That's the first game I bought for my GBC. I didn't have enough money for a playstation and was jealous of all my friends playing MGS. It's super well done. I just got an analog pocket and I think I'll dig MGS out again after I finish my Castlevania games.
Emphasizing your statement about a true MGS experience. This is literally a full Metal Gear game styled like Metal Gear 2 (MSX) and they do not pull punches with the story, it is up there with the other games in the series. Music and pacing are impressive for the console.