You definitely should play it.

Mass Effect 1 isn't most people's favorite, but I think its mine.... though ME2 is extremely good too.

THere are A LOT of great characters with interesting stories.... so don't worry about that. The problem will be which character do you take with you because there are too many that you'll love and you can only take 2 at a time. I played through the 1st game 7 times.

They aren't perfect games... but damn they are good.

PS. Starcraft is also one of my favorites as well.