Well, will I?

It's hard to say. A lot of people are saying they didn't  understand the story. I played 1, 2, and 3 before I even touched MGS4, and I understood and loved the story. The gameplay is still a ton of fun though.

Yes you will even if you don't understand it, because it's just fun

It is definitely (character wise,especially later into the game) very closely linked to previous games, but I would think you would still enjoy gameplay at least.  But knowing the story would make it way more enjoyable, there are certain things in there just made for the fans that have been following it.

I never played any of the previous ones, and I loved it. I bought the Essential MGS Collection after. It is a trip playing the first game now.

Well, it looks like I might be buying MGS4 then.

Yes, I'm sure you will.  This was my first Metal Gear game and I loved it.  Just read a little background information about the series before you play so that you're up to speed.

I'd never played any of the previous games, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the game, and the story. You might want to watch the Metal Gear Retrospectives that the guys at Gametrailers.com put together before you play MGS4, though. They sound like pure madness because the story is so convoluted, but a lot of the information contained in them will help you grasp what's going on.

The retrospectives can be found at the following location:

http://www.gametrailers.com/game/6748.html

Hope you enjoy the game. I was surprised by how much I did.

You wont understand it but the gameplay is very good. My suggestion is to get the essential collection for the ps2. Play through all of them , and then play mgs4.

I haven't played a Metal Gear game since the first on the NES!  But I can't wait to play this game...I like the fact from what I'm hearing that you can play this game like Splinter Cell or go all out like Gears of War... Really excited to play this game....

I personally didn't like the game, but I thought the story was presented really well.  I had not played 2 or 3, but I was still able to follow what went on.  Also, if it was really bothering you, you can check out the story of the earlier games here.

If you read up on the weird story a little bit before you play you probably will. I'm not completely caught up on the story and I'm loving this game. This game is really amazing, and is probably a game that every PS3 owner should have.

I've played all the past games and I didn't care for the 4th. Not trying to start shit just saying it's not a guaranteed like-able game

You won't like it as much as Uncharted, I'll tell you that. Well, I can't guarantee anything mind you, but without detailed and intimate knowledge of the previous story you will be completely lost.

I loved it and haven't played any of the previous games...

MGS is the hardest game to imagine how it would be like playing it.  You just have to try it yourself and you'll either love it or hate it. 
Some cutscenes in the early acts are kinda long so be ready for it.

Like it..Yes..Understand it..No.