I want to play Mass Effect before 2 comes out and seeing as i'm snowed in where I live now would be a perfect time.......but the only way i can get it is on Xbox games on demand service for 29.99 euros, so my question to you is would you pay this much and should I?

I'm pretty sure you can find it in store for much less. Usually in stores its sold for 20$ us which is what, 15, 10 euros?

I love the game, so I say it's worth it.  Getting it on Games on Demand is a bit of a rip-off though.  A new copy of the Platinum Hits version is $20 USD and also comes with the Bring Down The Sky DLC.  The Games on Demand version does not come with any DLC.  Also, stay away from the Pinnacle Station DLC unless you LOVE the combat in the game (which is pretty janky at times, IMO).

Why can you only buy it on XBLA On Demand or whatever? Why not just order it from Amazon or something for $18.99? My original copy was stolen (FUCK!) so I now have to settle for a "hits" version that was $20 a few months ago on Amazon, brand new.
 
I gave up on two attempted play throughs since the release date and finally just played it (finished it moments ago) and I can't imagine entering Mass Effect 2 without having played the first one. I knew this was a great experience waiting for me to get my ass on it... but god damn, I really had no idea how epic (understatement) it was going to be.
 
After I got over the initial hurdle that kept me from playing through the first two times, I plowed through it this time in only two days. I sat down and played 35 hours in only two days (17 hours one sitting and 18 hours the second sitting).
 
I bet you can buy it used for even less than $20.
 
If you love science fiction. If you love movies. If you love videogames. You have to play this. Without question. Get it today. Play it this week. Roll right into the ME2 release this month.

My original copy was stolen (FUCK!) so I now have to settle for a "hits" version that was $20 a few months ago on Amazon, brand new.

How reasonable is your computer?  Steam is selling it for $19.00 which converts to 14.00 €.  Additionally, Game.co.uk sells a brand new "classic" 360 edition for £17.99.  I really think that if you look around even a little bit you can get it for cheaper than the over-priced amount Games on Demand is asking. 

" @Branthog said:

My original copy was stolen (FUCK!) so I now have to settle for a "hits" version that was $20 a few months ago on Amazon, brand new.

That thief at least had good taste! "

Ahh.  I really want to play this game too...just know deep down I don't have the time. 

You need to play this game, no matter what. Although the prices on Steam are more reasonable, and occasionally they gift the game of some wonderful promotions (I got it for 3€). Gotta love Steam. 
 
Can you get it on the PC?

I bought it on Steam a couple weeks ago for $5.  I bought a used Xbox copy for $10 on half.com
 
I don't think I would pay $30, but that's just because I know I can get it for less.  But then I've bought it twice now, because I think it's an incredibly good game and worth it.

It's often $10 Canadian over here, that price sounds insane...

I bought it off Play.com the other day for £10.

You can get it for cheaper but it's still worth the money.