Steel River Games has given us The Court Jester (http://macte.ch/CGe6K), its first indie game title for Mac OS X and Windows. It costs US$2.99.

Here's how the game is described: "Featuring an in-depth storyline, The Court Jester is an action-packed, story-driven 2.5D sidescroller where players control Domitian, a disgruntled jester on a quest to become emperor. Domitian must traverse a brutal world where allies stab you in the back, priests hurl fireballs from on high, and gods and emperors alike are savage killers.

"Domitian uses his newfound magical abilities to incinerate legions of imperial soldiers and fire-conjuring priests. His arsenal includes the Spade Shot, a projectile attack, and the Diamond Flame, which surrounds him and damages nearby foes. Domitian can also use his club to turn wounded foes into ghouls who will fight by his side for a set amount of time. Virtually every enemy encounter can yield a new ally for the player or replace the ghoul currently following Domitian.

"The Court Jester also features an in-depth storyline woven into its levels with a dark, yet humorous tone. To reach his goal, Domitian must traverse a brutal world where allies stab you in the back, priests hurl fireballs from on high, and gods and emperors alike are savage killers."