Of course, an argument can be made that Mass Effect 2 went too far in "streamlining" the RPG elements, but the fact of the matter is that it's not mired in the grey zone between RPG and shooter, and it's an all-around more satisfying experience. Going back to the original Mass Effect after playing the sequel is jarring to say the least, and given the quality of the comic, perhaps not entirely necessary.

All that said, I did actually finish the original Mass Effect, and I have actually watched the first season of Babylon 5. Playing the first game adds a layer to the experience that the Genesis comic can't quite replicate. It's a layer of familiarity.

Believe it or not, I'm not actually that big a fan of Mass Effect's story. I like some of the flourishes that BioWare has added throughout, but I find it to be mostly predictable pulp sci-fi. It ends up being compelling though because every Shepard is unique, and because the player has a direct impact on how the story plays out.

My Shepard, for instance, began as a renegade. I followed the "renegade" path all the way down the line, and I had few regrets until the sequel. Looking back now, I desperately wish I hadn't pulled the plug on the Rachni -- in retrospect, it just seems mean-spirited. In my head though, Shepard also regrets that action, which makes her all the more interesting.