It is pretty easy to become cynical about the increasing reliance on downloadable content. Infamous examples, like "horse armor" and EA optimizers, make even the smallest charge seem pretty egregious. Sometimes even free items hide an ulterior motive (see: driving up pre-order sales or discouraging the second-hand market).

So, sure, it could be argued that FIFA's Ultimate Team mode is just a gimmicky way to make you hold on to the game longer. But if you let go of the cynicism, you will find a mode that is a worth a lot more than $5.

It's in the Cards

If you have not experienced any of EA's Ultimate Team modes, they work like collectible card games where everything is controlled by cards. It is a very straight forward system that has the same appeal as Magic: The Gathering, or, more appropriately, the old MLB Showdown game.

After "ripping" open your first pack of cards, you can assemble a team, albeit not a very good one. Wins (and even losses) earn you points, which can be spent on new packs of cards. These cards (hopefully) allow you to upgrade your team and then the cycle repeats.

There are multiple levels of cards, from bronze to gold, as well as various packs from which to choose. Each pack carries with it different percentages of rare and valuable cards. Buy the expensive gold premium pack, and you will more than likely get a much more advantageous assortment of cards than you would in the standard bronze pack. Of course, you are spending many more points to do so.

One of the interesting aspects of this system is that cards are integral to every part: contracts expire and need a card to be extended; training cards can temporarily boost the skills of individuals or the entire team; injury time can be lessened by cards; uniforms can be modified via cards; and staff cards can have overall and lasting impacts on the organization.

I, for one, find this system approachable, logical and full of strategy. Even though playing a contract card is very simple, deciding who to use it on is not. Graphically, this is all easy to read, there is a pretty good user interface, and the system is full of graphical flourishes that enhance the overall package.

Build-a-Team

The joy in this mode is discovered while constructing a functional team out of a random assortment of players. If you are the kind of sports gamer who enjoys tweaking formations and starting lineups -- perhaps even more than playing the actual sport -- you will love the wide array of factors that need to be balanced to create a competitive team.

First, your team is given a chemistry rating, which is based on how comfortable your players are on the current squad. Formation, nationality, "home leagues," and position preference all play a role in governing the chemistry of the team.

I like how position on the field is factored in during this process: Two strikers from the same country will see a chemistry increase, represented clearly with a glowing line on the roster screen. This system places a realistic importance on keeping players "familiar" with each other in close proximity. This familiarity logically extends to other positions that impact each other.

Next, your are encouraged to make multiple teams since many of the tournaments you can enter, both online and offline, carry restrictions that force you to be creative. Limitations on card levels (example: "only bronze") or nationality requirements (example: "5 players from one country") force you to think wisely both on and off the pitch.

Speaking of tournaments, they are constantly changing, which keeps this mode fresh and interesting. More difficult tournaments reward winners with larger sums of points. When playing offline, there is a definite jump in difficulty between the levels of tournaments. Online, though, even the best teams can be beaten if their controller is not very good at the game.

The new mode itself has not changed the solid gameplay that was already available. Using created teams, for me, just enhances the experience on the field and adds some context and meaning to online matches.

Final Thoughts

At only 400 points, this expansion to FIFA 10 is an outstanding addition to an already quality title. In the realm of downloadable content, or even the real world, there are far worse ways to spend $5.

Recommendation: Buy

+Great "card" system
+Adds depth, strategy, replay value
+Approachable interface

-Forces repetitive commentary
-Reliance on online opponents
-Not much has changed