Do I need to play the first to enjoy the second?
Why don't you find a bargain ME1, which has you more involved right off the bat. You will be much more emetionally attached and see how the decisions you have made impacted the world.
You'll also then appreciate how amazing a game ME2. Given the fact ME1 is brilliant, you can't imagine how they could improve it ... and then they did !
Well I know I'm late to the party with this game, but I've got got to say it's excellent!! Put in about 5½ hours at the weekend & was absorbed from the start. How long do you guys estimate for playing time on this one? (I do most side quests in games).
Absolute bargain for £17 odd!
How many people have you recruited? You should be able to get a good 40 hours if you play it fully. Make sure you get all the DLC too, especially lair of the shadowbroker.
Dave
Ah, you've got plenty left to go then, if you get/have the DLC, you'll get another 2 more characters and loyalty missions to play through. Sounds like you've got Mordin and Garrus then.