Where Bachelors, Bachelorettes Click

So your shrink is telling you that when it comes to love, you shouldn’t play games? Nonsense. The erstwhile singles bar of the little screen, the nutty “Dating Game,” is coming to a personal computer near you. But if you’re hoping to scope out the Dating Game Online for a real-live plaything, think again. Sony Online Entertainment is touting its latest creation as just a game.

“The emphasis is on the game’s role playing--not dating--experience,” says the game’s fact sheet. “Remember, flirting is fundamental.”

How could we forget? One reason you might not want to get too attached to other players is that the game encourages everyone to make up an identity and a graphic to go with it. Imagine yourself as a mohawk kind of guy? Click. Even gender-switching--underappreciated pastime that it is--is suggested.

Once you’ve crafted a persona, take it to town. Like to watch? Join the game as an audience member and chat about the goings-on. Or be a fool for love and sign on as a chooser--the player who selects one of three contestants based on their answers to questions like, “You’re the entertainment act on the ‘Love Boat.’ What’s your specialty?”

Hey, real relationships--and we use that term loosely--have been based on less. After testing their compatibility, cyber couples go on a virtual date in a private chat room. Find the fake of your dreams at https://www.station.sony.com/datinggame.