Electronic Arts Inc.  announced today the addition of Madden Ultimate Team, a new, strategic game mode for the critically acclaimed Madden NFL 10 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.  Take the challenge to create the definitive NFL team, by collecting virtual cards that include everything from NFL superstars, head coaches, stadiums and much more.  Perfect for card collectors and fantasy football gurus, Madden Ultimate Team provides a unique football experience, giving you total control over building a single team in the quest to be crowned the ultimate Madden team. 

The award-winning Madden NFL 10 has achieved new franchise records for online play, with over 45 million online games played on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, since its worldwide launch on August 14, 2009.  With more than 2 million online users waiting for a new challenge, Madden Ultimate Team provides the opportunity to put your personally crafted team up against the rest of the world. 

“Madden Ultimate Team is yet another example of how EA SPORTS is expanding the Madden NFL experience to all types of gamers.  Card collecting and fantasy football are huge parts of an NFL fan’s lifestyle and we took the best of both worlds and combined it with Madden NFL 10,” said Jeremy Strauser, Executive Producer for Madden NFL 10 and Madden Ultimate Team.  “It’s not just about building a team of players, as you have to also manage coaches, injuries, and team chemistry.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a hardcore Madden NFL player, a fantasy football fan, or just an NFL fan – Madden Ultimate Team brings something for everyone.”

Madden Ultimate Team allows fans to collect up to nine types of cards through, platinum, gold, silver and bronze virtual packs.  The customization options are endless as you are responsible for selecting everything from the team playbook to the uniforms.  Earn coins to buy new cards or card packs through your performance on the field, acquire new cards through the auction block, or purchase card packs through the in-game store.  Collect cards with players from the same pro and college team to get an on-field chemistry boost. Collect rare, legendary player cards to put your team over the top, like the 1999 Vikings Randy Moss and the 1995 Packers Brett Favre player cards.  You can even back up Brett with his 2009 Vikings player card.  Build a dynasty through weekly online deals or find the final missing piece to your team’s puzzle.

Easily select the starting offense, defense, and special teams or have Madden Ultimate Team do it for you.  Once your team is set to your liking, put it to the test against human opponents or against the CPU.  See how your team stacks up against other Madden Ultimate Team players via online learderboards and prove you are the best of the best.

 The Madden Ultimate Team game mode will be available free for Madden NFL 10 in January, via Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network.  NFL fans can experience the new game mode by creating a team with the provided starter pack of players and other virtual cards, and jump right onto the field.  Madden NFL 10 and an internet connection is required for play. 

Me? I take Favre from 1997 and er...does it matter?