Overview
From Sega strategy to Nintendo fairways. Camelot’s Hiroyuki Takahashi created Shining Force’s tactical combat at Sega before the company transitioned to Nintendo. There they found dual identities: Golden Sun delivered ambitious portable RPGs while Mario Golf and Mario Tennis became Nintendo’s definitive sports games. Both lines demonstrated polish and depth.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1990 (as Sonic! Software Planning).
- Founders: Hiroyuki and Shugo Takahashi.
- Transition: Sega to Nintendo (1998).
- Dual focus: RPGs and sports.
Sega era
| Title |
Year |
Series |
| Shining in the Darkness |
1991 |
Shining |
| Shining Force |
1992 |
Shining |
| Shining Force II |
1993 |
Shining |
| Shining Force III |
1997 |
Shining |
Nintendo sports
| Title |
Platform |
Year |
| Mario Golf |
N64 |
1999 |
| Mario Tennis |
N64 |
2000 |
| Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |
GCN |
2003 |
| Ongoing |
Various |
Continued |
Golden Sun series
| Title |
Year |
Platform |
| Golden Sun |
2001 |
GBA |
| The Lost Age |
2002 |
GBA |
| Dark Dawn |
2010 |
DS |
Design strengths
| Aspect |
Quality |
| Polish |
Exceptional |
| Depth |
Accessible complexity |
| Visuals |
Hardware-pushing |
| Longevity |
Replay value |
See also