Playing Mass Effect 2 before playing the first game?

I really want to play Mass Effect as I am a huge fan of BioWare games. The only problem is I only have a PS3 and a Mac, thus I cannot play Mass Effect 1. Will I be okay playing Mass Effect 2 if I just read about the first game's plot online? I know that would spoil it but I'm not ever going to play it since I'm not going to buy a new PC or XBox360 for just 1 game.Playing Mass Effect 2 before playing the first game?
If I remember correctly, ME2 on PS3 comes with a brief interactive comic that runs you through most (but not all) decisions made in ME1.



It serves as a decent way of getting you up to speed with the story without leaving you entirely out of the loop in terms of decisions.



It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to read up the plot online in it's entirety since I'm quite sure the comic doesn't cover the entire story.



If the PS3 is your only option for Mass Effect, then you shouldn't worry too much abou the first. Go ahead with the 2nd and see what you think of the comic.Playing Mass Effect 2 before playing the first game?
Without playing the first, the second is not nearly as enjoyable. In the first you got a chance to get to know the characters, and see the influence of your desicions. The second is still fun, but it's at least 3x funner if you import a save from the first.Playing Mass Effect 2 before playing the first game?
I think you'll be fine. I played Mass Effect 2 and didn't play the first Mass Effect because I only had the PS3 at the time (played Mass Effect 2 before I got my xbox 360).