Being a big fan of Phantasy Star Online 1, 2 and 3 on GameCube, I had to get a copy of Phantasy Star Universe. Currently I'm waiting to get a crack at the online multiplayer mode as purchase of a Guardians License is needed via Xbox Live, and Microsoft still has not added that option into Marketplace as of this morning.
However, to the initiated and uninitiated, who may know about Phantasy Star Online, PSO featured no solid single player story. Yes, there was story but it was told via nodes found scattered throughout the levels. Where PSO shined was in online/offscreen mutliplayer.
Phantasy Star Universe has solved this by having a complete offline story included. There are cutscenes using in-game graphics, some with fmv and others done in anime. These follow the life of Ethan Weber, the main character. The Xbox Live Gamer Points come a-plenty with a large amount awarded for each boss you take down. So if you're looking for a rewarding RPG, you may find it here.
Once again, I'm looking forward to online play and once I manage to play for a while, I will submit another review. But for now, I'm enjoying the offline story. Give it a look in! ^_^