I think I'm going to pick up the trilogy tomorrow. I've played through ME2 three times and ME3 once (all DLC too, both on the PS3) but never played more than a couple hours of ME1 (on 360 a few years ago). I know the controls are going to be a major adjustment to get used to; what class do you guys recommend me playing as the first time through?
Couple things to start with: All classes can use all the weapons, but to be able to hit the broadside of a barn with a weapon you need to be trained in its use. Also, the "unique" powers that the classes had in ME2 and ME3 (think Stealth, Charge, Drone, etc.) are not present in ME1.
Soldier is probably easiest as it's the "default" class, but it can be a little vanilla. However, it's trained to use all the weapons (including being the only class that can natively use the Assault Rifle) and the only class to wear heavy armor.
If you like hanging back and sniping things, but also want some powers go Infiltrator.
If you want to be in the thick of things, but also wants some powers go Vanguard.
These two classes are trained to use the pistol and one other weapon (sniper rifle for Infiltrator and Shotgun for Vanguard), and can only wear up to medium armor.
Then there are Adepts and Engineers, who more rely on powers than guns. Adept is more about dealing damage, while Engineers are more about incapacitating foes and controlling the battlefield. Adepts are better against organic enemies while Engineer is better against synthetics.
Sentinel is a hybrid of the Adept and Engineer, so you get some damage dealing powers and some incapacitation abilities, but lacks access to the top-tier abilities of both classes.
For any of those three classe (Engineer, Adept and Sentinel), expect to spend large amounts of time pausing the game to access the power wheel. They are only trained in the pistol, and can only wear light armor.
In D&D terms, Soldier = Warrior, Adept = Wizard and Engineer = Rogue. Infiltrator is a hybrid of Soldier and Engineer, and Vanguard is a hybrid of Soldier and Adept.
So this is a lot to say that the "easiest" classes to play are probably the Soldier, Vanguard or Infiltrator, as they play the most like a straight shooter.
