What games express sheer joy?

[dsheinem]

When I think of joy in games, I now think of Journey, wherein the joy you experience is first tempered with sorrow but is much stronger for it. It is one of the best examples of a true happiness-inducing ending in a game that I can recall (though Flower does something similar).

"Sheer" is a tough qualifier, as it suggests experiencing a sense of joy throughout a game from the moment you first turn on the switch through to the end - which is something most games do at a very basic level (e.g. they create fun, joyous experiences). Most good games do this throughout. I would be more interested in the way that a game can build/create unexpected or maybe overflowing joy - something that is hard to contain and is more than you get from a typical genre experience.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Ending Credit song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3Ij30btVao

Hell yeah! As a child, I was absolutely mesmerized by this song and the ending theme from NES Super Mario Bros. After I beat either game I would sit and just listen to the ending theme for a good 20 minutes. So pretty...

[Mortalrift]

I second Katamari & Animal Crossing....and would add Chibi Robo - your whole job is to spread happiness!

[insanecow0]

For me it's Samba De Amigo, it has tons of bright colors and a cheerful soundtrack. I'd add Gitaroo Man and Elite Beat Agents for similar reasons. I also agree with the previous mentions of Katamari Damacy.

[deathsled]

the Secret of Monkey Island

[J T]

I would be more interested in the way that a game can build/create unexpected or maybe overflowing joy - something that is hard to contain and is more than you get from a typical genre experience.

Those are more interesting questions than what I first posted. I would like to know people's answers to these questions too.

[noiseredux]

When I think of joy in games, I now think of Journey, wherein the joy you experience is first tempered with sorrow but is much stronger for it. It is one of the best examples of a true happiness-inducing ending in a game that I can recall (though Flower does something similar).

"Sheer" is a tough qualifier, as it suggests experiencing a sense of joy throughout a game from the moment you first turn on the switch through to the end - which is something most games do at a very basic level (e.g. they create fun, joyous experiences). Most good games do this throughout. I would be more interested in the way that a game can build/create unexpected or maybe overflowing joy - something that is hard to contain and is more than you get from a typical genre experience.

LittleBigPlanet.

[dsheinem]

I would be more interested in the way that a game can build/create unexpected or maybe overflowing joy - something that is hard to contain and is more than you get from a typical genre experience.

Those are more interesting questions than what I first posted. I would like to know people's answers to these questions too.

Thanks, I think the topic is interesting, but I see people mostly listing their favorite "most-fun" game or games that are most cartoon like/brightly colored/humorous/etc. - games that most likely stir feelings of carefree childhoods, idyllic settings, or other moments of joy in life...

I guess my point is that one can find "sheer joy" in running over pedestrians in GTA, in 1ccing a difficult shmup, in completing a challenging RPG (e.g. Demon's Souls), or in doing any number of things in games that doesn't involve non-violence or cutesy sprites.

[Nemoide]

NiGHTS into Dreams
Child of Eden
Parodius
Pop'n Music
Dance Dance Revolution

[Yancakes]

Space Station Silicone Valley is a good one for this. Colourful, light hearted and goofy, plus you get to be a rocket dog!

Seconding Kirby and Katamari. I also like Endless Ocean for this, it's just so passive...

...funnily enough, all of these games double as my hangover games