Traditionally a non-violent sort, Xbox Avatars will soon be able to "fight, throw fireballs, cast spells and much more " in NinjaBee's downloadable strategy game Band of Bugs.

The developer will release a free update to the game on July 8, which enables Xbox Avatars to be used in the story and multiplayer modes of the Xbox Live Arcade game. Released in June of 2007, Band of Bugs sells for 800 Microsoft Points ($10).

In addition, a new downloadable content pack entitled "Tales of Kaloki" will arrive on that day. Priced at 240 MS Points ($3), the add-on brings story and other content inspired by NinjaBee's space-themed Outpost Kaloki X into the turn-based world of Band of Bugs.

"The Tales of Kaloki DLC is Band of Bugs but with long-range combat using lasers, rocket launchers, OO rays and a ton of other sweet weapons to blow attacking space ships to smithereens," explained NinjaBee president Steve Taylor. "It's all the wackiness from Outpost Kaloki X and tactics from Band of Bugs rolled into one."