Hey guys. I'm happy to see that the game's getting a lot of love and I've just finished a level 50 run in the first, but I'm completely lost. The whole "lost in the sandbox" theory was something I never really took seriously before but being bombarded with missions and assignments as soon as I got the Normandy I've no idea what is a good path to take.
So far Zaeed and Arcangel are in my squad, and the quarantine zone on Omega is pretty confusing (and a lot less linear, which is awesome). I've bought some weapon and personal upgrades in the markets with my "I'm Rich" cash, but do things get tighter later in the game and should I save up?

The stores had the
in stock so they're bought, but I want as many dudes to survive as possible.
Planet scanning hasn't even turned up yet and the galaxy map gameplay needs fuel? Ehh... Please tell me I'm worrying too much, I want to jump in but there aren't any guides and the wiki has zilch on the sequel.