This game has better gameplay than most 3rd person shooters and has one of the most captivating stories ever in a game.
Gameplay is another strongpoint for this game. The cover system is great and the easiest to use of any game. There are several powers to choose from, and if you want, you can just be a soldier and let your squadmates do the powers for you.
One last thing, when you do finally make it to the climax, and ending of the game, you will be on the edge of your seat with your heart beating a hundred miles an hour wishing every moment would last just a little bit longer. Also, with Mass Effect being a planned trilogy, you can take your created character through each iteration saving the galaxy from the....well, you'll just have to play the game to find that one out.