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
| Title |
Year |
Platform |
| Shining in the Darkness |
1991 |
Mega Drive |
| Shining Force |
1992 |
Mega Drive |
| Shining Force II |
1993 |
Mega Drive |
| Shining Force CD |
1994 |
Mega CD |
| Shining the Holy Ark |
1996 |
Saturn |
| Shining Force III |
1997-1998 |
Saturn |
Nintendo era
| Series |
First entry |
| Mario Golf |
1999 (N64) |
| Mario Tennis |
2000 (N64) |
| Golden Sun |
2001 (GBA) |
Design philosophy
| Principle |
Application |
| Accessible depth |
Easy to learn, deep mastery |
| Character variety |
Large casts with distinct abilities |
| Polish |
Refined mechanics across genres |
See also