Mass Effect isn't perfect by any stretch, I'll admit that. It's got some boring parts and the sidequests are often recycled. If you bare through those rough bits, though, you'll be treated to one of the best gaming universes ever conceived (at least one of the best I've ever seen). I've likened it to Star Wars if Star Wars had an R rating.
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Yoblazer: http://i44.tinypic.com/5nw45i.jpg
Watch and you'll see... someday I'll be... part of your world!