The Guinness Book of Records have launched a sneak peak of their 2008 Gamer’s edition which rather nattily (and unsurprisingly frankly) contains many SEGA related records.

The 24 page preview of the book contains various sections devoted to individual game series, platforms and types. Unfortunately they seemed to miss “most obscure ninja” for Martin, but we now know the following SEGA related records:

• 1999’s arcade version of Virtua Tennis was the first tennis game to use 3D graphics.
• Virtua Tennis 3 has more playable real life players than any other tennis game.
• The highest score achieved on the Dreamcast’s Virtua Tennis in exhibition mode is 44,000 by Jan Erik-Spangberg of Sweden.
• Sonic 2 is the best selling game on any SEGA console.
• Sonic Mega Collection is the world’s best selling retro games collection.
• The highest recorded total scored on Sonic 2 is 433,640 by a Heather Corocan of Arizona (under Twin Galaxies rules).
• Sonic is officially the fasted video game character in the world.
• Sonic Heroes featured more playable characters in a platform game (12) than any other game.
• Sonic The Comic is the longest running comic on a video game character, clocking in at over 14 years!

You can check out the preview here.

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!