Get ready for it - Konami has officially announced today that Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection is coming to a PlayStation 2 near you.

These rumors have been floating around for some time now. I'm glad to see Konami doing this for those of us who may not have the original games anymore or who have yet to experience them.

"Since its inception, the Metal Gear Solid franchise has been one of the most successful game series in the history of video games, receiving worldwide recognition and praise," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. "Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection represents a great value for gamers, bringing together three must-have classic titles which pioneered the stealth action genre."

So the collection includes the original Metal Gear Solid, the directors cut of Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3. All of this gaming goodness comes in a commemorative package with artwork from artist Yoji Shinkawa.

The best thing about this collection is the price. It will retail for $29.99. Thanks Konami.