Ahhh... the famed tactical espionage action that is Metal Gear Solid. To coincide with the release of the fourth installment I decided to make this thread.

I'm a fairly big fan, but not crazed lunatic sort of fan, of the series. A mate of mine has recently found out that MGS4 is a highly anticipated game but before he plays it, he'd like to play the others first. He asked me what game to play through first, then second etc. I really didn't have much to say to him, I suggested playing the first if at all possible to get hold of, if not go for the second and then third because of all the references to the earlier installments. But I don't think he cares all too much about the story, rather the action to be held.

My question is this: What should I recommend him to play first?
As for the fourth installment, I hear it will have a 90min cutscene, any truth to this, or merely rumours?