Call of Duty, like Grand Theft Auto, has become renowned as a series that pushes the boundaries of what is considered to be acceptable. In every recent Call of Duty title, there's at least one scene that seems to want to cause controversy, but none have topped the most infamous scene of all. No Russian is a level in Modern Warfare 2 and it drew massive criticism for allowing the player to essentially commit acts of terrorism. The mission features the player character undercover among a group of Russian terrorists as they slaughter innocent civilians in Zakhaev International Airport; the player is given a weapon to join in, though notably, there's no punishment for not doing so. Instead, you are simply free to walk through the level in horror at the atrocities being committed and that was Infinity Ward's goal all along with No Russian. Yes, the more nihilistic player may open fire on civilians as well (or are they simply keeping their cover in the middle of an undercover operation?) but really, this level is designed to showcase the extreme measures that this particular group of terrorists are willing to go to. Really, No Russian is about villainising Makarov and his comrades; it isn't intended to be something fun and enjoyable. Ultimately, the controversy lies in the decision to make this level playable; the massacre could be shown as a cutscene and still shock. However, there's something amazingly brutal about witnessing the events first hand through a character; it's the sort of moment that only a video game can really capture. No Russian isn't about unleashing the player on an airport of innocent civilians; it's designed to ensure the player wants to prevent further tragedies within the Modern Warfare universe.
I have an addiction to achievements, a craving for new bands and a dream to become Captain America. I once finished second in a Mario Kart 7 tournament so I'm kind of a big deal.
