Windows 7: Fallout 3 vs Mass Effect

OK so I have been strictly a Shooter/Action gamer since I have owned a PC capable of playing games. I have never played an RPG game in my life. I think I have been missing out as most of my friends tell me often

My question is, if I was to get one of the games listed above, do I go with Fallout 3 or Mass Effect? Which game is more of an action oriented RPG? I have seen gameplay videos of both games and both seem very intriguing but I want to hear from people who have played both games.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

ive played both, and if your looking for an RPG experience its fallout 3 all the way. Mass effect is more a shooter, with rpg elements. Another RPG id recommend would be the Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, one of the best out there.

I too played both games and love them both but for action Mass Effect is the far better game. Fallout 3 is more of an explorer game with action here and there.

I will also add that Fallout 3 with all it's DLC is a much longer game, longer than Mass Effect 1, 2, and Fallout New vegas, even with their respective DLC. If you took the games without the DLC, Fallout 3 is still the longer game.

Anyway action wise, Mass Effect.

I would agree, Mass Effect if your looking more to action.

But both are excellent games .. and although similar in the sense they have shooter elements, the feel of the game as a whole is entirely different.

As mentioned, Fallout has a lot of exploring. Its also an open world game where you do not really need to follow the main story to have fun.

But, at the same time, gameplay is somewhat slower moving (in terms of action) than the Mass Effect games.

Theres still plenty of action in Fallout but ..
You'll do lots of scavenging for Ammo, Medical Supplies, Weapons... and sheer curiosity.

Fallout 3 and Mass Effect 2(I like 2 better than 1 personally) are both awesome games and you can find them for pretty cheap. So I say both. Many LONG nights with them here and i'm not big into RPG's myself but they kept me entertained