I'm curious. Why play them in the order they came out? I'm not saying it's wrong, but I'm curious why would that be the best way to play.

I'd like to know as well.

Im guessing its because the evolution of gameplay. Hard to go back to older games when the newer games have more refined gameplay...

The problem with chronological order time wise is how information is revealed throughout the series. The series is split between Solid Snake, which is current day and core of the series, and Big Boss which tells how it got there. So even though chronological order sounds right, for series its like reading a book backwards.

Makes sense, but that doesn't really bother me that much. I mean I did already buy and play Ground Zeroes, so it's not like I expect the older games to play as well as GZ did

Series evolution is part of it to.

Oh ok, so play it in order from release then. Thanks for the advice

That's a good point. After all, the series seems to evolve gameplay and story wise as they're made. After playing hours and hours with third person, it does feel uncomfortable going to a less advanced top camera angle with an alternate weird first person view. But if the series isn't followed at a certain order, one is liable to get lost and confused. Replaying the games is an option, but some people might want to enjoy the story chronologically. But that's up to the OP.

If he'd like to enjoy the story in a coherent order, play it chronologically

If he'd like to enjoy the gameplay and the series naturally, play it as they were released.

Lets try this: Final Fantasy 7

Sephiroth is a nutcase in FF7. Mumble jumbo for most the game, really weird mannerisms and abilities. Then you play Crisis Core. It is wierd to see Sephiroth normal and kind because the orginal gives a much diffrent character and its that distinction of Sephiroth that FF7 gives us that the impact of that change is lost if you play the reverse way.

Good suggestion but I've allready played those.