Having played the Metal Gear Solid games, going back and playing this one just isn't very much fun...
It's probably worth playing just so you can say that you did, or so you can see how it all began, but it really isn't as much fun as the newer ones. I know that sounds like I'm just biased against it because it's older, but hear me out.
This game is basically a scavenger hunt, glorified with boss fights. The entire game is basically spent in search of the next tool to complete the next goal. Now I know that's basically all Metal Gear Solid is, but there's a lot more depth to the plot of the new ones, so you actually end up caring a little more about actually completing the mission. At the time this one was created, it would have been awesome, but having come to expect the depth of plot that Metal Gear Solid is known for, this one was disappointing.
If you really do want to play through this game, I would recommend using a walkthrough. Otherwise, it would be very easy to spend over 10 hours in this thing just trying to find everything. If you really do want to do it that way, do yourself a favour and make a map as you go... it'll save you a lot of frustrating wandering around later on down the road.