Do i need to have played the previous MGS games to enjoy the new one?

Well, considering the complexity of MGS2's storyline, I would hope they would have something at the start game screen for Backstory, or something, where you can go through some type of slideshow, or something similar, that would give you a brief overview of the story so far. Or maybe a short scene at the start of the game that refreshes your memory about the game, because I'm sure many people that HAVE played the others have forgotten at least some of the story, I know I have.

From what I can tell, the story seems to be more related to MGS1/2 than 3, so if you really want to make sure you understand, play 1 and 2, although, in my opinion, 3 is the best.

Every Metal Gear Solid game has an option to read the backstory of the series. I doubt MGS4 will be an exception because Kojima has stated on numerous occasions that he wants to make it more accessible to newcomers.

If you have the time to play the older games they are definitely worth playing, but you'll still be able to follow the story if you don't play the originals.

You don't have to but you'll feel a little confused with the story and the gameplay.

I HIGHLY recommend that you play MGS3. Not because of unfamiliarity, but because its fun. Its a great game, one of the best of its kind.

To enjoy MGS4? No, you don't need to have played the previous entries.

To understand MGS4? Yes, you absolutely need to have played the previous entries. And even that might not guarantee full comprehension. Such is the beauty of MGS.

The game will be playable if you have never played it, but seriously dude, play them. The story is going to be one of the best things about mgs4 and you will be clueless if you havnt played them.

The thing is, I feel the earlier ones were better. The story is getting way too complicated. For MGS1, I loved it and the storyline was pretty straightforward. MGS2 was good as well, but thats where I started to get the "What the hell is going on" feeling. MGS3 was on the same boat.

From what I've seen, MGS4 looks like it'll get REAL complicated. That kind of stuff turns me off. Thats the only thing I dislike about japanese games, it gets too heady sometimes (I stopped playing FFII b/c I didn't know what the hell was going on anymore).

So play the 1st few games to get used to the storyline... you have until June to beat them all.

Ummm guys...there is a featurein MGS4 where during a cut sense you can press a button and it will show you an old video from previous metal gear games... Hope this answers alot of peoples worries when they havn't played MGS series....or in most cases are a little bit confused or have forgoten parts Joker1232003

This will hardly suffice for people completely unaware of what's going on. These sequences will mainly serve those whose memories are a little vague, and will facilitate giving MGS vets the full impact of all plot twists and resolutions. I'm not saying these retro-scenes won't help, but if newcomers have the opportunity to catch up on previous titles, they should do so and not depend on this feature to clue them in.

No you dont HAVE to...but it would help understand. And you have no reason not to, they are all fantastic games.
justin_06

I think all gamers owe it to themselves to play everyone of this games.

If you want to just know the story you could go to wikipedia but if you want to play some of the best games ever get them. Just be warned you might get confused

Well...it would make more sense. If you only have time for 1, play MGS2 because the order go's MGS3,MGS1,MGS2,MGS4...i think. yeah. i have only played MGS2, 3 didnt hold me like the second, sadly :(saywat11

Ummm guys...there is a featurein MGS4 where during a cut sense you can press a button and it will show you an old video from previous metal gear games eg When you first encounter Liquid Occelot a symbol or ex will flash asking you to press a button, when you do you'll see all the reference vidoes straight out of metal gear solid 1 (PS1) Sons of Liberty (PS2) and Snake Eater (PS2) The graphics wont be bumped up so it will show you the vids in retro state This is not a featured rumor its a Feature in Metal Gear solid 4, that will be in the game come release. Hope this answers alot of peoples worries when they havn't played MGS series....or in most cases are a little bit confused or have forgoten parts Happy gaming (P.S) in two weeks time Burnout Paradise demo will lose its Online features to make way for the full game, so get good use out of it while you can :-) Its now 8 players online in the demo verisonJoker1232003