Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's Passenger Mission Offers an Intense Thrill Ride Rivaling No Russian

Article Key Points

In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the infamous "No Russian" mission makes its return, involving players in a harrowing mass shooting incident at a Russian airport, irrespective of their choice to shoot civilians or not.

In Modern Warfare 3, the "Passenger" mission offers a unique perspective, allowing players to assume the role of an Urzikstan citizen aboard a plane. This individual is unwillingly compelled to wear a suicide-bomb vest, leading to a deeply intense and shocking act of violence.

The game's contentious missions, including this one, stimulate public discussions and fuel ongoing debates among fans. These controversies often overshadow any other issues surrounding the franchise's design and release schedule.

The Call of Duty franchise has been no stranger to controversies in the past two decades. From subpar ports to debates about loot boxes and criticism of the yearly release schedule, Call of Duty has always been the subject of intense discussions. However, it is not just the controversies surrounding the design of each game that sparks debates among fans, but also the actual content of the games. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has the potential to fuel these flames, as it attempts to carve out its own narrative path while incorporating familiar elements from the original Modern Warfare series. One notable element is the return of the antagonist Makarov, accompanied by a revamped version of the most contentious mission in Call of Duty's history.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's "Passenger" Puts a New Spin on No Russian

No Russian Is Still One of Call of Duty's Most Infamous Missions

The original "No Russian" mission in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 remains highly controversial within the franchise. In this mission, players assume the role of an undercover U.S. Army Ranger infiltrating Makarov's Ultranationalist cell. To gain favor with Makarov, players are involved in a mass shooting at a Russian airport.

Although players have the option to choose not to shoot civilians, Makarov and his men mercilessly gun down every person in their path. Merely walking through the mission without firing a single shot is deeply distressing, as countless innocent lives are brutally taken. No Russian quickly became a subject of debate in mainstream media outlets, and the controversy continues to this day, more than a decade later.

Modern Warfare 3's Passenger Puts a More Personal Twist on Things

While "Passenger," a mission in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, doesn't quite match the horrific reputation of No Russian, it does come very close. Sledgehammer made an intelligent decision to infuse a fresh twist into the general concept. In Passenger, players assume the role of an Urzikstan citizen aboard a plane bound for Russia. At the beginning of the mission, the protagonist is seen exchanging text messages with her husband, and her phone lock screen depicts a picture of her complete family.

In the next seat, a man inquiries about the woman's family, and things take a dark turn when he unveils his knowledge of her children's names. Shockingly, he brandishes a gun, divulging that he is aware of her previous involvement with the ULF, the group that opposed the Russians in Urzikstan. Compelled to defend herself, the woman seizes the weapon and takes down several terrorists before being apprehended once again. This time, she is escorted to the front of the aircraft, where she comes face to face with Makarov.

Makarov proceeds to outline his plan to the woman, explaining that he intends to manipulate her public image by framing her as a ULF freedom fighter. This involves detonating the plane, packed with innocent Russian citizens, to stoke the flames of his war. Coerced into wearing a suicide-bomb vest, the woman is callously thrown into the rear of the aircraft. This is where the shocking revelation in Modern Warfare 3's Passenger truly unfolds. Perceiving her as an imminent threat, the passengers reject her explanations and instantly pounce on her, resulting in their tragic demise in the ensuing explosion. While No Russian showcased a horrifying and jolting massacre, Passenger offers an even more gut-wrenching, intimate display of violence, one that is equally monstrous and potentially even more distressing.

Title: Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)

Franchise: Call of Duty, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: November 10, 2023

Developer(s): Sledgehammer Games

Publisher(s): Activision

Genre(s): First-Person Shooter

Editor's P/S

1. In the "Passenger" mission of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, players are given a unique and intense experience that rivals the infamous "No Russian" mission from the previous game. Taking on the role of an Urzikstan citizen aboard a plane, players are forced to wear a suicide vest and navigate a harrowing situation. The mission delivers a deeply personal and shocking act of violence that leaves a lasting impact.

2. The "Passenger" mission in Modern Warfare 3 is a powerful and thought-provoking experience that raises important questions about the nature of warfare and the consequences of our actions. By putting players in the shoes of a civilian caught up in a terrorist plot, the mission forces us to confront the harsh realities of conflict and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives. While some may find the mission disturbing or even offensive, it serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of fighting for peace.