Games

It appears that sometimes wishes really do come true. Last week I talked about iGolf, hoping that Version 2.0 would include some sort of course to play through. Apparently this was already in the works. With Version 2.0 you can now play through three holes in addition to hitting for distance at the driving range. It still needs some work (putting requires you to perform a full swing making it less-than-ideal), but adding the three playable holes is a nice touch. I should point out that if you don't have a good grip while playing you may … Read more

Security firm Sophos warned on Thursday that e-mails being circulated on the Web that purport to offer a free iPhone game instead are carrying a Trojan horse that can take control of infected Windows machines.

The e-mails have subject lines like "Virtual iPhone games!" and "Apple: The most popular game!" The attachment is called "Penguin.Panic.zip," which refers to the iPhone game of the same name.

The Trojan has been identified as Troj/Agent-HNY, Sophos said.

Sophos has not yet seen versions that run on Mac OS X, the Apple iPhone, or other … Read more

Atmosphir is a software-based game building tool for PC and Mac users that lets users put together their own gaming levels. Like many consumer-facing game creators you're only limited by the tools that have been given to you. In this case the tools provided are split up into packages of "blocks" that are both interchangeable and feature simple gameplay devices like moving platforms, and various themed texture elements that let you build worlds with grass, dirt, and sand.

The builder actually reminders me a lot of Cubescape, a product I looked at back in May. In Atmosphir'… Read more

With a continuous stream of cable TV Poker events, online Poker sites, and endless videos, books, and Web sites devoted to Poker strategy, it is no secret that Poker is incredibly popular all over the world. This week, I'm taking a look at Poker games for the iPhone. But instead of covering three similar games, I decided to give you some options for getting your poker fix, with three very different styles of Poker.

I should warn you in advance, only one of these games is free (with an optional paid version), but the other two are pretty affordable … Read more

A simple-looking block-building game, Blocksum differs in a few regards from other Tetris clones. First, the blocks rise from the bottom, instead of falling from the top. When they fill up the screen to the top, your game is over. Second, instead of matching colors or shapes, you are matching numbers, and a heck of a lot of them. The result is a frenetic and unique puzzle game that will appeal to those with serious Tetris and counting skills.

There aren't any instructions in the game, so you'll have to figure it out for yourself. Here's some … Read more

Apple's iPhone App Store grows every day with new free and paid offerings. The lion's share of apps (and clearly the most popular) have been games, now with 626 digital time wasters at the time of this writing. I check the App Store almost every day for new stuff--mostly in the free category, but I've also bought my share of iPhone apps, too.

What do I look for? To be honest, I like it all--from the completely useless, but funny programs to the legitimately useful everyday apps. When I sift through the various lists of apps on … Read more

For crossword fans, the question isn't why you should download this freeware crossword creator, but why you possibly wouldn't. EclipseCrossword may not be glamorous, but it will make quality crosswords of varying sizes in mere seconds. Better yet, your final creations will be printable or publishable in a number of formats, including Web pages.

The program uses a wizard-style interface to guide you through the steps of making your own crossword, starting with entering the clues and answers one by one and ending with a crossword puzzle that fits your size specifications. Both puzzles and word lists can … Read more

Kitty Kilobyte is off to Europe for her annual vacation abroad. Like many of us, she loves travel but hates flying. When she asked Power Downloader if he had any advice--such as a program that was so boring it would put her to sleep for 10 hours--he came back with an alternative plan.

Instead of boring herself to sleep, Power Downloader suggested Kitty try a brain challenge--an engaging game that would take her mind off the pre-flight horrors of the TSA and the in-flight trauma of getting stuck with the middle seat. Power D's recommendation this week is MahJong Suite 2008. … Read more

Updated on 7/23/08 at 12:00pm PST.

Even if you won't get reception where you're headed, think twice about leaving your iPhone behind. The iPhone's all-new iTunes App Store makes it an even indispensable travel tool for international excursions, even if it's rendered essentially useless as a phone (unless you're not adverse to being charged oodles in roaming fees.)

Media console As romantic as travel sounds, a large hunk of it is wasted on waiting. There's airport check-in, long train and bus rides, and time to kill while a fastidious companion prepares … Read more