Out of the Mass Effect games, I'd say this is the best one. The story is top tier, the characters are amazing, combat is fun, lots of info/codex to read though you dont have to to understand the setting or plot, good DLCs. My favorite and lovable crew with amazing companion quests and storylines. Each character can hold their own pretty well. Unlike the 3rd game, all your choices has an effect and consequence all the way down to the end. Voice acting is amazing (except maybe male shep but it can grow on you and is very memeable). Some steamy scenes with your romance of choice. Great missions (especially the last). You can listen to your crew inputs while doing missions. This game has it all! What sets this apart and above from ME3 I'd say is definitely the ending and the crew

You dont have to play the first ME game to understand the world/get how you got to this period of the story, the game will explain things to you as well as give you a prologue you can actually set how you wouldve made the main choices in ME1. So if youre new to ME, love space, want to be a badass galaxy sheriff, love befriendin aliens, shoot some shit, this is the game for you!!!