[MetalMilitia]

Just completed Mass Effect. It's one of the best games in terms of story, production values, design and uhh, "epicness" that I've ever played. I did it in about three sittings over three days and it feels like I've just watched a 30+ hour film. Can't wait to play it again and do a load more sub-quests.
Say, does anyone know - if you create a new character and start again do you get to keep all your stats (even items maybe)? It seems like you should but perhaps it would make the early parts of the game too easy.