Should a totally new player play STS1 before STS2?

Hello, sorry if this question has been asked a bunch before but I didn't find anything in searching just now.

I have heard about this game for a while and have wanted to try it, but have just learned of the release of its sequel. My question is: if I want to start, should I play the 1st, or is the 2nd kind of just an improvement on the 1st?

Thanks!