Ninja Bee's popular Xbox Live Arcade title was recently released for the PC and all signs say that it is every bit as good on the PC as it is on the 360. Band of Bugs is a turn-based tactical strategy game that offers a story-driven campaign, online play, and a level editor. Ninja Bee has released a trial version that lets you play as long as you like but is feature limited. The only complaint I could lodge against the game is that it doesn't support the 360 controller (I may be wrong on this point, but I doubt it). If you want to try out Band of Bugs, visit www.ninjabee.com .

I have been following Eschalon: Book I for what seems like an eternity, so i am happy to finally be able to say that the game is complete, playable and that a demo is available for download. If you have ever plaid Spiderweb Software's role-playing games like Geneforge then you have the basic look and feel of Eschalon: Book I in your head already. Although I've only played the demo version, it sure seems like there's a lot of depth to this old school style role-playing game that is worth taking a run at. The full game promises 24 unique skills, multiple classes, turn-based combat and a game world governed where every action is rolled, calculated or statistically determined. Find the demo or the full game by visiting www.basiliskgames.com .

Our final title this week is Positech's political strategy sim sequel, Democracy 2. Like its predecessor Democracy 2 is a turn-based strategy sim that pouts you at the reins of a virtual country as its leader. The goal, like in real politics is to get reelected by doing things to make the voters happy. IT's an interesting juggling act with its fair share of good will, pandering and serious policy. The game promises lots of different policies, laws, events and situations that you'll have the freedom to use at your discretion . The latest edition adds cabinet members into the mix, each with their own opinions, experience and loyalty. Buy Democracy 2 from www.positech.co.uk/democracy2 or check out the free playable demo.

Using some of my favorite indie-leaning portals as a guide, I've chosen ten games that would make great gifts for any indie minded gamer looking for something fun, engaging and home-made. Sure, there are plenty of mainstream games you can buy for that special someone (see the GameShark's 2007 Gift Guide or the GameShark Store if that's your thing) but you won't find anything like what's in the list below:

Blackwell Unbound - available at Manifesto Games : Dave Gilbert, creator of The Shivah and The Blackwell Legacy returns with another wonderful graphic adventure game.

Depths of Peril - available at Manifesto Games : a weird conglomeration of genres including role-playing and strategy where you control your own group of heroes that compete and sometimes clash with similar hero groups.

Mr. Robot - available at Game Trove and Manifesto Games : a unique role-playing game that revolves around the adventures of a lowly service bot named Asimov.

Starscape - available at Game Trove and Total Gaming : old school arcade gameplay meets an intricate plot in this game from the makers of Mr. Robot.

Undercover: Operation Wintersun - available at Total Gaming and Gamer's Gate : espionage, a decent story and some pretty clever puzzles make this World War II themed game a good pick for even the most seasoned adventure gamer.

Shadowgrounds Survivor - available at Total Gaming and Gamer's Gate : bloody, dark and sometimes frantic, Shadowgrounds Underground continues the top-down action of the original - perfect for that itchy trigger finger.

These are just a few suggestions. There are hundreds of other great games available for purchase at Manifesto Games , Total Gaming , Game Trove , Gamer's Gate , Shrapnel Games and Battlefront.com .

Support indies this Christmas and have a safe and happy holiday season. Look for The Indies in 2008. As always, questions, comments and hate mail are welcomed - send it along to jamesbfudge@gmail.com or gameshark.feedback@yahoo.com . - James Fudge

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