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The SNES had more than its fair share of amazing RPGs, so you'd be forgiven for having not heard of Ancient Magic: Bazoe! Mahou Sekai, which was released exclusively in Japan by Hot-B in 1993.
Thanks to the lack of an English localisation, Ancient Magic doesn't have the same stature as the console's other genre classics, and, in typical Hot-B style, it's very rough around the edges. Still, that hasn't stopped Japanese publisher Mebius from re-releasing the game (in physical form) on the Switch.
Mebius says the game will come as a digital download (2,980 yen), a standard physical copy (4,400 yen) and a limited edition (11,000 yen), the latter of which includes some special goodies:
"The limited edition includes the regular game software, an 'Original Soundtrack' featuring the game's background music, and a large-capacity 'Bazoo! Magical World Original Art Collection.' The limited edition package also features a luxurious design with original artwork by Akihiro Yamada"
"The game's captivating characters and well-developed world were highly praised at the time, and its plot twists continue to be considered among the greatest masterpieces of its kind," adds the press release.
Akihiro Yamada, in case you weren't aware, worked on The Twelve Kingdoms anime, Record of Lodoss War manga and Castlevania: Dracula X. He has also contributed art to games such as Kingdom Grand Prix, Mystic Ark and Front Mission 3.
The game has an English fan translation thanks to the efforts of Aeon Genesis. The translation group sums up the game as follows:
"Ancient Magic is a fairly generic little RPG for the SNES by the much-maligned Hot-B. Despite its rather pedestrian roots, the game takes several surprising twists towards the end, and is generally worth sticking it out even if the wrap-up (or lack thereof) is a bit of a let down."
The game launches in Japan on November 26th, 2026.