Full list by chronological order (in the Metal Gear universe):
Metal Gear Solid 3 (Big Boss)
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (Big Boss)
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (Big Boss)
Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes (Big Boss)
Metal Gear (Solid Snake)
Metal Gear 2 (Solid Snake)
Metal Gear Solid (Solid Snake)
Metal Gear Solid 2 (Solid Snake/Raiden)
Metal Gear Solid 4 (Solid Snake)
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (Raiden)
Yup, it's pretty complicated. You'll be fine as long as you stick to MGS1-4 though, and perhaps read a bit about the other games.
That's why I recommend starting with MGS3:
-It's a pretty new game that doesn't feel outdated.
-It starts the whole story and is therefore easy to follow. Definitely the easiest for newcomers, considering how complex the story is.
-It's considered by many (me included) the best in the series.
The only problem I see is that the other games may not live up to MGS3's standards if you start with it. But at least if you dislike it you'll know it won't get much better from there.
No troll is too much for me to handle. I rehabilitate trolls, I train people. I am the Troll Whisperer.
