When he crapped his pants at the beginning I knew I was going hate him, and that initial instinct was right.

Another scene I couldn't stand was Otacon crying over Naomi through the Mark 3. Not only was the writing terrible, but the voice acting was ridiculous. And the fact that he was crying over her through a computer display struck me as pathetic. 

I agree with just about all of this.

I generally like the series, but there is plenty about it that I can't stand. One of those things is the fanbase who gushes over the story. I can only imagine that these people do so because they haven't experienced great films or novels. Take, for example, the guy in this thread who claimed MGS has a better story that great works of literature or oscar films. I actually feel kinda sorry for him.

Overall I'd probably rate MGS3 as the best in the franchise, followed by MGS1 then MGS4 and 2.

Yeah, when I saw Akiba take his mask off I was like "oh, he's going to be the main character in MGS5....great....."

Some one asked what I would rate it. Now that I've beat it, I would give it a solid 8. But numbers are as arbitrary as the gameplay in the second half of the game. It is what is it. Either you will enjoy not playing the game, or you'll be pissed that such a good engine never got to be used to it's fullest. I'm really hoping for some version in the future that has extra missions to play, because I really enjoyed playing it.

I think chapters 4 and 5 are awesome. They are full on action as well. I'm not sure what people are talking about!? I mean you get to play with the big guns - the frogs, gecko's and the little unmanned machines. I found that more fun than chapter 1-3. I mean you can take out the pmc's and after awhile it will be safe. Frogs keep coming and taking down a Gecko is awesome :D. I think the game is quite balanced in action through out all of the chapters.

Actually I'm a huge movie fan and have watched hundreds upon hundreds of films from various countries and in various genres. Not a single film however has ever matched MGS2 in terms of depth of it's story. MGS4 is similar except for the horrible Hollywood inspired ending. The reasons films cannot match MGS is because they have a two hour runtime and so the focus is on action and pacing without the time to indulge in philosophical dialogue as MGS games do. They cannot go as in-depth with their storytelling and do not afford the time to divulge details.

I can't believe there are people on here lauding MGS2's story, one of the worst, most-hackneyed, plots of all time--I, and thousands of others, suffered through nearly every minute of that game *mainly* because of the story.

Some of you--very seriously--need to get out more.

I stopped rating films on Netflix when I hit 4,000. I think it's safe to say I have seen a few films in my day.

Bolded:

You want a war setting film that explores characters and story far deeper than any Metal Gear Solid game? Simple, it took me all of 20 seconds to think of one that makes MGS look bad in every way, shape, and form:

Apocolypse Now.

If you're really in love with thick monologues and character exposition, opt for the 3 hour Redux version. That movie crams more philosophy, characterization, plot, setting, and emotion in three hours than Kojima could in 50. 

man, Apocalypse Now Redux, that definately puts MGS2 to shame. That's not even a contest. Go watch that, and bring a spoon, the dialogue is thick.

That is actually true, Xenogears is up there with MGS2 as one of the richest pieces of media ever created. The more time you have for exposition the more you can indulge in dialogue which helps explain details and develop characters. Films simply do not have the luxury to dwell on philosophical issues through dialogue, the best they can do is try and imply them to the viewers. MGS2 spent nearly an hour talking about things like memes, truth, identity, free will, what to pass on and other subjects. Films cannot afford that kind of depth.

....that's sad. I was just being sarcastic. Seriously man, Xenogears...MGS2....richest pieces of media? I'm going to go slit my wrists. I mean...dear god...I guess you're entitled to your opinion...even if it is grossly ignorant and completely wrong.