Keeping up with this game is proving to be loads of fun. Before I go any deeper, it seems you will get more out of this game if you have a save file from the first installment. (You DO NOT have to play the first one in order to play this sequel).

This game has been made in a way that hasn't been done before. You become a family, across 3 episodes (this being the second), and the decisions you make, friends you make, partners you team up with are major factors in these games.

A saved file will enable you to pick up where you left off from the first Mass Effect. You will be recapped on what's going on, and given the choice to, pick from your saves, where you will continue from. Your teammates, decisions, and levels will seem likely to carry over. However your weaponry will need adjustment, among a few others, due to the fact that there will be new weaponry, and new teammates to find and build relationships with.

"...If you have completed Mass Effect and you still have your savegames, you can view each play-through you’ve completed, and choose the one you want to continue from. The Mass Effect save game doesn’t just contain a couple of your big choices. It contains countless decisions you’ve made, both large and small. These things could each potentially carry forward and affect your story in Mass Effect 2. This has never been done before on this scale, and it means you’re actually continuing your own story from exactly where you left off."
-Casey Hudson, Executive Producer-Bioware

There are many new upgrades, and it appears that BioWare has paid very close attention to what the fans are looking for and touched on many of the issues that gamers were having with Mass Effect 1.

However, there is one factor in this trilogy that brings this game to life, REAL LIFE. When you die, (you, or your teammates), just as in real life, you don't come back. Across this platform you will find no truer aspect to a game like this.

Choices, friends, teammates...all play key roles in your development throughout these three games to come. If you don't want any of your players to perish, including the good Commander Shepard, you need to be very wise in your decisions, preparations, battles, teammates and tons of other issues that can ensure your longevity.

Mass Effect is a HUGE game, and this sequel is no exception to the rule. Check out more of what Casey Hudson, Executive Producer, Bio Ware:

"...when we say that Shepard can die in Mass Effect 2, it’s not something that happens at points in the middle of the game. Yes, you can “die” in gameplay as normal but that’s not what we’re talking about here. It’s not a “Game Over” screen. It’s not a gimmicky thing where you make a choice, “die”, and reload to continue to the “real” ending. When you get to the very end of the story in Mass Effect 2, you will get one of a wide variety of climactic and satisfying endings. Depending on how prepared you were, your ending may involve Shepard making the ultimate sacrifice to accomplish the mission."
-Casey Hudson, Executive Producer-Bioware

Naturally Bioware isn't divulging too much at the moment as to the ins and outs of the game, BUT there are juicy tid-bits of information that they are willing to give us. Here's a bit more as Casey answers a few other questions on the game Mass Effect 2: Why can't every squad member from Mass Effect 1 join my squad in Mass Effect 2?

"...part of the answer is that the story of Mass Effect 2 is really about the characters - how you go about building a team of interesting individuals - and we wanted to provide some new characters for you to learn about. But beyond that, we're creating a story full of thrilling twists and turns, and while it may be frustrating to not have all the answers right now, these surprises will make the actual playing part really enjoyable. As part of that story, you'll discover what each of your original team members is up to, and why they will or won't join you. You wouldn't want us to spell out exactly who you team up with before you have a chance to discover it on your own, right? Once you're playing Mass Effect 2 and you're immersed in the story, you'll be glad we saved lots of juicy surprises and revelations that can only be found inside the game."
-Casey Hudson, Executive Producer-Bioware

...read more of this HERE. In the mean time enjoy this clip: