As if my backlog of uncompleted games isn't long enough, at some point I'd like to figure out what this Metal Gear Solid stuff is all about. I've yet to play a single game in the series, but obviously it has some merit.

I tried to do the homework myself, but good lord it's confusing. I assume I'd start with Metal Gear Solid which I can get on PSN. Where do I go from there? What games should I play in what order? Which platforms have the best version of each game, etc.?

Thanks in advance.