Ok, I went ahead and did every tutorial available (took a while). And I've now played a few chapters. You really only need the first basics tutorial. If you feel like it, look into EXP distribution and item power ups. Other than that, the first set of tutorials (which aren't that long, people. Haven't you guys played a MGS game before?) are plenty to get you into the game.
Once you get into it, the complexity isn't that daunting. In fact, it all just makes sense. It is complex, no doubt, but it all works. Ikaruga had some odd concepts for a shooter, but it turned out great. I think what gets people is the fact that it's all in real time. But I think Trauma Center was more difficult for real time on screen madness.