It's the lull before Christmas . . . the period in which I don't buy any new games because my family will inevitably overdose me with them come December 25th. As a result, my primary gaming companion of late has been Sonic the Hedgehog, purchased via the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console. In glorious 480p (thanks to my jury-rigged component cable built using paper clips) and upscaled by my 5.1 surround receiver, Sonic has never looked or sounded better.

Girlish giggles taunt me as I plummet to my death, over and over. An upbeat, looping soundtrack - reminiscent of an 80's sitcom theme song - becomes my eternal funeral dirge.

I'm speaking, of course, about a sled race with Yeta, an adorable abominable snow-woman who dresses like a Babushka doll. She's the only thing standing between me and the final piece of heart that'll complete my last heart container.