Metal Gear Solid 4 Storyline Help??

I will be getting a PS3 for christmas along with mgs4. I have played mgs 1, 2, and half of 3. The storyline is the best I have ever experienced, but is also the most confusing, and I haven't touched the games since last year, so my info is sorta messed up, and I forget things. Is it vital for me to replay the games or is a rough understanding all that is needed to play 4 and understand what is going on? I really don't want to play through the first three again, just because christmas is tomorro, and I want to start it the minute i set up the PS3. Thanks!

well if you played mgs2 i think your straight because mgs 4 continues after that. MGS3 was a prequel so it really didnt alot of vital info just alot of interesting stuff.

Well there is the MGS Database that you can download off of PSN which outlines the timeline and all the characters throughout the series. Its probably the fastest way to understand many of the details without playing the games. But id say its pretty important to know exactly whats going on before you start MGS4 because it will make the entire game that much more satisfying IMO.

yeah its actually not all that confusing as people make it out to be at least not to me. What are you confused about exactly?

Thanks for the quick reply's guys. I think I'll download the encyclopedia off psn then play the game. How long is it approximately, including the looooonnnngggg cutscenes which I have come to know and love.MADKLOWN8480

MGS Database or check the net and be ready to do some reading:P

Thanks for the quick reply's guys. I think I'll download the encyclopedia off psn then play the game. How long is it approximately, including the looooonnnngggg cutscenes which I have come to know and love.MADKLOWN8480

I have all of the MGS4 cutscenes downloaded...it's 6 hours, and 12GB total! It looks amazing too, especially for being rendered in real time...just imagine what they could have done if they were pre-rendered.

And yit's a good idea to download the encyclopedia, but I suggest playing through the games again. It just feels a lot better and the story is fresh in your mind. Plus there's a lot of things mentioned in MGS4 that requires knowledge of 1-3.