A video of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s mission “No Russian” was leaked a few weeks prior to the game’s release. Featuring a civilian massacre in a Moscow airport, it ignited a bit of controversy as we guessed it would. That footage, though, was flawed -- it was blurry and it seemed to lack the bookends or story components that gave the vicious level context. Even amongst our staff and community there was an immediate rift in opinion in full support for it and absolutely against it in principle, which will now will surely be followed by more discussion and debate for years to come, such as one reporter who was 'saddened' by its existence. The mainstream media is just starting to digest this.
Destructoid brings you the video below is the entire mission, including the pre- and post-mission briefings, in full HD, with no commentary. Now, it's here for you to decide.
Note: There's a couple of things I want to note here on the capture itself: I died once, accidentally tossing my grenade launcher aside in favor of a garbage gun. Also, you'll notice that I received an Achievement ("Three-some") for killing three security officers with a single grenade. The Achievement is strictly for killing three people with a grenade -- it's not level-specific. Given the complexity of this level, I'm guessing IW might not have considered this would happen.
As was speculated, “No Russian” is indeed a C.I.A. undercover mission where you play as an agent who has become close to a terrible man named Makarov. As is indicated in the briefing, the ultimate goal is to stop Makarov. In order to do so you, of course, must gain his trust. This mission functions as a wretched means to do so.
The end of the level is as jarring as its initial minutes.
We should add that Infinity Ward gives the player a big heads up about the graphic nature of a single mission upon first booting the game. Like Brutal Legend, it gives the person the option to cut out the content entirely with a menu option. Also, while playing the level, a person has the option to skip it.
Having now witnessed it for what it is, where do you stand on the issue? Was it gratuitous or is this pushing gaming forward? Discuss.
I'd avoided spoilers for over a month about this "controversial" material, literally just got the package from Fed-Ex and popped it in, and you front page this bullshit now?! Unbelievable!
Do we honestly need this many stories about this fucking level? We get it. It's the Citizen Kane of levels. They resurrected every one that had anything to do with Citizen Kane, taught them how to program games and then let them make this level. It is the epitome of everything a portion of a game should be. You do stuff, or you don't do stuff if (in case you're a lady). There are or aren't consequences. It's simply brilliant. Now, can we move on with our lives?
@timtheterrible
Um, they said there are spoilers within, yet you kept watching and reading. Your choice to spoil, you could have avoided this entirely. Weirdo.
Brad (The Dragon-puncher) Nicholson - I'm a psychology professor and, courtesy of your post, we will be discussing this in class today. Very interesting stuff. Off the record (well, out of class lecture anyway) this doesn't bother me and I see it as a useful story telling tool. For the sake of an interesting discussion this afternoon, however, I'll just pose a few questions and see what the students think. I doubt they were expecting a discussion on MW2 today...
Good lord, that's just as gut wrenching as I'd expected it to be.
The ending is quite jarring as well...
Huh. Well, now that I've seen it, I guess I don't have to play it should I ever rent this game.
Despite the position you take in this level, I find it terribly disturbing on what you do anyway. I know that you also get to fight a defense unit, but I wanted the player to shoot Marakov in the head all the time the camera was behind him while he was not aware.
I know this is fiction, I know this is not going to turn children and teenagers into terrorists, but I still do not please the feature in it.
I appreciate the brave move on doing something like it, but I feel like it was not entirey necessary.
Woah... That was something else. The ending... I kind of saw it coming, knowing Infinity Ward and it tendency to not only kill off your fellow soldiers but you as well, I was guessing that was a possible outcome of this mission.
Either way Ill likely end up skipping this specific mission when I get MW2.
Stopped watching this at the three minute mark. While I could have skipped over the story - I AM sick of hearing about this game - I did want too see what the fuss had been about.
After seeing it, I feel sorry for anyone that tries to defend it as artistic expression.
hmmm. since i havnt played the game yet i cant say for sure, but does anything up to this point even hint to this or the CIA agent or them going to an airport for a specific reason? like if this level wasnt in the game would it have changed the story at all?
cause a level where you play as 1 guy for 1 level and are killed at the end no matter what you do, seems like it was done for the shock factor and thats it. even adding in the option to not play it at all just confirms it.
in a way its a good thing , games need to push the envelopes like movies, books and everything else does. and yes lots of other games have innocents being killed.
but with all recent events in the past few years going on its kinda in bad taste. it seemed a little to drawn out as well. and did it have to be an airport? if they walked through a town and did this it would be less controversial dont you think?
but like i said i havnt played it yet so i dont know.
@Fetus
I see what you're saying. Like others, I feel it would have been twice as effective if you couldn't skip it. It was kind of a cop out on Infinity Ward's part to sell more copies: they wanted to have their cake, and eat it too.
Watching this really makes me wish that I hadn't watched the leaked video. Coming from an informed perspective, I can view the level from a different mindset. I "get" what they're trying to do (even if I'm still not sure it's in good or bad taste).
I really do wonder what it would have been like to walk into this level, unaware that it existed, and experiencing it as it happened. I mean, it's harsh to watch now. Would I have just turned the game off? I'm not sure.
Video games, for better or worse, since Mortal Kombat have managed to display all forms or horror. However, I'm a firm believer that video games are art and we don't tend to scoff as readily at these types of ideas in film or other media. Frankly the double standard always rubbed me the wrong way and more so now, considering in MW2 you at least have some options. 1)You don't HAVE to play the level at all, whereas in a movie at the theater for example, you can't just choose to skip a scene you may find offensive. 2)In context, the level appears to be designed to illustrate the horrors of terrorism and doesn't penalize you for not pulling the trigger- at least you have a choice. I'm fine with the level and think despite the grisly subject matter, Infinity Ward handled it well.
has anyone tried to shoot the bad guys? can you throw grenades in the airport? what about running ahead of them and melee one of the people. or do they just kill them so fast you cant get close enough?
I can see what point they tried to make with this level. I can also see the controversy surrounding it too. I mean, I doubt America wants to bee seen as mindless killers just to get rid of a greater evil. The ending of it, however, was very well done though. Indeed shocking.
Watched 5 minutes, got bored. Stopped watching. I have no feelings towards this game whatsoever, which is wierd considering I enjoyed the first game. I just can't get excited for this game at all.
Major plot point in the game, and making it a playable level was probably the most effective way to get the point across. I think they did a brave move by including it. Unfortunately I think it will be taken out of context way too much.
Does anyone else think it's kind of cowardly to make this level in a Russian airport? I feel like they think that if it's all Russians you kill, it's not as bad.
looked through comments,
---
bunnymud at 11/10/2009 10:54
I raged at first...until I realized it was a Russian airport.
---
see what I mean?
Is it me or whoever is playing (Brad) seems to enjoy shooting people crawling away a little too much? Don't get me wrong, I'm probably gonna do the same thing, but that's how I know he's enjoying it :P
Very gratuitous, but I found it awesome nonetheless. Its the equivalent if kicking over a bucket of water and turning your head to whistle while some poor child skids across the floor to a bloody death. Yet, I see myself playing this over and over again. Regardless of the intention, mutherfukkin WIN!!
I'd like to hear from critics and supporters from areas where this is a frequent reality rather than the insane 'every couple of years' exception these truly horrible events have been in North America and Western Europe.
As for my personal experience with the level, I was enthralled and horrified. My personal policy became executing virtual citizens which appeared to be suffering particularly badly and unnecessarily reloading my LMG because it ate up precious seconds wherein I was not killing innocents.
Interestingly, my last few moments of "No Russian" differed a little because the freedom of movement Infinity Ward grants you means that Makarov shot me in the BACK of the head as I was checking the group's six. I never saw the gun that took my character out, I was just on the ground, bleeding out in an instant.
@The Silent Protagonist
"After seeing it, I feel sorry for anyone that tries to defend it as artistic expression."
Thank you for pitying me. All my life, I've hated myself for enjoying games who attempt to expand the boundaries of what games can be, and all I've ever wanted is sympathy for my horrible condition of critically analyzing stories that I view, read, hear, or play. Thank you for realizing that I'm merely a poor peon, incapable of realizing my own retardedness.
WTF didn't your guy just shoot Makarov in the back of the head while following him the whole time if he's such a huge badguy? Stupid politics and bullcrap heroes.
Yeah... after watching this... They really can't tell a story.
Makarov is the head of a terrorist organization. Leaders don't rush head long into battle. If this where real, he'd be sitting back on the sidelines giving orders.
But, putting the level in context, it makes more sense. they also should have had branching levels, where in if you kill more people, you get a different ending then if you just hang back and don't shot anyone.
And another thing. Makarov hardly shot anyone in that level. He's a puss.
*Spoiler* basically, this level makes the rest of the story viable. after this happens, the russians invade america and both people that you play are at it from two different perspectives and objectives.
i still think this level is awesome because it puts you in a probably situation that most undercover agents have to go through. and once you see how everything is tied in.. you just step back and go holy shit....
I'm renting it to play it for myself, then I'll form a full opinion. As of now I don't think very highly of it. I understand it and what it is meant to do. It just seems to me that they are hiding behind the idea of attempting to push games forward when really they are just using shock tactics to stir up attention via controversy.
I feel like if they really wanted to push games forward they wouldn't have made it optional. How can it be so important and groundsbreaking and be optional at the same time? There weren't optional scenes in saving private ryan or schindlers list. I feel like they made it optional because they knew they ddnt handel it with enough care or tact. If you do it right it doesn't need to be optional.
At least that's how I feel now. It's do in from gamefly tomorrow so I will probably do a blog about my final thoughts after playing it.
Well here is where I stand on this. Yes this is artistic expression in games and it is very gruesome (hence the 18+ tag on the box). Violence of this magnitude is expressed through comics and movies and even musical lyrics throughout the times, at times at an even greater extent.
For example back in '01 I was introduced to The Watchmen and read it all in the course of a week. (SPOILER) The scene where the nuke went off in NYC was, at the time, one of the most horrifying pieces of work I've laid hands on but it was generally accepted within the comic book settings. Even movies like Rambo, which makes it buck off of scenes of torture, decapitation and mowing down crowds of people still get by because it's an accepted medium.
I believe that eventually this will all blow over and in the future violence in video games won't be the talk of the talk.
so, this is the first game where you can kill civilians, right?
or is it because of the words "Airport" and "terrorists"?
But don't get me wrong, i always try to reduce civilian casualties when i play Videogames. I Really can't understand the controversy that much. :/
Had a great twist at the end, though :D
I'm awestruck. This was far better then I had imagined. Kudos to IW for making this level. Sure I'm still boicotting the game because they shafted PC users.
But the way they managed to show how grusome mankind can be astounded me...
Amazing. The first half of the level was slow, sustained, and absolutely horrifying; when the scripted event for the list of Arrivals and Departures to change as the player headed down the stairs, my only reaction was to mutter "Jesus."
I get the sense that this is a crucial plot point, and the decision of whether to include it as a playable level ultimately rested with Infinity Ward, so in that regard I don't have much of an opinion. I will, however, say that the idea's execution was brilliantly handled. One of the more uncomfortable moments I've ever seen in a game, and specifically because of how sensitive they were to how it was portrayed.
"As for my personal experience with the level, I was enthralled and horrified. My personal policy became executing virtual citizens which appeared to be suffering particularly badly and unnecessarily reloading my LMG because it ate up precious seconds wherein I was not killing innocents. "
That's funny; I did the exact same thing. I just put a bullet in the one's who couldn't even move, ending their suffering.
This scene is one of the more moving things in video gaming. It definitely goes for shock value, but that is the point. The idea of men walking around shooting innocents is one thing, but participating is unheard of, and honestly pretty bold for Infinity Ward to do. I loved the level, and the end of it is a fantastic catalyst for the rest of the campaign.
I don't see this as wrong. Disturbing, yes, but wrong...no.
To anyone who complains about this, you are absolutely fooling yourself. It is ridiculous that anyone complains about this, simply because they are feed an incredibly hideous amount of bullshit, most of it coming from conservative assholes.
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
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Contest:
10:20 AM on 11.10.2009
| 
I'd avoided spoilers for over a month about this "controversial" material, literally just got the package from Fed-Ex and popped it in, and you front page this bullshit now?! Unbelievable!
Um, they said there are spoilers within, yet you kept watching and reading. Your choice to spoil, you could have avoided this entirely. Weirdo.
Will get to it, will probably shoot civilians, will probably enjoy it, however I won't spoil it by watching this video.
thanks anyway like.
The ending is quite jarring as well...
Huh. Well, now that I've seen it, I guess I don't have to play it should I ever rent this game.
I know this is fiction, I know this is not going to turn children and teenagers into terrorists, but I still do not please the feature in it.
I appreciate the brave move on doing something like it, but I feel like it was not entirey necessary.
Either way Ill likely end up skipping this specific mission when I get MW2.
After seeing it, I feel sorry for anyone that tries to defend it as artistic expression.
cause a level where you play as 1 guy for 1 level and are killed at the end no matter what you do, seems like it was done for the shock factor and thats it. even adding in the option to not play it at all just confirms it.
in a way its a good thing , games need to push the envelopes like movies, books and everything else does. and yes lots of other games have innocents being killed.
but with all recent events in the past few years going on its kinda in bad taste. it seemed a little to drawn out as well. and did it have to be an airport? if they walked through a town and did this it would be less controversial dont you think?
but like i said i havnt played it yet so i dont know.
I see what you're saying. Like others, I feel it would have been twice as effective if you couldn't skip it. It was kind of a cop out on Infinity Ward's part to sell more copies: they wanted to have their cake, and eat it too.
Seriously though....shock value is the worst gimmick in the book
I really do wonder what it would have been like to walk into this level, unaware that it existed, and experiencing it as it happened. I mean, it's harsh to watch now. Would I have just turned the game off? I'm not sure.
You can pause any time after the start of the level and skip it.
Personally, it was a little hard to take. But made it through till the end.
Just me then?
looked through comments,
---
bunnymud at 11/10/2009 10:54
I raged at first...until I realized it was a Russian airport.
---
see what I mean?
As for my personal experience with the level, I was enthralled and horrified. My personal policy became executing virtual citizens which appeared to be suffering particularly badly and unnecessarily reloading my LMG because it ate up precious seconds wherein I was not killing innocents.
Interestingly, my last few moments of "No Russian" differed a little because the freedom of movement Infinity Ward grants you means that Makarov shot me in the BACK of the head as I was checking the group's six. I never saw the gun that took my character out, I was just on the ground, bleeding out in an instant.
"After seeing it, I feel sorry for anyone that tries to defend it as artistic expression."
Thank you for pitying me. All my life, I've hated myself for enjoying games who attempt to expand the boundaries of what games can be, and all I've ever wanted is sympathy for my horrible condition of critically analyzing stories that I view, read, hear, or play. Thank you for realizing that I'm merely a poor peon, incapable of realizing my own retardedness.
Get off your fucking high horse.
Makarov is the head of a terrorist organization. Leaders don't rush head long into battle. If this where real, he'd be sitting back on the sidelines giving orders.
But, putting the level in context, it makes more sense. they also should have had branching levels, where in if you kill more people, you get a different ending then if you just hang back and don't shot anyone.
And another thing. Makarov hardly shot anyone in that level. He's a puss.
i still think this level is awesome because it puts you in a probably situation that most undercover agents have to go through. and once you see how everything is tied in.. you just step back and go holy shit....
I feel like if they really wanted to push games forward they wouldn't have made it optional. How can it be so important and groundsbreaking and be optional at the same time? There weren't optional scenes in saving private ryan or schindlers list. I feel like they made it optional because they knew they ddnt handel it with enough care or tact. If you do it right it doesn't need to be optional.
At least that's how I feel now. It's do in from gamefly tomorrow so I will probably do a blog about my final thoughts after playing it.
For example back in '01 I was introduced to The Watchmen and read it all in the course of a week. (SPOILER) The scene where the nuke went off in NYC was, at the time, one of the most horrifying pieces of work I've laid hands on but it was generally accepted within the comic book settings. Even movies like Rambo, which makes it buck off of scenes of torture, decapitation and mowing down crowds of people still get by because it's an accepted medium.
I believe that eventually this will all blow over and in the future violence in video games won't be the talk of the talk.
or is it because of the words "Airport" and "terrorists"?
But don't get me wrong, i always try to reduce civilian casualties when i play Videogames. I Really can't understand the controversy that much. :/
Had a great twist at the end, though :D
This mission is the catalyst for every major plot the game touches on.
But the way they managed to show how grusome mankind can be astounded me...
I get the sense that this is a crucial plot point, and the decision of whether to include it as a playable level ultimately rested with Infinity Ward, so in that regard I don't have much of an opinion. I will, however, say that the idea's execution was brilliantly handled. One of the more uncomfortable moments I've ever seen in a game, and specifically because of how sensitive they were to how it was portrayed.
That's funny; I did the exact same thing. I just put a bullet in the one's who couldn't even move, ending their suffering.
This scene is one of the more moving things in video gaming. It definitely goes for shock value, but that is the point. The idea of men walking around shooting innocents is one thing, but participating is unheard of, and honestly pretty bold for Infinity Ward to do. I loved the level, and the end of it is a fantastic catalyst for the rest of the campaign.
To anyone who complains about this, you are absolutely fooling yourself. It is ridiculous that anyone complains about this, simply because they are feed an incredibly hideous amount of bullshit, most of it coming from conservative assholes.
This is a game. GET OVER IT!!!