Now that we’ve shown you how to fix your FIFA 09 online problems, you’re fully prepared for what Electronic Arts has planned: a brand new online mode for the game, called FIFA 09 Ultimate Team, promising to deliver a “strategic new online experience” to the game. Sounds pretty cool, right? It indeed is, but with a little note: PC owners are not getting it!

However, Xbox 360 and PS3 owners of the sports simulation will be challenged to collect or create the most talented football players in the world, develop them into a dream team and then compete online against a legion of challengers to be crowned the ultimate team. In order to do that, you’ll have to collect 30 different types of bronze, silver and gold virtual cards, including Player, Staff, Contract, Formations, and Tactics, to create your fantasy team. Strategically collect and manage players and different types of cards, and then set the match strategy to win. Carefully select or trade for the right Manager, then choose the best Tactics and Formations that forge the team chemistry necessary to take your club to the top. Plus, deal Gameplay cards on your opponent at key moments of any match for a tactical advantage. So who said that FIFA 09 is all about skill and pressing buttons?

“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.”

You can of course create yourself in the new FIFA 09 Ultimate Team mode and play alongside the biggest stars of today’s football, customize everything from players and stadiums to the kits and badges, creating the world’s next great football club. I must admit, it sounds quite interesting and it clearly proves that EA’s promise to continue trying new things pays off.

FIFA 09 Ultimate Team will be available as a download to FIFA 09 beginning March 19, 2009.