When players control Private Allen in "No Russian," they aren't playing a hero. They are playing the fuse to a bomb. In the end, Joseph Allen isn't remembered for his bravery in the streets of Afghanistan. He is remembered as the American who shot up an airport. That irony—that injustice—is the dark heart of Modern Warfare 2 .
Makarov leaves Allen’s body at the scene, carefully ensuring that the Russian authorities identify the dead terrorist as a —Joseph Allen. The Fallout: World War III Allen’s death is the detonator for the game’s central conflict. The Russian government finds an American soldier’s body lying amidst the corpses of hundreds of their citizens. They conclude, logically, that the United States government orchestrated the massacre. call of duty modern warfare 2 joseph allen
Unlike Soap or Price, Allen gets no revenge. He gets no heroic last stand. He simply becomes a piece of evidence. His death serves two masters: Makarov, who uses him to ignite a world war, and Shepherd, who uses that war to justify his own private army. When players control Private Allen in "No Russian,"
Within hours, Russia launches a full-scale, surprise invasion of the United States East Coast. Soldiers are dropping into Virginia suburbs. The U.S. Army is fighting on home soil. The Russian Airborne begins a march on Washington, D.C. He is remembered as the American who shot up an airport
As a player, you are inside Allen’s head. You have no choice but to walk through the terminal, watching innocents fall. Allen’s internal conflict is palpable—he is a soldier sworn to protect life, yet he must participate in atrocity to maintain his cover. His only solace is Shepherd’s promise: “To get Makarov, you have to be Makarov.” Allen survives the airport shootout, fighting through waves of Russian SWAT and FSB. He makes it to the getaway car. He thinks he has succeeded. As he climbs into the vehicle, Makarov turns to him, calm and cold.
"Your Lieutenant Shepherd… sends his regards."