Phantasy Star Universe question

[Mitera Nikkou]

I was wondering if it's possible to play single-player mode, offline, like you can in Phantasy Star Online (without being restricted to playing what-his-name-is). I'd rather not buy the game to find out that it's restricted to online multi-player, since I can neither afford the monthly payments nor have the social skills/friends to do it.

[Ell]

Yes.

Well... sorta. Vanilla PSU, at least, "offline mode" is pretty much just grinding time trial missions ad nauseum with a severe shortage of phat loot. The "Ambition of the Illuminus" version supposedly has a less sucky offline, but I never bothered with it myself.

Personally, I'd say skip it if you're looking for another PSO, but... eh, opinions and grains of salt and such.

[Mitera Nikkou]

If only PSO had a better character creation thingy. (I'm a sucker for that sort of thing. XD)

One final question. Let's say I do play online. I can still play by myself? And will the enemies reflect that it's a one-person "team", or will I run into a lot more enemies than usual because it assumes I'm not alone?