Metal Gear Solid Question & Info Needed Please

Hi everyone... I apologize if there is a thread like this, but I need to ask.... I have never played a Metal Gear Solid game and am noticing the hype that MGS4 is getting. Is it necessary to play the previous 3 before getting this one?

I am not a big fan of stealth games, but yet I don't know if I am missing out on something amazing. Is this game all stealth? Action? etc.

Don't mean to be asking too much, but since I have not played any of them, I don't know what to expect.

Thanks in advance for all the replies and help.

omg yes! you'll be missing out on a crucial aspect that is metal gear. in my opinion the best storylines came from MGS1 and MGS3, MGS2.. it took me a couple playthroughs to actually understand everything and what Kojima was trying to get across, but they are definite must plays if you're thinking about getting MGS4. Everything from those games will tie in together here.

I'd suggest you get the game that has all 3 games that was recently released so you can get caught up in time for the 4th. Trust me you'll enjoy MGS4 much more.