I rarely play on live, some games are totally awesome online though (Left 4 Dead, Halo Wars)

My idea (if this thread really isn't a troll thread) if you buy a 360 buy a 3 month subscription and see how you get on.

Yes mass effect is great. If I didn't have a gaming PC I'd probly have a 360 by now. I feel the same way. Might get one when it drops to $150 for Fable 2 and Mass Effect 2 etc.

if you get xbox then yeah get xbox live gold and play Halo 3 Online. It's really fun and upto 4 ppl can play on one system. But I must warn you, it's very addictive.

It's worth it if you like shooters. There isn't much else worth playing online, racing games are okay online.

i don't play online and i have never felt bad about my purchase.

kameo
viva pinata(and tip)
banjo n&b
are have awesome single player.pdz has awesome local splitscreen combat

most of the games are awesome with local multiplayer as well

I don't think a gold membership is required to have fun with a 360 but if you into FPS its probably a requirement most other games can be enjoyed without having a gold membership.

thanks for the input guys. @Seece, no this is not a troll topic (Jesus, do ppl really see me as a Sony fanboy), and that's not a bad idea. I'm not sure but isn't there a SKU that comes with one month free of Xbox live gold?

All SKU's used to come with one month free trial of Xbox live Gold but I don't know if that's still the case.  I haven't looked closely at 360 boxes lately.

If you really want to have a deciding factor, I would wait till E3.

The new line-up might convince you.
I wouldn't blame you if you didn't buy one because of a nintendo-like line up though.