I don't get them. To me they are broken not fun annoying as hell games. I finally got the HD collection for PS3 and started with MGS2. What can I say about this game - it would be good if I actually was able to see something! You know what I mean. I got to the ocean refinery thing and couldn't bear it anymore cos every room looked the same, I had some obscure objectives and had to backtrack all the time while the enemies kept respawning every time.

On to MGS3 - the start is a bit more promising - I can actually see something cos the camera is not isometric anymore, but it's still bad. I got past the first few areas and want to continue for the story? but don't know for how long I will bear the problems:

- The camera: it is literally the worst, clunkiest, awkward camera and controls I have seen. For example when I crawl into grass the camera goes into first person mode without any way to change and I literally can't see anything but the grass. How am I supposed to play stealth if I can't see my surroundings? Isn't that the point of all stealth games - to hide from enemies while observing them? Please the series/Kojima fans enlighten me.

- The interface: the interface itself is ok but the problem is it takes literally 3 to 5 seconds to switch to something, especially in MGS2 it is VERY annoying. I play games for fun, not to waste my time staring at screen waiting for something. I breaks the game flow and immersion and everything.

- The voice: the first time I heard Snake's voice I was very confused - to me he sounds completely detached from the character. He should sound like a commando speaking in low voice, not like the worst actor on earth desperately trying to make some impression.

I simply can't say anything good about these games. I think if Kojima played the classic Splinter Cell games he would die of shame.

splintercell has worse controls than mgs now imo, its like the classic tombraider games

Kojima is the greatest developer of all time IMO. Snatcher, Policenauts, Metal Gear Solid. Metal Gear Solid is an incredible series a top 10 for me.... which is funny cause I actually suck at it (I am terrible at stealth lol).

Metal Gear Solid has incredible gameplay, a great story, great attention to detail, awesome production values.... simply an AAAA franchise.

By the way SSX is also awesome. I hope to see a new SSX game soon.

I feel the same way about strategy games. Millions of gamers love them, but to me, they're horrible. I guess MGS just isn't your cup of tea.

I honestly could never get into MGS, at all. Tried 2, tried 3, tried 4, but the games just don't connect for me.

I love the Splinter Cell - early - games so I think it's just a matter of taste here.

1: The controls and the camera angles are bad at first, but when you get used to it, it's actually quite useful controller schemes.
2: The games are one of the best games i've played ( a lot of XB gamer's probably will say as usual: Noob, you haven't played enough games if you feel so )
3: I can't get enough of MGS, probably the only franchise i've played like 50 times in an amazing marathon!

I can understand not liking Metal Gear Solid, but aside from some references in both games to the other (like the night-vision googles), I never understood why comparing it to the Splinter Cell franchise. Despite both technically being espionage games, in one you go around Kinshasa killing black people and in the other,  taking down 25 big tanks armed with nuclear capabilities at the same time.

Different games, different playstyles, different plot and different philosophies behind them.

Regarding your second point, I do agree that I never liked the interface of MGS3 very much; but what was bad about MGS2's? It was very fast and intuitive, I'd say. And you can modify it to better suit your interface tastes. And I'd understand if you say bridges in Big Shell are the same, but the rooms aren't. Although that pale orange in every single area might confuse some, indeed.

Don't play Peace Walker, though. Probably one of the most grindiest games I've ever played. Too many filler, too many side missions and ridiculous requisites to keep playing the story mode.

EDIT: To answer the OP, yes, I do get Metal Gear Solid games. They're awesome. One of my favourite franchise, ever.

play MGS3 first,its the best in the series

and their are some camera problem with MGS games,even i though of them but then the game was so good.it became my favorite game series

and SNAKE is stoic

its better not to try to understand MGS..its like with women... sometimes you think you get them but its only in your mind..

It's on place 2 for me, just behind the Mass Effect Series. And after playing Ground Zeroes and from what I've seen from The Phantom Pain, MGS V is probably going to be my favorite game of all time.
And yeah, I pretty much get the full story, also MGS 4 is ridiculous at times.