It's much better to play ME1 before playing ME2, I used my save (full paragon soldier) and I couldn't remember half of the side quest people from the first game, they came to me, asked me if I remembered them and... it was rather lame that I couldn't. So I'm playing through ME1 right now (even if it's a pain, since the combat system is so lame compared to ME2).
MY HYPE LIST: 1) Gran Turismo 5; 2) Civilization V; 3) Starcraft II; 4) The Last Guardian; 5) Metal Gear Solid: Rising