Is No Russian in MW3? Examining the Infamous Mission and its Absence
The short answer is: No, the infamous “No Russian” mission is not directly included in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) or the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011). While the specter of the “No Russian” mission from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) hangs heavy over the series, and the themes of terrorism and betrayal certainly feature in MW3, the specific mission is not replicated or replayed in either version of the game. This article will delve into why that is, explore the impact of “No Russian”, and clarify its connection to the larger narrative of the Modern Warfare series, including the role of Vladimir Makarov.
The Legacy of “No Russian”
The “No Russian” mission, a single-player level in Modern Warfare 2, remains one of the most controversial and discussed moments in video game history. In it, players participate in a terrorist attack at Zakhaev International Airport in Moscow, mowing down innocent civilians. The chilling command “Remember, no Russian,” issued by Makarov, serves as a stark reminder of the mission’s purpose: to frame the attack as an American operation and incite war between the West and Russia. The level sparked massive outcry for its graphic violence and the player’s role in such a horrific event. This controversy cemented “No Russian’s” place in gaming history, and explains why its absence in future titles is noteworthy.
Why “No Russian” is Not in MW3
While Makarov is a central antagonist in both the original and rebooted Modern Warfare 3, the game does not revisit the airport massacre. There are several key reasons for this.
Narrative Progression
The events of the original MW2 (2009), including “No Russian”, laid the groundwork for the global conflict of the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011). The attack on the airport is the catalyst that sets the world on the path to war. MW3 does not need to revisit the mission; it addresses the consequences of it. The narrative focuses on the escalating global conflict, Makarov’s pursuit of power, and the efforts of Task Force 141 to stop him. The story moved beyond the immediate event to the wider global implications.
The new Modern Warfare 3 (2023), which is a continuation of the rebooted Modern Warfare story, also does not include the “No Russian” mission. This reiteration makes sense, as the new story already has plenty of its own major events to contend with and does not rely on the original MW2’s controversial mission as a driving force. The focus is on Makarov’s rise to power and the heroes battling to stop him in a new and different way.
Avoiding Repetition
Repetition of such a contentious moment would diminish its impact and risk trivializing its gravity. The developers likely felt that including “No Russian” again would be a step backwards and would only serve to create more controversy rather than enhancing the story.
Shifting Focus
Both versions of MW3 focus on a larger, global conflict and the pursuit of Makarov. The primary narrative drivers are the full-scale war, the betrayal of Shepherd (in the original) and other villains, and ultimately the final confrontation with Makarov and his plans. The game’s developers opted to build on the foundation laid by the “No Russian” incident, rather than recreating the event.
The Influence of “No Russian” on MW3’s Themes
Even though it isn’t included directly, “No Russian” still impacts the overall themes of Modern Warfare 3. The mission’s shocking violence and the idea of using false flags to create conflict are recurring concepts throughout the game. While the scale of events increases in MW3, the roots of that war come from the events of “No Russian”. The consequences of that attack are still very much evident throughout the story and are crucial to understanding why everything is happening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the “No Russian” mission about?
The “No Russian” mission is a single-player level in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) where the player participates in a terrorist attack at the Zakhaev International Airport in Moscow. The mission is designed to frame the attack as American-led, thus escalating tensions and triggering a war between Russia and the West.
2. Who orders “No Russian” to be spoken?
Vladimir Makarov orders his team not to speak Russian during the mission. This is a key part of his plan to make the attack appear as if it was carried out by Americans, and is where the title of the mission “No Russian” comes from.
3. What is the purpose of the “No Russian” mission in the plot of MW2?
The “No Russian” mission’s purpose is to serve as a catalyst for World War III. By implicating Americans, Makarov aims to provoke Russia into a war with the West, furthering his own power and influence.
4. Who is Makarov in the Modern Warfare Series?
Vladimir Makarov is a ruthless terrorist leader and the primary antagonist in the original Modern Warfare trilogy. He is responsible for numerous atrocities, including the airport massacre in “No Russian” which directly led to World War III. He’s also a main villain in the rebooted Modern Warfare 3.
5. Does Yuri appear in “No Russian”?
Yes, Yuri appears in the original Modern Warfare 2 during the “No Russian” mission. He can be seen briefly in the elevator. Yuri, who later appears as a major character in Modern Warfare 3, had already betrayed Makarov’s group and was wounded during the airport attack.
6. What is the connection between “No Russian” and MW3?
While “No Russian” is not in MW3, the events of that mission directly lead to the global war depicted in both the original and the rebooted Modern Warfare 3. The war was provoked by the airport massacre and the actions taken by Makarov. It’s a key plot point for both games.
7. Who kills Makarov in the original Modern Warfare 3?
John Price and Yuri team up to finally eliminate Makarov in the final mission of the original Modern Warfare 3, putting an end to his reign of terror. This is an act of vengeance for all of Makarov’s crimes, including the death of Soap.
8. What role does the Russian president play in Modern Warfare 3?
The Russian president is kidnapped by Makarov in the original Modern Warfare 3. He plays a vital role in the narrative, serving as a pawn in Makarov’s plot to destabilize the world further. He is rescued in a mission called “Down The Rabbit Hole”.
9. Was Yuri a traitor in MW3?
In the original Modern Warfare 3, Yuri is a Russian Loyalist and betrays Makarov before the events of MW2. He attempts to stop the airport massacre but is critically wounded. He joins with Price later to fight against Makarov.
10. What is the setting of Modern Warfare 3’s narrative?
Both versions of MW3 depict a global conflict and the effects of a full-scale war. The original storyline focuses on World War III, with the world in chaos as Makarov attempts to seize power. The reboot storyline has a similar theme but with a different context.
11. Is the “No Russian” mission banned?
The “No Russian” mission was not banned but was censored in some regions. Many players and critics have debated whether it was too graphic and violent for a game to include such actions.
12. What is the new take on “No Russian” in MW3 (2023)?
While it’s commonly said there’s a new take on No Russian, the Modern Warfare 3 (2023) does not contain a direct recreation or analogue to the mission. Instead it continues with a new conflict and new events.
13. How realistic is the “No Russian” mission?
Despite the improbable plot, some analysts have said that the attack in “No Russian” was fairly realistic, due to the fact that terrorist attacks frequently target soft targets with no security.
14. Who was the main villain in the original MW3?
The main villain in the original Modern Warfare 3 is Vladimir Makarov. He is a constant antagonist throughout the entire trilogy.
15. Is Ghost in the Modern Warfare reboot?
Yes, Ghost is in the Modern Warfare reboot, beginning with the 2019 reboot of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. He is a central character, and his death in the original timeline is a major point of discussion.
Conclusion
While the “No Russian” mission remains a notorious part of the Call of Duty franchise, it is not directly featured in Modern Warfare 3 (2023) or the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011). The game builds upon the events set in motion by that mission, focusing on the global conflict and Makarov’s continued rise to power. The absence of “No Russian” allows the games to explore new aspects of the story, without rehashing the original controversial moment. The influence of the original mission and the character of Makarov are undeniably crucial to both versions of MW3.