NewsSpots: XBLA, Pirates, Red Steel, Backyard Hockey

Microsoft asks for Live Arcade suggestions
Have a game you're dying to see on Xbox Live Arcade? The Microsoft marketing team wants to hear about it, as it has set up a story on its Gamerscore Blog specifically to accept suggestions in the comments section. Beyond simply taking game requests, the team is also asking Live users to submit features they'd like to see as well as ideas for events and promotions they'd like regularly on the service.

Disney holds DS Pirates theme-park treasure hunt
Diehard Pirates of the Caribbean fans have another reason to visit Disney's theme parks besides the classic ride. Disney today announced that gamers equipped with a DS and a copy of the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End game for the portable can download exclusive content while visiting Disney World and Disneyland. Near each park's Pirates of the Caribbean attractions are hot spots from which gamers can download new costumes, an unlimited health option, and more. The promotion will run from May 22 through September 3.

Red Steel soundtrack available for green paper
While GameSpot's review of Ubisoft's first-person shooter-slasher Red Steel was less than enthusiastic, it did say the game's audio was its best trait. Now gamers interested in getting the tunes without the gameplay can download the game's original soundtrack from iTunes. It is the first time an Ubisoft game soundtrack has been available through a downloadable music service, but the publisher said it is just the first of many. Those who prefer to have their music in tangible form will be able to get the music on CD starting May 29.

Nicklas Lidstrom to grace Backyard Hockey cover
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young has been in the NFL for one season and has already landed the coveted (and controversial) cover athlete role for Madden NFL 08. After 15 years in the NHL, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, four-time Norris Trophy winner (for the best defender in the league), nine-time all-star, and an Olympic gold medalist. For those achievements, today he was named the cover athlete of Humongous, Inc.'s family-friendly pucks game Backyard Hockey, expected to be released on the Nintendo DS this fall.