MGS 4 Question

Somehow I can't find any information relating to the start of Act IV and what appears to be a section incorporated from the original MGS.  The graphics are atrocious and I need confirmation that this is an untouched inclusion from the original game.  My roommate and I were arguing about the graphics, and he claims that they are almost as good of MGS 2's on PS2.  I contend that they are PS1 level graphics as one can tell by the pixelation and the poor textures.  Has anyone played this game?  

I just got a PS3 not too long ago and I can't say I've been playing MGS4 aggressively.  I can't get into the story; it's a combination of being unclear about the backstory (MGS 3 was my first MGS) and confused by what are seemingly mountains created from mole hills plot-wise.  My roommate is one of those annoying fellows who makes a habit of constantly being wrong but arguing vociferously for his point, even when sufficient evidence is presented to the contrary.  

I'm not too keen on going back to play 1&2.  I guess I'll wrap up MGS4 and move on to another ip.  

I agree, MGS is one of the best game series ever. After I beat MGS4, and saw Snake relive the Shadow Moses infiltratation in the old school graphics, I hooked up my ps1 and played MGS1 again.