EA Announces DLC for FIFA 09

Ultimate Team Adds New Functionality and Depth to 2008 Release

Feb 10, 2009

Electronic Arts has announced a downloadable expansion for FIFA 09 entitled Ultimate Team. The DLC will be available for the Xbox 360 and PS3 in March.

Ultimate Team is significantly different from the main gameplay in FIFA 09, in that it centers around collecting cards for everything from star players to team staff, formations and tactics.

Players use these cards to build what they think will be a winning team and then compete online against other players to win the ability to gain more cards.

FIFA 09 Online Play

FIFA 09’s producer Matt Prior told GameSpot, “We wanted to release this as a download because we want to continue to innovate and provide additional content for FIFA throughout the year.”

“The figures we are getting back from the online usage for FIFA 09 are quite remarkable. It's clear that gamers have an appetite for online gaming. Up until now, however, we have never really based a FIFA game specifically targeting the online community.”

Prior went on to say that Ultimate Team is far more than an additional game mode, but is really a whole new game in and of itself.

Team Chemistry and Card Collecting Strategy

Although the gameplay is centered around card collecting, there’s far more strategy involved than simply picking popular soccer stars and throwing them together.

Players must be aware of team chemistry, selecting the appropriate tactics that build on their team’s skills to provide the best possible outcomes.

Additional Game Features

In addition to the cards, Ultimate Team offers a full player customization mode, where gamers can create themselves in the game to serve as the captain of their team.

Players will have a number of items to choose from in customizing their in-game persona, including hair styles, tattoos, and bandanas.

The in-game audio will announce the player’s name to great fanfare just like the soccer stars. In addition, players will be able to control their avatar after scoring a goal, allowing them to choose from 20 different celebration moves.

Players can also customize stadiums, kits and badges. Ultimate Team will provide trophy support for the PS3 in addition to all of the features mentioned above.

Collecting Cards

Players can collect more cards to further perfect team by simply playing. Playing games earns gamers coins, which can then be used to purchase new cards in-game.

Special card packs will also be available for purchase using real money via the Xbox Live Marketplace and Playstation Network Store. No prices have been announced for these additional card packs.

FIFA 09 was released for the Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP and DS on October 14, 2008. The Ultimate Team expansion is only available for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game.

Game Details

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