Game Description

Players get personal in this virtual encounter with the members of the contemporarily popular boy band, *NSYNC. This release features five different games and lots of information about the guys in the group. Exclusive video footage adds to the appeal for *NSYNC fans of all sorts. The included "Fantasy Phone" controller allows fans to play the games and hear special messages from Justin, Chris, Joey, Lance, and J.C. through a familiar interface. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Review: Enjoyment

Although fairly easy, the games move quickly and are almost purely fun. Since it is impossible to lose, they never become frustrating. ~ Eden Miller, All Game Guide

Production Credits

Company 1: Infogrames Interactive

Senior Producer: Stacy Allyn Hedrickson

Senior Project Manager: David Mauceri

Product Manager: Melanee Hannock

Designer: Dan DeOreo

Executive Producer: Eric Hayashi

Director Of Quality Assurance: Michael Craighead

QA Certification Manager: Kurt Boutin

QA Testing Manager: Randy Lee, Bill Carroll

QA Certification Lead: Tanya Royer

Lead Tester: Kevin Jamieson

Tester: Erik Jeffery, Becky Madore, Jeffrey Tolleson, Matt Pantaleoni, Mike Romatelli

VP Of Product Development: Scott Walker

VP Of Marketing: Nancy MacIntyre

Manager Of Creative Services: Steve Martin

Manager Of Editorial and Documentation Services: Elizabeth Mackney

Senior Graphic Designer: Kristine Meier

Copywriter: Paul Collin

Company 2: Stunt Puppy Entertainment, Inc.

Senior Producer: Denise Roberts McKee

Senior Designer: Gano Haine

Art Style Set: Karen Johnson

Technical Director: Nicky Robinson

Applications Programmer: Robert E. Heitman

Peroject Coordinator: Jenna Hubbart

Production Assistant: Maggie Perkins

Additional Programming: Bryce Maryott, Lance Scott

Company 3: Karen Johnson Productions, Inc.

Animation Director: Tom Ward

Production Director: Thom Bowen

Animation Coordinator: Bea Rasmussen

Animation And Clean-Up: Chad Sliwinski, Rick Eshbaugh, Mike Nickelsen

Production Artist, Animation: Mike Kavanagh

Production Assistant, Animation: Agustin Huerta, Jr.

Production Artist, Backgrounds and Interface Art: Sue Peach

Production Artists, Ink & Paint: Teresa Murphy, Janet Sairs, Ron Schulz

Background Production : Big Nasty Redhead

Music Composition: WebTone

Sound Design: WebTone

Voice Editing: WebTone

Stunt Puppy and KJP Thanks: Ray Greer, Rebecca Harrison, Catalyst Literary And Talent Agency

RR Design and Development Ltd.: Roni Raviv, Omri Rothschild, Claudio Anuchnik, Ury Jamshy, Gidi Vitkon, Boris Zviagin

*NSYNC AND *NSYNC Management: Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick, Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Johnny Wright, Rick Barlow, Steve Fatone, Melinda Bell, Gordon Richarson, Dave Brown, Winterland, Licensing Group

Behind The Scenes Photographer: Robbie Rogers

Special Thanks: Becca Johson, Krista Johnson, Carina Putnam, Katy DeBenedictis, Bernie Gaffney, Anne Corr, Alyssa Roberts, Ariana Roberts, Kristin Hurlbut, Eliza Ronalds-Hannon, Junior Girl Scout Troop #61

Other Special Thanks: John Taylor, Eric Peterson, Joe Forest

Winning Solutions: Dana Silva, Randy Moorman ~ Keith Adams, All Game Guide

Review: Overall

*NSYNC Hotline Fantasy Phone and CD-ROM brings fans just a little bit closer to their favorite group. With its distinct phone controller, *NSYNC Hotline Fantasy Phone and CD-ROM contains lighthearted and easy-to-master games featuring *NSYNC, and offers enough fun to entice even those who are not fans of Justin, Joey, Lance, J.C. and Chris.

The main section, "All Access Pass," has players working towards concert tickets and a backstage pass for an upcoming *NSYNC concert. The members of *NSYNC lead players through a series of five mini-games. Charity Challenge features pictures of *NSYNC in a carnival booth where players try to hit each with heart-shaped arrows to raise money for charity. Make-A-Move is adapted from games like Simon and has players copy dance moves that *NSYNC performs at the end. Quick Change has players recreating outfits for the various members of *NSYNC. The Trivia game lets players test their knowledge of *NSYNC and its members, but is easy enough for even the casual fan. Bowling, which is nearly fun enough to be sold separately, features special bowling balls and cartoons of *NSYNC on the bowling pins that make jokes throughout the game. Variations on these games can be played in the "No Strings" section without the pressure of trying to win.

While the individual games are short, they are all a pleasure since mistakes never end the game, and the members of *NSYNC are always on hand to provide encouragement. Although the games are mostly easy and can always be won, they are fun because of this, and the sharp graphics and attention to detail make them visually delightful. The videos of the *NSYNC members are clear and their constant comments are cute and funny.

The phone controller can be disconnected in between game sessions and will ring at random moments with voice messages from the members of *NSYNC. Players can also call individual members and ask them yes or no questions. The actual interactivity of this feature is pretty limited, with only a few pre-recorded messages available, but it allows fans a way to feel a bit more connected to *NSYNC and adds a cute touch to the game as whole.

Also included is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the game, with photos and video outtakes. This bonus feature is a great addition and shows the care that went into the creation of the game.

The interest in *NSYNC Hotline Fantasy Phone and CD-ROM may be a bit limited because of its tie-in with *NSYNC, but its quality is surprising, and while it is unlikely to convert anyone who is not already a fan, it will still be entertaining for them. ~ Eden Miller, All Game Guide

Review: Graphics

The graphics are very clean with attractive bright colors. The video is very clear. ~ Eden Miller, All Game Guide

Review: Sound

Using *NSYNC's voices, the game has a variety of sayings from each member. The music can get a bit monotonous, but is generally not too noticable. ~ Eden Miller, All Game Guide

Review: Replay Value

Playing all five games in "All Access Pass" makes for a pretty short game, but the games are fun enough to return to again and again. ~ Eden Miller, All Game Guide

Review: Documentation

The included instruction booklet takes players step-by-step through setting up the game and how to play, as well as how to use the phone controller with the game and away from the game. ~ Eden Miller, All Game Guide