I had basically the same experience as Rodin. I had only recently developed a liking for Sci-Fi and so played the ME series as a whole only from the end of last year. I also had EC and Leviathan installed from the start. When it came to the ending and I picked Synthesis I recognized why there could be so much controversy about it. But for me there was none. I just thought it was beautifully done - in fact EDI's narration almost had me in tears. And as there are only two other endings that ever managed to do that (Illusion of Gaia (of Time here in Germany) and Madoka) this means it is one of my favorites so far.

Also, since everyone throws their opinion in: Baldur's Gate II is my most played BioWare game to date. But I deem Mass Effect a more than worthy successor. More than Dragon Age could ever hope to be.