Ultimate Team mode coming to FIFA 09

A new strategic online experience for PS3 and Xbox 360.

EA has announced the development of a unique, downloadable game mode called FIFA 09 Ultimate Team, promising to deliver a strategic online experience to FIFA 09 on Xbox 360 and PS3.

FIFA 09 Ultimate Team will challenge players to collect or create the most talented football players in the world, develop them into a dream team and then compete online with the goal to be crowned the ultimate team.

"Online is the next great frontier in sports gaming. We are seeing a record number of individuals globally playing FIFA 09 online so we are focused on developing games that maximize the online experience," said Andrew Wilson, Vice President & Executive Producer for the franchise. "A dedicated team developed FIFA 09 Ultimate Team and they have created a game within the game, delivering a strategic new way to play FIFA 09 that will create hundreds of additional hours of playing time."

In Ultimate Team players must collect 30 different types of bronze, silver and gold virtual cards, including Player, Staff, Contract, Formations, and Tactics, to create their fantasy team. Customise everything from players and stadiums to the kits and badges, creating the world's next great football club.

FIFA 09 Ultimate Team will be available as a download to FIFA 09 beginning March 19, 2009. Fans will be able to experience the new game mode by creating a team with a starter package of players and virtual cards, and play a five game trial before deciding whether or not to purchase the DLC. No pricing information has been announced.

For more information on Ultimate Team check out a new fact sheet on the game mode.