Should I buy or borrow Mass Effect in preparation for Mass Effect 2?

I want to purchase Mass Effect 2, maybe even preorder (if there are bonuses), but I have not played Mass Effect. I looked at some gameplay videos of the citadel missions and the story already has me very, very interested, but the gameplay looks slow paced and the game and scenery looks simple, dark, and dull. Would it be better to borrow this game, (I'd borrow a PC version while my copy of ME2 would be for the 360) what benefits are there in owning this game for $30?Should I buy or borrow Mass Effect in preparation for Mass Effect 2?
I'm on my third playthrough of ME 1. Each playthrough takes 30-40 hours. If that doesn't say enough, I'll explain why you should get it:

-excellent game. The only problems are minor ones, mainly that side missions take place in buildings which are designed similarly.

-great presentation. Top-notch graphics and voice acting for the entire cast.

-fun gameplay. You can be a shooter, force powers user, or tech expert.

-fulfilling story. One of the best stories in a game I've ever played.

-realistic conversations. You choose what you say in conversations and can have multiple results to each conversation. It feels real compared to other games.



Why you should get it before getting ME2:

-save file carries over. What you do in ME1, mainly key storyline parts, carries over into ME2.

-will know story. ME1 is a long story, and it would be better to play it than read a summary before going into the second game.

-it's fun by itself. You will probably want to play it again after beating it once. I recommend buying it.Should I buy or borrow Mass Effect in preparation for Mass Effect 2?
i think you should definitely play the first game..it had a great storyline and if you want to get the second one i think its common sense to play the first one. i would rather get it for xbox...but that is just me.Should I buy or borrow Mass Effect in preparation for Mass Effect 2?
if its just to see the story line then borrow it.



buying it is for the people who want to do all the side quests. the side quests are actually kind of dull. i bought it but i LOVE the story line and i am a big ME fan but if you just want to catch up then borrow it for 3-4 days