Without playing side quests the game really feels short. What bothered me the most is that game offered me no real challenge on Normal mode, which I always play (I'm no Hardcore freak).
I've turned every stone in the galaxy, ending up with maximum credits without any really cool items to spend them on. I barely touched the combat system in term of squad orders. I found the party to be a bunch of disobedient bastards anyway
It's definitely one of my less favourite Bioware games, story and gameplay wise. I have high hopes for Dragon age, hope it turns out ok.