It’s a bit of a video fest on Alien Syndrome today.

First up, we have the latest Developer Diary to share with you. Jeff Kung, the senior designer on Alien Syndrome, takes you through some of what it has taken to realise this project.

And if that wasn’t enough we also have a new trailer, further highlighting the game’s fantastic look and feel. Check out both movies out below.

Developer Diary

Gameplay Trailer

The whole office has been going Virtua Tennis 3 crazy since the games launch in March, and we thought what better way to decide the maestro, than to hold the official SEGA Cup

It was quickly decided that the first annual SEGA Virtua Tennis Cup should be a straight knockout made up of competitors from both the Brand Marketing and Online Services departments. This is how the grudge-match unfolded. Keep an eye out for regular bloggers Rom, Alex and myself Dave K.

VT3 - CUP 2007

1st Round (Best of one set)

A very even round with both four Brand and Online members progressing, and a staggering  five 6-0 scorelines reported.

Naz 5 - 7 Matt E
Bennie 0 - 6 Alistair
Justin 0 - 6 Dave K
Darren 6 - 0 David C
Pete 4 - 6 Rom
Mike E 0 - 6 Mike H
Alex 6 - 1 Mark F
Tom 0 - 6 Mark C

2nd Round (Best of one set)

Again it was level pegging between Brand and Online after round two, with two from each department safely into the Semi Finals.

Rom 3 - 6 Alex
Darren 0 - 6 Mark C
Matt E 4 - 6 Alistair
Dave K 6 - 0 Mike H

Semi Final (Best of two sets)

The stakes were raised in the Semis, as the length of matches moved up to two sets. But experience and practice told as Alistair was turned over by VT3 product manager Mark C (pictured right), whilst I managed to squeeze past my community colleague Alex to set up a Brand v Online Final.

Dave K bt Alex        (6-1, 6-2)

Mark C bt Alistair     (6-0, 6-4)

Final (Best of two sets)

The final itself was a face-off between Brand and Online, Brand Manager of Virtua Tennis 3 Mark C lived up to his reputation, while I joined him for a battle to end all battles.

And I am happy to say that Online reigned supreme in a straight sets victory!

Dave K  bt  Mark C    (6-1, 7-5)     

“DK has the makings of a Virtua Tennis legend, showing an adaptability to play on all terrain. I couldn’t cope with DK’s momentum, built on a powerhouse serve that I couldn’t cope with, but with the experience gained from an impressive run in the Singles I’ve no doubt I’ll redress the balance and bring back the top prize in the doubles.”

“Not to put a dampener on DK’s fine and deserved victory, but I would like to call into question the behaviour of certain boo boys at the Cauldron of Hate (the community team office) - I didn’t find their behaviour fitting for the occasion of a Grand Finale, and hope it doesn’t scar DK’s momentous achievement in any way.” (Mark)

“New balls please!” (Dave)

As you can see, anybody would be happy to hold aloft such a prestigious trophy. Unfortunately for the Brand Marketing team, their competitor Cookie had to settle for the slightly less shiny, but equally as sought after tea-tray shield!

Roll on 2008!

He’s a legend of the table, he’s a six-time World Champion, and he’s quaking in his boots as we shake hands before our infamous grudge match of pool at Riley’s snooker club in Victoria. (The pictures don’t lie)

Alas, Steve had just too much in his locker for me, beating me on the black despite my excessive but fair attempts to distract him by showing a ‘bit of leg’. In all fairness it was his game from start to finish and judging by the fact that he rarely played anything other than an immaculate trickshot, I think he may have been taking my challenge with a pinch of salt.

The event was a wonderful one though as Steve gave journalists his tips on snooker perfection while one sharp-shooter from Xbox 360 World magazine managed to topple the king in a game of 9-ball pool (see Steve performing his forfeit of shame below)

It was a cracking night, and Steve kept everyone amused until the early hours when he had to leave us to challenge each other on the tables, which in all fairness was a slightly more even set of contests.

Be warned Steve, I’ve been practicing for when we next meet!

World Snooker Championship 2007 is now out on Xbox 360, PS3, PS2 and PSP and it’s so realistic, it’ll have your cue standing on end!

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