Just a quick fix. I was playing through the game on hard mode and found a bug and fixed it. Also, I found a pathing glitch in Fireburg that needed fixing.

To activate Hard Mode, start a new game and type in the name "a bad time" -

• You gain no experience. I hope you like level 1, because that's where you're stuck for the whole game.
• You gain no gold.
• All normal chests are empty - so no Cure, Heal, Refreshers, or Seeds.
• All optional special chests are empty, and the merchants that do sell items won't sell you equipment. No spells, armor upgrades, etc..

It's not all bad news, though - 

• Mandatory story items are still available and will be given at the same time, so you'll get bomb upgrades and the Dragon Claw.

YES, the game is beatable. I've done it. The Lava Dome in particularly is nasty. The Giant Tree isn't great, either.