Do You Play as Roach in MW2? Unraveling the Mysteries of a Silent Protagonist
Yes, you play as Sergeant Gary “Roach” Sanderson in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered. Roach is a key playable character in the game, a British member of Task Force 141, operating under the command of Captain John “Soap” MacTavish. While he doesn’t speak, Roach’s actions are central to the narrative, particularly during the Russian invasion of the United States in 2016. You’ll experience some of the game’s most intense moments through his eyes.
The Silent Hero: Understanding Roach’s Role
Roach stands out for his silence. Unlike many video game protagonists, he never utters a word, making his actions all the more impactful. His role involves infiltrating enemy territory, gathering intel, and participating in high-stakes operations. His missions are crucial for advancing the story, even if he’s not verbally driving the narrative. Roach experiences all of the same things as the other characters, but with no dialog.
Roach’s Missions and Importance
Throughout the Modern Warfare 2 campaign, you’ll control Roach in various missions, which are:
- Cliffhanger: Infiltrating a Russian airbase in the Tian Shan mountains to retrieve an ACS module.
- Takedown: Searching for Alejandro Rojas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- The Hornet’s Nest: Evading pursuing militia in Rio de Janeiro.
- Wolverines!: Fighting against the Russian invasion in the suburbs of the USA.
- Exodus: Securing a safehouse for American civilians in the suburbs of the USA.
- The Only Easy Day… Was Yesterday: Raiding an oil rig to rescue hostages and secure valuable information.
- Contingency: Assaulting a Russian submarine base in the Petropavlovsk.
- Second Sun: Investigating the aftermath of a nuclear attack in Washington D.C..
- Whiskey Hotel: Fighting through hordes of Russian invaders in Washington D.C.
- Loose Ends: Raiding Makarov’s safehouse in Georgia, securing the DSM.
- The Enemy of My Enemy: Infiltrating a Russian oil plant to get Makarov’s location.
Roach’s Tragic Fate
Roach’s story culminates in a tragic betrayal. After successfully retrieving the DSM (Data Storage Module) containing vital information, he and Ghost are betrayed by General Shepherd, who shoots them both and burns their bodies. This shocking event is a pivotal moment in the game’s narrative, highlighting the themes of betrayal and the dark side of war.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Roach in MW2
1. Is Roach the only playable character in Modern Warfare 2?
No. While Roach is a primary playable character, you also play as Private James Ramirez of the Army Rangers, and briefly as Captain MacTavish (Soap) later in the campaign. The game alternates between these characters to provide different perspectives on the unfolding conflict.
2. Why doesn’t Roach speak in Modern Warfare 2?
Roach’s silence is a design choice. It’s thought that the developers chose to make him silent, which is fairly common in FPS games, allowing players to better immerse themselves in the role. Despite the silence, players still feel a connection to the character.
3. What is Task Force 141, and what is Roach’s role within it?
Task Force 141 is a multi-national special operations unit, led by Captain John “Soap” MacTavish and featuring key members like Ghost and Roach. Roach is a Sergeant and field operative, tasked with carrying out dangerous missions to gather intelligence and combat enemy forces.
4. How does Roach die in Modern Warfare 2?
Roach is killed by General Shepherd after successfully retrieving the DSM. Shepherd betrays Roach and Ghost, shooting them both at point-blank range and then burning their bodies to cover up his treachery.
5. What is the significance of the DSM that Roach retrieves?
The DSM (Data Storage Module) contains critical information about Makarov’s operations and Shepherd’s involvement. Its retrieval is a major objective of Task Force 141, but the data ultimately leads to the team’s betrayal.
6. Who is General Shepherd, and why does he betray Roach?
General Hershel von Shepherd III is the main antagonist of Modern Warfare 2. He betrays Task Force 141 to solidify his own power and influence, seeking to become a war hero by manipulating events and covering up his own misdeeds.
7. What is the mission “No Russian,” and how does it relate to the overall story?
“No Russian” is a controversial mission where you participate in a mass shooting at a Russian airport as Joseph Allen, an undercover CIA agent working with Makarov. Makarov later kills Allen to frame the attack as an American operation, inciting a war between Russia and the United States.
8. What is Soap’s rank in Modern Warfare 2, and what is his relationship with Roach?
In Modern Warfare 2, John “Soap” MacTavish is a Captain and the commanding officer of Task Force 141. Roach is a Sergeant serving under his command. Soap trusts Roach to get the job done.
9. What are some of the most memorable missions where you play as Roach?
Some of the most memorable missions include “Cliffhanger,” where you infiltrate a Russian airbase in the mountains, and “Loose Ends,” where you raid Makarov’s safehouse to retrieve the DSM.
10. Is there any dialogue from Roach in Modern Warfare 2?
No, Roach is a silent protagonist. However, he does let out a yell if you fall off a cliff during the “Cliffhanger” mission, marking one of the few times the character makes any sound.
11. How old are cockroaches?
According to studies, Cockroaches are ancient. It is believed that cockroaches originated more than 280 million years ago in the Carboniferous era.
12. In MW2, who does Makarov shoot in “No Russian”?
At the end of the level, Makarov kills Allen.
13. Who are the new protagonists in MW2?
The central protagonists of the game are Task Force 141, a multi-national special operations unit formed by SAS Captain John Price, comprising: Sergeant Kyle “Gaz” Garrick, Lieutenant Simon “Ghost” Riley, and Sergeant John “Soap” MacTavish.
14. Why is Kyle called Gaz?
According to Captain Price, Kyle is nicknamed “Gaz” because he doesn’t say much.
15. Who betrayed Ghost and Soap in MW2?
General Shepherd betrays Ghost and Roach.
The Enduring Appeal of Modern Warfare 2
Despite being released over a decade ago, Modern Warfare 2 remains a fan favorite. Its intense action, compelling story, and memorable characters contribute to its enduring appeal. Roach, as a silent but vital protagonist, plays a significant role in this legacy. He reminds us of the cost of war and the sacrifices made by those who serve.
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