MGS starter?

I've never played any MGS game before (was thinking about Portable Ops but I could only find PO+), and based on the hype, reception, and reviews it's been getting, I want to get MGS4, preferably the bundle (I do not currently own a PS3, and does it have any MGS4 stuff preloaded? (Wallpaper, themes, music, etc.))

My question: Does MGS4 require any knowledge of previous titles' plots in order to get the full enjoyment out of the game?

Sorry if I was to post this in the MGS4 thread, but this isn't really MGS4-specific.

to get the full enjoyment playing the others will help. If you buy the 80 gig bundle just go out and buy the metal gear pack that they have on the ps2 for 30 dollars, and you can play it on your ps3. Even if you dont play the others though you still will enjoy mgs4 its an amazing game either way.kjaf

Would Portable Ops (I do have a PSP) help as well?

Apparently MGS4 ties everything up. I've only played through MGS1 and 2 and a lot of stuff happens in those games. Actually MGS2 is truly where stuff is confusing as hell. Considering MGS4 is after 2 in the timeline you would probably want to play through the first 3. I'm actually going to start playing 3 when I get back from vacation. Very enjoyable games. The first one really shocked me that it was just a PS1 game. Does cool things with rumble that I have never experienced in any other game.