Britney is now a cyberbabe

by Anissa P. Apolinario

After books, dolls, and a launching movie, there's no stopping the Princess of Pop from her next conquest - video games.

Britney Spears' much-awaited computer game, "Britney's Dance Beat," was released just this week in the United States.

The game, which is available on PC, Nintendo Game Boy Advance and Sony PlayStation2, is produced by video game publisher THQ.

Jeff Lapin, vice chairman of THQ, expressed his delight in working with the teen singer. "Since the release of her Baby One More Time album, Britney Spears has become a pop culture icon whose talent and style are coveted across the globe," he said.

Spears' co-manager, Larry Rudolph, said that the move was but natural for the Britney brand. "The explosive growth in the interactive category driven by new gaming technologies means fans can look forward to an ultra-realistic adventure through Britney's world," he said.

Fans get to see an animated Britney in a cleavage-baring leather as a dance instructor who invites players to show her their dance moves as they audition for her pretend world tour. The game also features the pop star's songs from her hit albums.

"If you get right to the end of the game, you get a virtual Britney - who looks almost as good as the real thing," said a spokesperson for THQ.