Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is only $10 in the xbox live ultimate sale. I have never played any metal gear game. Would it be a good idea to jump into this series so late or would they feel dated in comparison to newer games?

I'm intrigued by the series but I'm worried the games haven't aged well. Any opinions will be appreciated

Also Batman Arkham Asylum is also only $10. Between the two which do you guys think is the better deal/game?

I say buy them. The games are great and at 10 you can't go wrong. If you want to get into the new games I think it would be wise you get into the older ones first. MGS3 and Peace Walker both precede MGS Ground Zeroes (which will be launched later), so if you want to get into that I think it is best you play those first.

MGS2 is nice as well. If you plan on getting Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance you will be introduced to the main character in MGS2 for the first time - Raiden. Note however that the gamplay in the latter is different from the games in the collection - stealth (collection) vs hack and slash (MGR:R).

EDIT

Well since you mentioned Batman, it is up to you really. It is a matter of taste. Note however that MGS HD costs around 29 USD while Batman is under 20. So if you chose to buy MGS and Batman AA later you'll save more (assuming you can't buy both now).

Get em both

Buy it and play MGS3, it's a prequel to the whole series and arguably the best entry. It has also aged very well (make sure you use the 3D camera and not the top view one).

If you don't like that, then you can give up on the series.

Yea I'm leaning towards MGS HD at the moment. I know the story and gameplay is great in the MGS games but some people have noted that the controls are pretty clunky. Have you played the HD collection an if so did you have any trouble with the controls?

edit: I also played the demo for MGS: Reveangence. It was a lot of fun but I know it's not at all similar to any of the other MGS games.

Amazing series. metal gear 2's gameplay is outdated but the story is still amazing. 3 and peace walker is great though :) if you like those youll have to play 1 and 4 on a different console though since X360 doesnt have them.

I'm currently playing MGS3 from the HD collection and it plays well. I played MGS2 on the PS2 and MGS4 a while back and MGS3 has been my favorite so far.

Thanks for the tip, does it make a big difference in how the game is played?

I thought 1 was included in the collection? It's like an extra in MGS3 or something, I saw it in the IGN review.