Although that was enough info to make me pop that bright green alien vegetable into my cart, I did a bit more digging when I got home, and here's a brief summation of my research: (onnit.com)
Here is a brief summation of the franchise, from literary roots to digital masterpiece. (playstationenthusiast.com)
If you are not familiar with it, here is a brief summation. (droidgamers.com)