The Metal Gear Solid universe is vast and confusing. The myriad of characters, each with their own motivations and shifting allegiances, makes it hard to keep track of what’s going on. Why is Revolver Ocelot now Liquid Ocelot? What ever happened to Big Boss? Who the hell is Naomi working for anyway? Who (or what) are the Patriots? Well, rest your tired little head my perplexed friend, help is on the way.

Sony is expected to release today the Metal Gear Solid 4 Database, a free downloadable available via the Playstation Store. The database is an interactive application which houses full information on all the characters, storylines, terminology, and more to help you make sense of this whole convoluted mess. Those worried about spoilers need not fear, as the database will redact information that you shouldn’t know until you finish Metal Gear Solid 4.

So if you need help sorting out where all the pieces of the puzzle fit, or if you’d just like a full "debriefing" of what you’ve seen over the past decade, then go ahead and snatch this up and fiddle around a bit. Who knows, you might actually learn something.