Do i need to pay Mass effect 1 and 2 to be able to play mass effect 3?

The mass effect world is not new to me. I have played both 1 and 2 on my Xbox 360 but lost my saved data and am not looking to play it over again. So am just wondering whether not having an data to input into 3 would affect the new characters in 3 and the old characters that should return.Do i need to pay Mass effect 1 and 2 to be able to play mass effect 3?
Mass Effect 3 will start with a recap of the first two games. People who have save files will simply watch the recap, people who play without importing a file can make story choices during the recap.
No, of course not. I bet you will be able to choose the Mass Effect 1, and Mass Effect 2 outcomes in a DLC, such as Mass Effect: Genesis. You probably had no control over the fact that your ME and ME:2 saved data got lost but the story plays out so much better if you continue through Mass Effect 1, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 fluently because in my opinion Mass Effect: Genesis is barely the experience that Mass Effect 1 is and even though I understand Mass Effect 1 is Xbox 360 exclusive, I say go out and buy an Xbox 360 for Mass Effect 1, totally worth it. Anyways, in short.. No, I'm sure you will be able to pick the outcomes of both Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, not altering Mass Effect 3 in any way.Do i need to pay Mass effect 1 and 2 to be able to play mass effect 3?
No. You miss out on great storyline however. The most unique thing about the trilogy, is that it's like a "choose your own story" book. If you start from the first, all the way to the 3rd, the whole game will be based around all of your choices. For example, you may have a choice where you have to choose which character will die, but if you don't play it, you'll be given one of them for the sake of it. It will give you different characters to play with by playing all 3.
if you are new to the story line then i would recommend it to follow the story



but other than that you will be able to start fresh char in me3 or import save from me2



mass effect 1 and 2 will have choices carry over in to #3 so it will ultimately affect your game play compared to the me3 defualt choicesDo i need to pay Mass effect 1 and 2 to be able to play mass effect 3?
No you do not. They do however alter certain parts of the storyline. All in all it wont be to big of a difference though you should try to play them since it will give you a back round to the game.
Your data will influence #3 if u start on #3 u will just be level 1 all and the default beginning for 3