I've been curious about this game for a while, and I've wanted to get it (especially since it's only $20 now). My only concern is that it will have the same problem I found in KOTOR. I own KOTOR, I like it, but I've never completed it. I just get hung up on the lack of enemy respawns. When I play an RPG, especially one with more depth like this one, I like having the ability to grind levels. With KOTOR, I never had that option. I liked the story, the presentation, the battle system, and pretty much everything in that game, except the xp. I can understand why they would do that. I can respect that it forces you to think a little harder before you invest in a skill. I just prefer a game that rewards you for spending more time building up your characters. Any feedback would be appreciated. 

You can spend a lot of time building up your characters in this game, but, since I haven't played it a ton, I'm not sure if the main missions will scale to fit you.

Definitely pick it up.  A two disk Platinum Hits version just came out for $20.  Well worth it

Why would you still be thinking about it?  THINKING about getting this game is something that people should NEVER do.  You should just simply see it and say "fuck yes, let's do this shit, you dirty tramp".

It's been a while since I've played, but I don't remember there being respawning enemies.  The main story was made up of a few long missions, but I don't remember being able to go back any of the planets that were necessary for the main quest.  I could be wrong though, but remember it's been a while.  I really enjoyed the game though.  Sorry, if I wasn't much help.

I just finished the game for the first time about a month or two ago, and MKHavok's right, if there were re-spawns they were really subtle. I'm not sure about XP, but the game can be set at the start to different challenge levels. I think there were three; with the lowest having you always fighting enemies that were lower level than you, the middle fighting the basic enemies at about your level, while bosses were scaled above you, and the third level had everything higher level than you from start to finish.

Do it, great game. Will get you pumped up for Mass Effect 2, for sure.

Mass Effect is a good game with great story and characters, however the side quests are tedious and repetetive, party member AI is bad, and there are some technical problems which all keep it from being excellent. Still, worth getting, especially at $20

What do you mean thinking?  You better get this game NOW!!

I will give it a try too.  I found a lot of problems with KOTOR and when Mass Effect came out I was worried that it would fall in the same shoes.  

Absolutely, it's an awesome game.

Purchased it. I'm 20 hours in, and I'm loving it so far. well worth the $20.