I did mention this in another MGS thread, but since this is the MGS2 Appreciation Thread...
I've played the Tanker level that many times. I bought the game when it came out in 2002, played the Tanker, loved it, a brilliant piece of cinematic entertainment. Then I started Big Shell. I only made it to the first Vamp scene and I was already put off. Sold my PS2 shortly after.
2006 I got a PS2 off a mate with heaps of games for cheap as chips. I started playing it again, did the tanker, still loved it, started Raiden, couldn't get into it (I finished MGS3 about a year before), switched it off, didn't return.
Picked up my PS3 in Dec 09. One of the first games I bought was MGS4, loved it although the ending really dragged on but it was a great end to the series and looks awesome. Still knew nothing about Raiden except what I saw in MGS4.
Sunday just gone I bought MGS HD on PS3 and am playing through the games in order starting with MGS2. I have just made it up to the battle with Fortune in Shell 1 and so far I am loving this game. What I also like is that for me I am experiencing a 'new' Metal Gear game today, right now. The codecs are still a bit lame, I can't stand Rose and I hope that Otacon makes an appearance again in this.
I tried to avoid the spoilers on this page but I already saw E.E dies, not that I've met her yet but... you know.
Anyway, I'll post back when I've completed it, although the Vita and some review games will be taking up my time over the next week so we'll see.