Hey guys, I'm kinda interested in Mass Effect 2. However, there is a conundrum, I've never played the first game. This usually isn't a problem as I've played sequels without playing their predecessors without much difficulty. But with the feature of picking up where you last were, it has introduced a very interesting way at video game story telling. Frankly I would probably prefer starting from the very beginning, but I'm not sure if the time spent playing the first game would be worth the minor changes in the second.
 
So should I play the first game first or just jump right into the second one? 

play the first it's a great game

Yes. Not only is it a great game, it will also impact the second.

definitely play the first.

Definitely. It's a great game, and you'll be able to make choices that affect the second game instead of having the game make the decisions for you, which isn't any fun.

Yes, the gameplay still holds up, and it still has a wonderful story; playing it will also put the second game in context, and make it much more enjoyable for you. 
  
If you get frustrated by the combat/controls, I'd suggest just putting the difficulty at casual and playing through for the story, it's still definitely worth it.

If you got the time to beat it before next week, I would say grab it and enjoy

YES

Yeeeeeeeeeeees.

Yes you should.  The great thing is it is that it is totally going to be worth it to you, it will really give you an extra emotional attachment to the story.  Also I want to add that the game holds up pretty well, aside from the framerate and loading.  Although they are doing some form of "last time on Mass Effect" for new players and those who forgot, so you will not be totally lost.

Grrrrrr.... You guys convinced me to play the first game, I literally just went out to my Target just moments ago, and they didn't have a copy, then I went down the street and went to Wal Mart and they didn't have it. Then I went to Gamestop across from the Wal Mart and they're closed. WTF Gamestop why are you closed at 8:30??? I'll have to wait till tomorrow to pick up a copy from Gamestop.

" Grrrrrr.... You guys convinced me to play the first game, I literally just went out to my Target just moments ago, and they didn't have a copy, then I went down the street and went to Wal Mart and they didn't have it. Then I went to Gamestop across from the Wal Mart and they're closed. WTF Gamestop why are you closed at 8:30??? I'll have to wait till tomorrow to pick up a copy from Gamestop. "

Can't buy it on Games on Demand, I still only have the 20 gig hard drive. >.< 
 
I refuse to buy Microsoft's overpriced hard drives. I bought my Laptop's 500 gig HD for less. >:(

" Can't buy it on Games on Demand, I still only have the 20 gig hard drive. >.<   I refuse to buy Microsoft's overpriced hard drives. I bought my Laptop's 500 gig HD for less. >:( "

Steam? Or even eastore. I think i've seen it at 10$ over there.

I'd say yes. As you know, one of the big features Bioware is touting - and something no game before it has ever done - is that the decisions you make accrue over the course of the trilogy, making a story that is in some measure your own. To me at least, this is the most exciting and novel thing about what Bioware is trying to do with ME, and while each game will probably be a worthwhile experience individually, I think you'd be missing out on something really special if you didn't play the entire trilogy. Go for it.

" @natetodamax: Yep. I got myself all excited too. I seem to remember seeing it on display at Target for $20. Went there and that shelf was mostly picked clean, apparently they had some kind of clearance sale. I bought a new copy of Fable 2 for $8.00. Just the other day. Had to buy a new copy cuz someone must have stolen my old copy, or it just jumped off my shelf.  I swear it must have been a mistake, it was right next to a copy of God of War 2 for $20. I had a good laugh. "

yes. you should.

" @Cornman89: I don't think it's the FIRST game to carry over your save, I think other games have done that before. I vaguely remember the .Hack Sign games did something to that effect, but I can't remember. "

Holy crap you stole my thread title. But seriously, yes. Definitely. When you're done, play it again.

" Holy crap you stole my thread title. But seriously, yes. Definitely. When you're done, play it again. "

" @Cornman89: I don't think it's the FIRST game to carry over your save, I think other games have done that before. I vaguely remember the .Hack Sign games did something to that effect, but I can't remember. "

YES!

Yeah because after you play Mass Effect 2 I don't think the first one will be anywhere near as playable as before.

Might as well, isn't it really cheap now too?

Most certainly - it's a wonderful game.

" play the first it's a great game "

" YES! "

" yes. you should. "

" Yeeeeeeeeeeees. "

you should, the "canon" Shepard sounds like a dick.

You won't finish ME1 by the time ME2 is released. I guess if you put it on easy & ignored all the side quests, but that would be nuts & kind of ruins it.  Just get through it at your leisure to enjoy it to the max AND THEN go out & get ME2 when you are done (or leave it on the pile after paying full price). 

Uh, yeah, you should play the first Mass Effect before playing the second game.

Yeah what they said