So the only Metal Gear game I've ever actually played was the 1998 Metal Gear Solid for the PS1 when I was a kid. I've not played a single other game in the series since.
Which ones would you recommend? Would it be better to play them in chronological order to get the full overarching story, or do they work ok independent of one another?
Play them in release order. The msx games are good but have 80s Game Bullshit. Mgs1 is a fair starting point, mgs2 doesn't really work as well of your aren't familiar with mgs1 and mgs2 is the smart post modern one that is pretty mind blowing, mgs3 has a simpler plot but has some pretty big emotional moments and the gameplay is something else. After 3, lower your expectations cause it's a mess after. 4 should have never been made, it's a direct sequel to 2 where 3 is a prequel and the ending of mgs2 was intentionally made follow up proof and it shows. Peace Walker and ground zeroes/5 are prequels as well and aren't as bad as 4, I've even got a soft spot for pw, but after mgs3 the series lost most of the sauce.