shot.

AFT In-Game UI for Mega Mix+[gamebanana.com] brings Arcade Future Tone's UI home to Mega Mix+. The two are actually very similar, with the only major difference being the placement of the score. The minor quibble I have is the STAGE 1 text, which serves to remind you there will never be a STAGE 2. (In Arcade, you only got to play a second song on the same credit if you did not fail the first song, unless the owner changed the option.)

NOTE: This mod will conflict with any other mod that modifies spr_gam_cmn.farc, like the aforementioned Very Cool mod.

AFT Sound MOD[gamebanana.com] replaces all selector sounds with those found in Arcade. The Arcade sounds are designed with competing background noise in mind, so the sounds come off incredibly harsh compared to the more pleasant-sounding sounds used in the home versions, and serve to emphasize what's missing. (Yes, the slow fade of the song confirmation sound used in the home port versions is meant to distract a bit from the void introduced by the static loading screens.)

NOTE: If you want to stick with AFT Sound Mod, then you won't need Restore CRT Off SE any more as Restore CRT Off SE is a subset of AFT Sound Mod.

PDAFT Themed Loading Screens[gamebanana.com] gets you one step closer to Arcade, but once again the mod only implements home-port-style static per-character loading screens, not the dynamic animated loading screen of Arcade.


Arcade Backgrounds over Megamix[gamebanana.com] changes the menu background to either PDA Version A, PDA Version B, or PDAFT based on what you set in the config.toml file.

English Translations

English Lyrics[gamebanana.com] is by far the furthest-reaching mod, changing most (if not all) romaji lyrics to translated English. There are several variants -- including base game, DLC, Restore Cut Songs, and X Song Pack. Multiple variants can be installed simultaneously.

Doubleganger English Assets[gamebanana.com] changes the assets (namely the pages held by Rin and Miku) from Japanese to English.




English Lyrics for Song Packs[gamebanana.com] contains a variant that will give English lyrics for the song LiNK mentioned above.




The MMORPG Addict's Anthem Text Change[gamebanana.com] translates the text near the end of The MMORPG Addict's Anthem to English like it was in Project DIVA F.

Modules

Miku T-Shirt Module Redesign[gamebanana.com] gives Miku a slimmer midriff-baring T-shirt.




Goth Miku and Luka[gamebanana.com] modifies Miku's Dark Angel module and Luka's VF Suit module to be more goth. Both get black nail polish, Miku gets white shoe laces, and Luka's VF Suit color is changed to black.


Black★Rock Shooter Module 4.0[gamebanana.com] provides a module for Black★Rock Shooter that Sega was never able to provide, most likely due to licensing costs.



Love Colored Ward Module[gamebanana.com] adds a module next to Sega's Spacey Nurse module that remains truer to the original PV.




Beta Miku (Concept Miku)[gamebanana.com] adds a module based on KEI's now-official art for Hatsune Miku Chronicle. Module included in this list due to KEI's previous work with the Project DIVA series.



Hatsune Miku Append - Zero Version[gamebanana.com] modifies Miku's Append module with animated belt parts and tie physics.




Extra Sakine Modules[gamebanana.com] adds more Sakine modules: Gothic, GHOST, Casual, Pajama Party, Demons and the Dead, Big Jacket, and Sakine of Hearts.



Gothic Kasane Teto[gamebanana.com] gives Miku's Gothic outfit to Kasane Teto.




XHD Module Pack[gamebanana.com] is the perfect compliment to the X Song Pack listed above, but can be used independently of that mod. There's two variants of this mod -- one for the toon style shader and one for the CG style shader.


PV Styled Pumpkin Dream Hair[gamebanana.com] requires the aforementioned XHD Module Pack and changes the Pumpkin Dream module's hair style to match the one found in the original PV uploaded to Nico Nico Douga.


Kagamine Rin Future Style RE[gamebanana.com] modifies the Kagamine Rin Future Style module to look a little bit older.




Far Away[gamebanana.com] adds a module based on redjuice's illustration for the song. Far Away was added very early on in the series, when Sega was aiming for re-usable stages and outfits. This is why you see the disco-tiled rooftop star stage in several PVs, and likely why Sega never got the rights to redjuice's illustration.

Farewell - MEIKO & Kagamine Rin[gamebanana.com] gives Hatsune Miku's Farewell outfit to Meiko and Kagamine Rin. Based on leftover unused data in Project Mirai.



Akita Neru Canonically Correct Design[gamebanana.com] modifies Sega's Akita Neru modules to be closer to her original design. This includes slight modification to skin tone, hair color, and default costume color saturation.


Trans Rights Princess Miku[gamebanana.com] recolors Miku's Pricess module to have the colors of the trans pride flag. While I only include this module for the meme (if you're not familiar with it, lucky you), it's actually a well-done module mod.

Modules (Eden Module ID Patch Required)

Modules in this section require the Eden Module ID Patch. The base game has no limit on module ID numbers, but it has a flaw in trying to load non-existent IDs that causes a crash above ID 1999. This mod fixes the errant behavior, thus stopping the crashes. The Eden Project reserves IDs 2000-5000 for their own use.

As of DivaModLoader 0.0.11 the Module ID Patch is now integrated.

Rosa Bianca Haku[gamebanana.com] adapts Hatsune Miku's Rosa Bianca dress to Yowane Haku.




Extra Teto Modules[gamebanana.com] gives Kasane Teto 7 extra modules, all adapted from existing Hatsune Miku modules.




Magical Mirai 2020 Winter Festival KAITO[gamebanana.com] adds Kaito's Magical Mirai 2020 Winter festival outfit to the game.




Jersey Neru[gamebanana.com] adapts Hatsune Miku's Jersey module for Akita Neru.




Ichi-no Sakura Gray Blossom Teto[gamebanana.com] adapts Hatsune Miku's Ichi-no-Sakura White Blossom for Kasane Teto.

[Idiocide]

Important tip for Linux users:
If after installing dmm and mods for the first time, mods aren't loading when you run the game, add "WINEDLLOVERRIDES='dinput8.dll=n,b' %command%" to your launch options.
This is mentioned on the DML github page.

[Nyan Myan]

Had the same issue, couldn't find the download file for DMM. The solution that I found was that when you are on the main page, there's going to be a link on the right side that says "Minor Improvements", right underneath "Releases". Click it and it will send you to another page with the assets of the latest version of DMM. Click on the zip file, and from there it should be smooth sailing.

[spacephoenix]

how does the mod manager work? the github page doesn't specifiy where i should put the files and i can't find an exe, am i doing something wrong? i've been trying to search for tutorials but i couldn't find anything.
(thank you so much for making this guide, btw! i'm so happy that there are so many mods to restore things i loved in the previous games)

[PD Addict]

The F2nd mod isn't included only because I prefer the original versions.

[Eden]

Is there any reason why F2nd isn't recommended in this? Genuinely curious in case I should be avoiding it!

[Casualcat]

Would you be able to make an updated version that is less complicated and actually works please.

[Casualcat]

followed the read me and now my game doesn't even start up. Thanks

[vig]

do all of these still work

[polocatfan]

actually seems like pushing Future Tone Portraits to the bottom of the mod list fixed it.

[polocatfan]

some of the mods seem to clash. fixed it by removing all the arcade CG mods and JP Judgements mod