Despite the realistic 3D graphics of today's first person shooters, RPGs, and other games, platform games continue to thrive on iOS. There's something about jumping through levels, solving puzzles, and collecting coins that keeps gamers entertained. Also, the ability to play through a single level while on the go makes platformers perfect for short bursts of play on your iOS device.

While a console controller is probably the ideal way to play these sometimes precise running and jumping games, iOS game developers have come up with unique ways to make them work.

This week's collection of iOS apps is all about modern platform games. The first is the most traditional platformer, but adds an interesting twist for passing levels. The second has an uncommon control system, but a unique art style and fun, varied gameplay make it a great option. The third is the most polished of the collection, with challenging puzzles and a somewhat grotesque storyline.

Note: There are no Android versions for any of these games.

Mikey Shorts (99 cents|Free lite version) is a pure platformer, that has you collecting coins and setting frozen prisoners free as you race through levels.

Sometimes you... [Read more]

Upgrading to Windows 8 (pictures)

The Windows 8 eagle has landed, which means that Microsoft's $39.99 in-place upgrade is now available. They've made it extremely easy to upgrade your computer from a Windows 7, Vista, or XP computer to Windows 8. Here's how it's done.

First, check out our CNET guide on how to prepare your computer for Windows 8. There's also instructions on how to restore your old system, which is important in case something unexpectedly goes awry, or you decide you don't like Windows 8, you can restore what you had before.

If you're upgrading a laptop, you must take note... [Read more]

Windows 8 is finally here, and if you've ever started with a brand-new operating system, you know that one of the first things you do is download the apps that make your life easier and maybe even a little more fun while you're at it.

The Windows Store is pretty new and is not stocked with everything you might want just yet (frankly, it's pretty anemic at this early stage), but we've hand-picked a collection of apps that will be useful for new users of Microsoft's latest OS. All are highly rated and come from many of the popular categories such as news, music, social networking, entertainment, and games. And while most of our list is made up of free downloads, we just couldn't resist tacking an awesome paid app on there as well.

Google Search Clearly Microsoft would prefer that you use Bing for all your Web searching, but there are a lot of people who simply want quick access to Google. Fortunately, Google was one of the early apps ready for Windows 8 and it's only a tap away on the Windows 8 UI. The experience is almost exactly like being in a Web browser, but you can't beat the easy access.

... [Read more]

As promised, we are here to deliver to you, our beloved readers, the second installment of last week's Funhouse of Horror 2012. If the following games can't get even a tiny whimper out of you, then you are made of sterner stuff than our editors or, most likely, are dead inside.

5. Which

This is a short indie game that pushes pixel-shading limits to create a unique atmosphere and provide an effective fright. Much shorter than most of the games on this list, Which takes place in a locked house from which you have to escape. Saw what we did there? Moving on, you have to explore the small house room by room to find keys hidden in cupboards/shelves and look for a way out.

The simple design of this game, from the minimal visual and sound, only add to its character. Depending on the choice you'll make, the game will end differently. This is not a game that relies on cheesy music or jack-in-the-box popup antics to scare you. It may not even give you a scare, but Which will leave you feeling a bit uneasy after finishing. Beware of the slight ... [Read more]