Behind the Mask: The Story of Gary 'Roach' Sanderson in Call of Duty

Gary "Roach" Sanderson is one of the most memorable characters in the Call of Duty franchise. As the main playable character in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and its remastered version, Roach's story is filled with intense missions, high-stakes operations, and unforgettable moments.

His journey through the game's narrative showcases his bravery, skill, and loyalty as a Special Forces operator in Task Force 141.

The Beginnings: Operation Kingfish

Roach's story begins with his involvement in Operation Kingfish. This mission sees him working alongside legendary characters like John Price, John "Soap" MacTavish, Simon "Ghost" Riley, Sandman, and Derek "Frost" Westbrook.

The goal was to locate the notorious Makarov. Although Makarov wasn't found, the mission highlighted Roach's dedication and ability to work with elite soldiers. The extraction was perilous, and Price stayed behind, sacrificing his freedom to ensure the team's safety.

First Mission: Recovering the ACS

Roach makes his first appearance in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 during the mission "Cliffhanger." This mission is set in the harsh environment of Kazakhstan, where Roach and Captain MacTavish infiltrate a Russian-controlled airbase.

The mission starts with a nerve-wracking climb up an icy mountain, where Roach nearly falls to his death. This moment sets the tone for the high-tension gameplay that follows. The duo successfully retrieves a stolen ACS module and makes a dramatic escape on snowmobiles, showcasing Roach's resilience and quick thinking.

Capturing Alejandro Rojas in Rio De Janeiro

Shortly after the Kazakhstan mission, Task Force 141 heads to Rio De Janeiro to capture arms dealer Alejandro Rojas. This mission is a frenetic chase through the Favela, a dense and dangerous area filled with hostile militia. Roach and his team eventually capture Rojas, but not without facing significant challenges. Roach misses a critical jump to a helicopter and must navigate back to safety while being pursued by armed enemies. His determination and survival skills are put to the test as he finally makes a successful extraction.

Two-Stage Operation: Rescuing Prisoner #627

Task Force 141's next significant operation involves rescuing Prisoner #627, who is revealed to be Captain Price. This operation is divided into two stages. The first stage involves raiding a Russian oil rig to disable SAMs and ensure safe passage to the gulag. Roach and his team neutralize the hostiles and free the hostages before moving on to the second stage. The assault on the gulag is intense, with Roach playing a key role in freeing Price and escaping just as the facility is destroyed by U.S. Navy strikes.

Turning the Tide: Assault on the Submarine Base

After rescuing Price, Roach becomes a crucial part of Task Force 141's operations. One of the pivotal moments is the assault on a Russian submarine base. Here, Roach uses an MQ-1 Predator Drone to provide air support, allowing Price to board a submarine and execute a bold plan. Price launches a nuclear missile, creating an EMP blast over Washington, D.C. This strategic move helps the U.S. forces gain the upper hand in the ongoing war.

Infiltrating Makarov's Safehouse

With the tide turned in their favor, Task Force 141 shifts focus to eliminating Makarov. Roach and Ghost lead an attack on one of Makarov's safe houses on the Georgian-Russian border. The mission is fraught with danger, and many team members are lost. Roach, Ghost, and a few others manage to infiltrate the safe house and gather critical intelligence. However, as they head to the extraction point, Roach is wounded by a mortar strike and nearly loses consciousness.

The Betrayal and Death of Roach

The mission takes a dark turn when General Shepherd, who was initially their ally, betrays Roach and Ghost. Upon confirming they have secured the DSM, Shepherd shoots both of them and leaves them to burn. This shocking betrayal marks a tragic end for Roach.

In the remastered version, Roach's final moments are depicted with more detail, showing his disbelief and struggle as Shepherd takes the DSM.

Legacy in Call of Duty: Mobile

Roach's legacy extends beyond Modern Warfare 2. He appears as a playable character in Call of Duty: Mobile, particularly in the mission "A Bigger Explosion" during Season 8: 2nd Anniversary and again in Season 4: Wild Dogs.

Roach Skin Call of Duty: Mobile (credits: Call of Duty: Mobile // Activision // Reddit)

These appearances, along with his role in the comics, keep his story alive for fans of the series. Roach's efficiency and combat skills are repeatedly highlighted, earning him the respect of his peers and the admiration of players.

The character and integrity of Roach

Throughout his missions, Roach faced numerous life-threatening situations. In Kazakhstan, he narrowly escaped death while retrieving the stolen ACS module, a mission that underscored his determination and physical prowess. His relentless pursuit of Alejandro Rojas through the Favela in Rio De Janeiro demonstrated his tenacity and quick thinking, even when faced with overwhelming odds and limited resources.

The assault on the submarine base further showcased Roach's tactical skills and his ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations. Using the MQ-1 Predator Drone, he provided crucial air support that enabled Price to execute a plan that significantly altered the course of the war. This mission exemplified Roach's importance in high-stakes operations and his ability to contribute effectively to complex military strategies.

Roach's final mission, infiltrating Makarov's safehouse, ended in betrayal and tragedy. Despite gathering valuable intelligence and surviving a mortar strike, Roach's trust in General Shepherd led to his untimely death. Shepherd's betrayal, marked by the cold-blooded murder of Roach and Ghost, added a profound sense of loss and injustice to his story. Roach's final moments, particularly in the remastered version, poignantly capture his disbelief and struggle, adding depth to his character and highlighting the brutal realities of war.

Conclusion

Gary "Roach" Sanderson's story in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a tale of bravery, loyalty, and ultimate sacrifice. His missions, from the icy cliffs of Kazakhstan to the chaotic streets of Rio De Janeiro, showcase his resilience and skill. Even after his tragic death, Roach's legacy continues in the Call of Duty universe, cementing his place as one of the franchise's most iconic characters.

Roach's impact on the Call of Duty franchise is undeniable. His journey through intense and perilous missions, his unwavering loyalty to his team, and his ultimate sacrifice resonate deeply with fans. His character embodies the essence of a true hero, making Gary "Roach" Sanderson one of the most iconic figures in the Call of Duty series. His story is a testament to the bravery and dedication of those who fight behind the scenes, often at great personal cost. Roach's legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in the pursuit of justice and peace.

Even after his tragic death, Roach's legacy continues in the Call of Duty universe. His appearances in Call of Duty: Mobile, especially in missions like "A Bigger Explosion" and the comics, keep his memory alive. These stories further develop his character, showing his efficiency and prowess in combat, and earning him the admiration of both his in-game peers and the players.

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Featured Image Credits: Call of Duty // Activision