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Companies & Studios

Camelot Software Planning

Tactical RPG pioneers

Camelot Software Planning created the Shining Force series for Sega before becoming Nintendo's premier sports game developer with Mario Golf and Mario Tennis.

sega-mega-drivesega-saturnnintendo-64game-boy developerrpgsports 1990–present

Overview

Originally known as Sonic! Software Planning, this studio defined tactical RPGs for Sega consoles with the Shining series. After departing Sega, they reinvented themselves as Nintendo’s sports specialists, bringing the same polish and depth to golf and tennis games that they’d applied to fantasy warfare.

Fast facts

  • Founded: 1990 (as Sonic! Software Planning).
  • Renamed: 1998 (to Camelot).
  • Founders: Hiroyuki and Shugo Takahashi.
  • Current focus: Nintendo sports titles.

Sega era

TitleYearPlatform
Shining in the Darkness1991Mega Drive
Shining Force1992Mega Drive
Shining Force II1993Mega Drive
Shining Force CD1994Mega CD
Shining the Holy Ark1996Saturn
Shining Force III1997-1998Saturn

Nintendo era

SeriesFirst entry
Mario Golf1999 (N64)
Mario Tennis2000 (N64)
Golden Sun2001 (GBA)

Design philosophy

PrincipleApplication
Accessible depthEasy to learn, deep mastery
Character varietyLarge casts with distinct abilities
PolishRefined mechanics across genres

See also