Can You Still Play No Russian? A Deep Dive into the Infamous Call of Duty Mission
Yes, you can still play the “No Russian” mission from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. However, the way you can experience it depends on which version of the game you’re referring to. The original Modern Warfare 2 (2009) and its 2020 remaster both contain the mission, allowing players to participate (or opt out) of the controversial airport massacre. The recent Modern Warfare II (2022), however, does not include “No Russian.”
The Legacy of “No Russian”
“No Russian” is more than just a mission; it’s a cultural touchstone, a lightning rod for debate about violence in video games, and a pivotal moment in the Modern Warfare storyline. In the mission, the player takes on the role of Joseph Allen, an undercover CIA agent embedded within Vladimir Makarov‘s terrorist group. Allen participates in a mass shooting at Zakhaev International Airport in Moscow, with Makarov’s chilling instruction, “Remember, no Russian,” setting the stage for the carnage.
The goal? To frame the United States for the attack and ignite a war between Russia and the U.S. The controversy stemmed from the graphic violence against unarmed civilians and the player’s direct involvement, prompting calls for censorship and sparking ethical debates about player agency and the depiction of terrorism in interactive media.
Navigating the Different Modern Warfare Titles
It’s crucial to distinguish between the various Modern Warfare entries, as the presence and portrayal of “No Russian” differ significantly:
Original Modern Warfare 2 (2009) and Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered (2020)
These are the versions where you can experience “No Russian” as it was originally intended (or not, since you could skip it if you want). The core gameplay remains the same: you walk through the airport with Makarov and his men, participating in the massacre or simply observing. The 2020 remaster provides updated graphics but doesn’t alter the mission’s content or impact.
Modern Warfare II (2022)
This is where “No Russian” is absent. The developers opted to steer clear of the intense controversy and potential backlash associated with the mission. The storyline and themes are different, with the focus shifting to other threats and conflicts. The new game also penalizes friendly fire and fails players who shoot civilians, emphasizing a different moral compass for player actions.
Modern Warfare III (2023)
While Modern Warfare II (2022) didn’t feature the infamous mission, early trailers for Modern Warfare III (2023) hinted at a reimagining of the “No Russian” scenario. Details were scant before the game’s release, leaving players wondering how such a defining part of the franchise’s plot would be integrated. Ultimately, Modern Warfare III delivered a new version, “Passenger.” It focuses on a plane hijacking with civilian casualties, keeping the spirit of controversial content, but not recreating the exact mission as it was in 2009.
The Impact and Controversy
“No Russian” continues to be a talking point when discussing video game violence and its impact on players and society. The GamesLearningSociety.org website, for instance, explores how games can be used for educational purposes, sparking discussions about complex social and ethical issues – something directly relevant to the controversy surrounding “No Russian.” The mission pushed boundaries and challenged players to confront uncomfortable realities. It forced a level of introspection rarely seen in mainstream action games, making it both unforgettable and deeply polarizing.
FAQs: Your “No Russian” Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity and context surrounding the “No Russian” mission:
1. Was “No Russian” removed from all versions of Modern Warfare 2?
No, “No Russian” was only removed from the Russian version of the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009). It remained in the game for all other regions, including the 2020 remaster. Modern Warfare II (2022) does not include the mission.
2. Why was “No Russian” removed from the Russian version?
Activision removed the level from the Russian version due to Russia’s lack of a formal rating system for games at the time. They sought legal counsel and decided to block the scene to avoid potential legal issues.
3. Can I skip “No Russian” in the original Modern Warfare 2?
Yes, the game provides the option to skip the “No Russian” mission before starting it. This allows players who are uncomfortable with the content to avoid participating in the massacre.
4. Is “No Russian” in the new Modern Warfare II (2022)?
No, “No Russian” is not included in Modern Warfare II (2022). The developers chose not to recreate the controversial mission for this installment.
5. Why is “No Russian” so controversial?
The controversy stems from the graphic violence against unarmed civilians and the player’s direct (or indirect) participation in a terrorist act. It raised ethical questions about depicting such events in video games.
6. What is Makarov’s motivation in “No Russian”?
Makarov’s goal is to frame the United States for the terrorist attack and provoke a war between Russia and the U.S. He wants to destabilize global politics and further his own agenda.
7. What happens if I shoot Makarov in “No Russian”?
Shooting Makarov or any of his men during the mission will result in your death and a mission failure. You are meant to play along and participate in the massacre.
8. What is the significance of Makarov saying “Remember, no Russian”?
The phrase “Remember, no Russian” is a reminder to his men not to speak Russian during the attack so that it appears to be orchestrated by Americans.
9. Was “No Russian” censored in other countries besides Russia?
While the mission was controversial in many countries, it was only censored in Russia. Other countries allowed the game to be sold with the “No Russian” mission included, often with an age rating or content warning.
10. Is there any reward for completing “No Russian”?
There is no specific in-game reward for completing “No Russian.” However, completing it is necessary to progress through the Modern Warfare 2 campaign.
11. How many people were killed in the “No Russian” massacre?
The estimated number of people killed during the “No Russian” massacre at Zakhaev International Airport is 243.
12. Is Modern Warfare 2 inappropriate for children?
Yes, Modern Warfare 2 is generally considered inappropriate for children due to its intense violence, blood, gore, and mature themes. The ESRB rating is M for Mature (17+).
13. Did Russia invade Europe in Modern Warfare 3 because of “No Russian”?
While “No Russian” was the catalyst for the conflict, Russia invaded Europe in Modern Warfare 3 after a series of coordinated attacks crippled NATO forces. Makarov, now in control, exploited the chaos to launch the invasion.
14. What is the song in the Modern Warfare 3 reveal trailer featuring a “No Russian” scene?
The song featured in the Modern Warfare 3 reveal trailer with the “No Russian” scene is a rendition of “Don’t Fear the Reaper.”
15. How was the “No Russian” mission re-imagined in Modern Warfare III?
The “No Russian” mission was re-imagined in Modern Warfare III with the mission named “Passenger.” It focuses on a plane hijacking with civilian casualties, keeping the spirit of controversial content, but not recreating the exact mission as it was in 2009.
In conclusion, while the original “No Russian” mission remains playable in Modern Warfare 2 (2009) and its remaster, its legacy continues to fuel debates about the portrayal of violence in video games. The absence of “No Russian” in Modern Warfare II (2022), and the partial re-imagining in Modern Warfare III, highlights the evolving landscape of game development and the ongoing dialogue surrounding sensitive content. Exploring resources such as the Games Learning Society can contribute to a better understanding of the educational and social implications of such games and their content.