Well the side missions generally have higher level guys that you have to fight whislt the main mission are easier (for the most part) The sniper rifle (among all other guns) get much better as you upgrade each weapon more and more...i got my guy to the point where he could no-scope virtually everyone as long as the red triangle locked on. Make sure you explore the main quest areas alot....look for the mini side quests. Talk to everyone you can, get as many codecs as you can (and then read said codecs cause they offer alot of insightfull knowledge about the ME Universe), Play the game at least twice once as a paragon, and once as a renegade. And most importantly pay attention to the story (cause its very well one of the best stories in a game to date!!)
