‘N Sync Fans Can Get a Ring

Oh ... my ... God.

For all the little ‘N Sync fans around, Infogrames Interactive Inc. is selling a game that promises to let the boy band reach out and touch someone. The ‘N Sync Hotline Fantasy Phone--the name alone gives one the shivers--is a CD-ROM game that comes with a small, plastic phone. The phone rings, but it’s really a game controller, allowing youngsters to navigate the software.

The $40 game works like this: Load the software onto a PC, plug the “phone” cord into the computer’s sound card and get ready to rock ‘n’ roll. There are mini games--such as bowling--that allow kids to compete for a virtual backstage pass.

Along the way, players get song snippets, video clips and “direct links to secret e-mail text messages and surprise voice messages from the band!”

Indeed, the software can be configured so the phone rings at bedtime with a good-night message from Justin, JC, Chris, Joey or Lance.

OK, wait a minute. Is it just us, or does it seem really creepy that twentysomething men are virtually tucking into bed players who, according to the game box, are “ages 8 and up”?

Regardless, each guy even has his own custom “phone number” that players can dial to talk--well, actually pose yes or no questions--to a performer. Of course, each player must choose which ‘N Sync guy to talk with. Parents are sure to choose the phone’s silent feature. It’s just a guess, but a few days of JC perkily telling their daughters, “You did great!” probably is enough to drive any parent to pull the plug on the PC.