It’s an interesting characterization to employ. Granted, I don’t actually speak Russian, but from what I’ve read, Heavy actually speaks good Russian. However, in English, he comes off as slow and a bit of an oaf. Are there any other games that employ different languages in order to more realistically portray characters?
EDIT because of a commenter’s suggestion:
The reason for his Russian portrayal to speak well is noted in other characterizations (in Poker Night), where he admitted receiving a PhD in Russian Literature. It’s a more realistic meta-characterization, and I find it kind of cool.
For example, if GTAV had Niko speak quietly and hesitantly, but then upon switching to his mother language spoke quickly and full of slang, that would be a very cool detail.
