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ESRB describes Modern Warfare 2's oft-talked about level photo

Our prior coverage of the ESRB's game descriptions has always included praise for the often hilarious write-ups, and I'm not about to stop the trend. While the Modern Warfare 2 description may not be funny, it is insightful, and of course mentions the infamous airport sequence. Spoilers follow, obviously.

"Players defend the U.S. from Russian armed forces, engage in skirmishes and combat missions, and track the ultranationalist in an attempt to discover his true motivations and co-conspirators," states the ESRB.

"Realistic gunfire, explosions, and cries of pain are heard during the frequent and fast-paced combat. The most intense depiction of violence occurs during a 'No Russian' mission where players take on the role of an undercover Ranger: Several civilians are gunned down at an airport as players are given a choice to participate in the killings (e.g., players can shoot a wounded civilian that is crawling on the ground), or walk by and observe without opening fire."

Continuing: "In either case, civilians scream and emit pools of blood as they are shot to death. Within the multiplayer portion of the game, players can unlock "emblems" to be used on their player name cards. Some of these emblems contain images that reference drugs (e.g., a cannabis leaf; a name card with a depiction of a joint)."

It's all noted that harsh language is used, with "motherf**ker" listed as an example. I don't remember the previous game delving into that territory so much, but I guess the whole "No Russian" mission is proof enough that times have changed.








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Jordan Devore is Destructoid's PC gaming manager and founding ginger editor. He is said to be easy to love but difficult to know. When Samit inquired about his curious bio photo Jordan simply replied: "bitches love sandcastles" ... yet, there is no sandcastle in that photo. We may never truly understand his ways. Likes Platformers, Pixel-based graphics, Stickerbrush Symphony, Pokemon, Leaderboards Meet the rest of the team



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59 comments | showing # 1 to 50
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next 50 comments

bodybreak's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 19:46
bodybreak
i love murdering civs.
Chef Borjan's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 19:46
Chef Borjan
Wow. Media backlash confirmed.
Threaded's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 19:48
Threaded
"proof enough that times have changed."

but war never changes
TheBigFeel's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 19:50
TheBigFeel
Threaded, I love you
Irrational Bee's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 19:50
Irrational Bee
@Threaded But according to solid snake it has!
RenegadePanda's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:02
RenegadePanda
The drug references were unknown to me. Of all the things about this game, that's the one thing I will speak against. Does IW assume all gamers are retarded potheads or something? Stupid, indeed.

But language, otoh, is fitting for a game with angry Russians.

And...really? 'No Russian?' The last time I heard that glorious little play on words was in some rap song.
craigbezzle's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:06
craigbezzle
I hope they aren't saying that the oak leaf used for Major and Lieutenant Colonel are pot leaves...

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/images/product/main/US-COLLAR-MAJOR.jpg
Django Reinhardt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:06
Django Reinhardt
@Panda
Are you seriously suggesting that anybody who uses marijuana is a "retarded pothead", or would you like to take that comment back before things escalate?
RenegadePanda's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:09
RenegadePanda
@ Carl Sagan

My opinion on drugs? Yeah, I would say that actually.
ndschroede23's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:14
ndschroede23
RenegadePanda vs. The Real World (not the TV show)

Who will win? Stick around and see!
PiKo's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:15
PiKo
@Panda

I guess you like making opinions not grounded in reality.
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:16
Xzyliac
Of what little I have read from RenengadePanda (assuming he post more often than I've seen) I would like to say for anyone thinking of "Lerning himz a leszon!" should just move along.

As for the ESRB thing I have to say I can't read anything they right in a serious tone. They actually made the airport level sound humurous to me. Or maybe all this talk is desensitizing me.
Django Reinhardt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:17
Django Reinhardt
So you've insulted some of the most intelligent and influential people of all time, as well as millions of well-to-do, productive Americans AND huge numbers of Europeans.

And undoubtedly the creators of all your favorite films, songs and stories.

And you've insulted me. I'm a physics major studying music theory as a passion. I perform very well in school, and I always have. I surround myself with people who perform similarly well and are successful in nearly every aspect of life. And I use marijuana regularly, just as roughly 70% of my university does.

If we're all "retarded potheads," then I can't imagine what it must be like to be as smart as you. You'd better be a Nobel laureate or something.
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:17
Xzyliac
*write

Stupid ass homonyms.
RenegadePanda's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:22
RenegadePanda
Strange how you all run to defend your pathetic little habit. Good for you though. I have my opinions, if you all have a problem with them. Well, actually I don't care.
Django Reinhardt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:22
Django Reinhardt
Here's a quote from the real Carl Sagan, easily one of the most intelligent men to ever grace this planet:

I hope that time [when cannabis is legalized] isn't too distant; the illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.
Michael Brown's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:25
Michael Brown
@Panda

Who do you think this game is being marketed to? That's exactly why those drug references are there. They are very unnecessary however.. But then again IW is probably full of potheads and are no different from those Xbox gamer types.
PiKo's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:25
PiKo
panda

>>implying playing video games isn't a pathetic little habit.
Django Reinhardt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:26
Django Reinhardt
I'm offended that you'd call me, and anyone else who uses marijuana, pathetic. Clearly, many users are quite the opposite; they are successful, generous people, who are a credit to their species.

You, on the other hand, are judging a huge number of individuals that vary in every conceivable way (as much as any other group of people would) as one entity. It's rude, illogical, and beyond immature.
Pablos102030's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:28
Pablos102030
@Sagan: Weed is awesome, but it is kind of retarded to brag about smoking in an online game.
Risonhighmer's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:34
Risonhighmer
I bet panda is fine with people who drink frequently, and smoke cigarettes. Government rules taint people's ideas of things that can be genuinely beneficial and eye opening.

People are so misinformed these days. It's one of very few things that frustrates me quite a bit.
DrCGP's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:34
DrCGP
contains profanity in both English (e.g., "sh*t") and Russian (e.g., "f**k" and "motherf**ker")....I'm sold! LOL!
Naim Master's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:44
Naim Master
I'm offended at the drugs bullshit, they shouldn't have a weed emblem just as they shouldn't have a alcohol emblem... And Carl Sagan, from the weed users I've met, 90% are retarded potheads.
RenegadePanda's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:48
RenegadePanda
@ Risonhighmer

Never once did I condone drinking or smoking, try again.
Django Reinhardt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:49
Django Reinhardt
I'm not really sure if your anecdotal evidence really counts for much, but I'd say that 90% of the American population is fairly clueless so I'd expect that 90% of marijuana users are just as clueless.

But there is absolutely nothing inherent in the drug that makes someone that way.

And like I said, the intellectual smoker *does* exist, and in droves.
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:50
Xzyliac
@Carl Sagan
Buddy smoke a joint and calm the fuck down.

I'm on your boat here but I think this guy ain't worth the time.
Gee-Man's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:51
Gee-Man
Wow, just goes to show that no matter what the original topic is about, it can easily degenerate into an argument over something completely different.

That aside, while I hate to argue over this, the fact that someone tried to claim most marijuana smokers are intelligent rational people has forced me to speak up. I'd say all but one of the potheads I know is unfortunately, well, rather retarded.

Oh, wait, you mean to tell me pissing on a police car after smoking an entire bowl is actually a sign of enlightenment? Or cutting your friend's girlfriend's hair while she's asleep? Or setting my clothes on fire? My bad, I should've known better.
Topher Cantler's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:53
Topher Cantler
Hm. Didn't expect that discussion.
TheJesusNinja26's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:53
TheJesusNinja26
Several ??? Did they see the same 5 minutes straight of civilians I did? Several?
Django Reinhardt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:57
Django Reinhardt
@Gee-Man

I never suggested that *most* users of marijuana are rational, intelligent people. I don't think that most people in any given category are rational, intelligent people. I think people in general are incredibly irrational, and marijuana does very little to alter someone's natural tendency toward rationality or irrationality.
Telephis's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 20:59
Telephis
@Gee-Man
Who is claiming 'most'?

Marijuana does not make smart people stupid. Infer from that what you will
ZServ's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:00
ZServ
shut the fuck up, sagan. we dont care. most drug users ARE idiots, just like most people ARE idiots. If we can assume that most people are idiots, and a good portion of people use drugs, we can assume most drug users are therefore, idiots.

yeesh.
Jordan Devore's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:00
Jordan Devore
I put that little "times have changed" bit in there just to see if someone would respond with "war never changes." You guys do not disappoint.

Also, like Topher, I couldn't have predicted the conversation being derailed into an argument about marijuana. Internet, you do not disappoint.
Gestault's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:01
Gestault
It's funny, after seeing the leaked footage, I feel like the ESRB description is sugar-coating it. I'm not saying "ban this sick filth," but man, the clip must have effected (affected?) me more than the writer of that description. Or they're fantastic at keeping everything clinical and not letting emotion overpower content. Wow, imagine that, a content review writer being fantastic at their job.
Django Reinhardt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:06
Django Reinhardt
ZServ

You just repeated exactly what I just said.

Why?
Jordan Devore's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:07
Jordan Devore
I think it has more to do with them being super clinical and matter-of-fact than anything else. For comparison, look at the ESRB's rating description for Scribblenauts:

"If multiple words are entered in a sequence, different whimsical scenarios can be triggered: a bicycle can be used to jump over a baby; a bulldozer can clear away a shark; and cabbage can be fed to dinosaurs."

and

"These types of items can be used to destroy objects or even other summoned items (e.g., a club can be used to hit an animal; steak can be attached to a baby to attract lions; rockets can be lobbed at a man)."
Gee-Man's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:09
Gee-Man
@Carl Sagan

Alright, I'll give you that. Admittedly, the ones responsible for the various acts I mentioned were sort of irrational and dumb to begin with, but I suspect that such idiotic acts wouldn't have happened in the first place if they weren't under the influence (any influence for that matter).

Or hell, maybe I'm just bitter that my $100 jacket was ruined by a bunch of potheads. :\
Telephis's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:09
Telephis
Isn't this pretty...mild? Was I the only one expecting them to say a bit more about it?
Ninjasnake's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:10
Ninjasnake
<---retarded pothead

Excuse me, I smoke on occasion with friends and not one of my friends does things that any of you haters describe. Don't hate something that's known to have health benefits, no addictive qualities, and side effects that are harmless when put aside the side effects of smoking cigarettes (AKA death). In fact, most people that I have smoked with tend to open up quite a bit and we tend to talk about some interesting and far out subjects as opposed to when they are not stoned. Over half the population has smoked at one time and most of the most influential people in film, literature, and music have lit up. Before you hat something like this, why don't you do a little research instead of always hating what you government tells you to hate because they don't want people to get a hold of something that grows naturally that they can't tax us for.

There is a big thing going on in politics right now where marijuana might in fact become legal like it is overseas, I hope it does so you can see how harmless it really is.
Mr Peacock's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:21
Mr Peacock
For those of you that don't think a drug reference in context with the military and isn't relevant except to gamer/stoners, you should probably meet more people in the military. Since practically forever armies have been up and down on something. There's very few people that can go around killing or nearly being killed for most of the day and not need some serious shit to be able to sleep at night. Just look at the combination of heroin and Vietnam.
Threaded's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:25
Threaded
Make a post about MW2 and ESRB concerns on the "terrorist" level. 6 comments later entire topic is derailed by troll. *facepalm*

@Jordan Grim Devore

"put that little "times have changed" bit in there just to see if someone would respond with "war never changes.""

ndschroede23's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:32
ndschroede23
Before (or, apparently, after) anyone asks, yes, I am ashamed that this has degenerated into a discussion regarding marijuana. No, I'm not going to refrain from the argument.

"Strange how you all run to defend your pathetic little habit. Good for you though. I have my opinions, if you all have a problem with them. Well, actually I don't care."

Since when is defending yourself against insult something to scoff at? What would you do if someone called your gaming a "pathetic little habit" (and it's very likely someone would)? You wouldn't "run to defend your pathetic little habit," would you? Because that would make you a hypocrite. You're not a hypocrite, are you?

No one has a problem with your opinion. Well, maybe they do, but it pales in comparison to your rhetoric. You have a right to have any opinion you want, even the most illogical ones (as I see you've chosen to do). You DON'T have a right to be a dick.
arbsnotdead's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:41
arbsnotdead
you dont overdose on marijuana btw. and its 600,000 times healthier than drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, and drinking alcohol. Besides, most people here in california are regular pot smokers, i wont be even surprised if my mom and dad smoke pot. You guys should watch the documentary: THE UNION: the business behind getting high, anti-ganja, or pro-ganja people alike. Gives you interesting facts about marijuana.
Squidoris's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 21:44
Squidoris
What are drugs?
Jon B's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 22:04
Jon B
Wait - the ESRB make it sound not that bad. How bizaare. I was expecting a huge marketting speech from them, as per usual.
drivenbyfate's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 22:07
drivenbyfate
Im just curious how the hell you get a job for the ESRB playing games and recording everytime shit is uttered in the game. Sounds a lot better than my current job as an excel monkey
Steel Brotha's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 22:14
Steel Brotha
@ RenegadePanda
i really hope i don't fail this BBCoding

Steel Brotha's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 22:15
Steel Brotha
damn bbcode fail.
D-Toid come up with a better system.
Exostenza's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 22:18
Exostenza
I can't wait to pirate this game and then gun down all the civilians I can! WOO HOO!
Sparta2020's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/02/2009 22:23
Sparta2020
i cant wait for the Losers(had a worser worst but for the sake of my sanity heldback)at fox news to hear about thi. i already knwo whats gonna happen. news of the airport sequence is all around the internet, ign,a recent part of fox news has already posted it. so now when the game is released, the old farts are going to try to attacke to gaming industry with its constant bombardment of moms associations against all things guys like as well as just ignorant people in general(lol tower defense!). They are going to completely blow this out of proportion but only when the game is released. then theres gonna be a 9/11 reference, yata yata yata. i can go on for days
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