Well, a great mission order for the story in Mass Effect 1 would be to begin with the tutorial missions on Eden Prime. This immediately throws you into the action and the mystery of what's going on. Next, head to the Citadel to start uncovering the conspiracy involving Saren. From there, follow the main quest markers. For example, when it tells you to go to Feros, do it. This way, you experience the story in a logical sequence, with each mission leading to the next discovery in the overall plot.
To optimize your mission order for the best story experience in Mass Effect 1, you should start with the Eden Prime mission. This mission is crucial as it kicks off the main plot and introduces you to the main antagonist, Saren. After Eden Prime, head to the Citadel. The Citadel is not only a central hub but also a place where you can start to unravel the conspiracy. You can talk to different species, get new equipment, and learn about the different factions. Once you've done your initial exploration on the Citadel, follow the main story missions. For instance, when the game directs you to Therum to find Liara, go there. This sequential order helps you to fully immerse yourself in the story, understand the relationships between different characters, and gradually uncover the secrets of the Mass Effect universe.
In the early missions, Kaidan or Ashley can be good companions as they are reliable soldiers. They can hold their ground in combat and offer some basic support. However, as the story progresses and the missions become more complex, characters like EDI start to shine. For example, in missions that require technical analysis or hacking into advanced systems, EDI's capabilities are extremely valuable. Also, for missions that take place in the Omega area, Aria can be a very interesting and powerful companion, given her control over the area.
I would recommend starting with Eden Prime. It sets up the main plot and introduces key elements. Then move on to Feros as it continues to build the story. After that, Virmire is a crucial planet for the story development. It has significant events that shape the overall narrative.
If you're on a mission where you need to gather intelligence, Kasumi is the one to take. She's a master thief and can sneak around unnoticed to gather valuable information. For missions that involve dealing with the Reapers directly, Shepard's closest friends like Garrus and Tali are often the best choices. They've been through a lot with Shepard and are highly loyal. They'll fight to the death by your side. Also, for missions in the Asari homeworld, having an Asari companion like Liara can give you an advantage in terms of cultural understanding and access to certain areas.
For missions that involve a lot of tech puzzles or hacking, Tali is your go - to. She's a Quarian and is extremely skilled in all things tech. Also, Legion can be useful in these situations too as it has advanced knowledge of various systems. And if you need someone for biotic powers, Liara is a great option. She has powerful biotic abilities that can be used to control the battlefield, for example, by lifting and throwing enemies or creating barriers to protect the squad.
I think the best order to explore Mass Effect planets for story understanding is to first land on Eden Prime. This is where the story kicks off and you start to understand the Reaper threat. From there, move on to Feros. Here, you'll uncover more about the Protheans and the Geth. Then, make your way to Virmire. This planet has significant plot points that will shape the rest of your journey. There are also side stories on these planets that can add to your comprehension of the overall narrative. For example, on Eden Prime, the side quests can give you more insight into the colonists' lives before the attack. On Feros, side quests might reveal more about the Thorian's influence. And on Virmire, side quests can show the different factions' views on the situation.
Of course. It's a wonderful addition for fans. It can provide a different perspective on the events and concepts in the Mass Effect world. Reading it can make you feel more immersed in the universe, and you might discover new things that will make you appreciate the games even more. It could also introduce you to new ideas that were not as prominent in the game but are still an important part of the overall lore.
The 'Mass Effect Novels' contribute by adding more backstory. For example, they might explain how a certain character became who they are. They also expand on the lore, like details about different species' cultures. And they can set up events that lead into the games, making the overall experience more immersive.