Videogames can elicit a range of responses. Puzzlement. Frustration. Victorious exhilaration. Raging anger. But only a few - in my experience - leave us beaming all over the face like children in the midst of a Spongebob Squarepants cartoon marathon, interspersed with Haribou Tangfastics snack breaks. Sure, most games offer at least a couple of moments of cathartic pleasure - but I mean consistent, reliable, warm, comforting bliss.
What are yours?
Let's avoid the really obvious social games like SingStar and Guitar Hero. Let's talk single player, or at a push, online multiplayer. Having other people in the room with you tends to elevate the jocularity beyond the reach of the game itself.
There are tunes everyone goes to when they're feeling down. But are there games?
