Modern platform games for 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.

The control system for Mikey Shorts is super simple. You have a game pad on the left for moving left and right, and buttons for jumping and sliding under obstacles on the right. As you play, you'll find prisoners that have been turned to stone, and you'll need to pass through them to grab energy and to set them free. Each checkpoint gate in the game requires a certain amount of energy, which happens to be exactly the number of prisoners in that section, so you'll need to save them all to move on. There are also coins you can grab to spend on an enormous number of outfits, eyewear, and hairstyles. The coins aren't necessary like saving the prisoners is, but it's still fun to try out new looks.

What makes this game especially fun, though, is the 3-star rating system. You're not judged on grabbing everything in any of the 84 levels in the game. Instead, the main goal in Mikey Shorts is to get to the end as fast as possible. The requirements are especially challenging for a perfect 3-star score, and I often found myself repeating levels for the perfect run. But even though the game takes a little practice, once you get into the groove of performing speed runs, you'll start getting the perfect scores more easily.

Mikey Shorts isn't going to dazzle you with fancy graphics, but the need to fly through levels is the thing that will keep you coming back for one more run. If you like the idea of going for the best time, this game is excellent. -by Jason Parker