Call of Duty: Roads to Victory, released on March 14, 2007, for the PlayStation Portable (PSP), is a compelling first-person shooter that brings the intensity of World War II to handheld gaming. Developed by Amaze Entertainment and published by Activision, the game immerses players in multiple campaigns, allowing them to experience pivotal battles from the perspectives of American, British, and Canadian forces. For PSP and PlayStation Vita players, this title serves as a unique prelude to more modern entries like COD BO7, giving insight into the franchise’s evolution.
Story Mode: Three Campaigns, Countless Battles
One of the highlights of Roads to Victory is its diverse campaign structure. Players can choose between three national campaigns—American, British, and Canadian—each offering a unique perspective on World War II’s European Theater. Across these campaigns, the game features 14 distinct missions, providing variety and historical authenticity.
American Campaign
The American Campaign lets players step into the boots of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division. Key missions include:
- Altavilla – As Private Derrick Warren, players participate in the recapture of Altavilla, Italy, pushing German forces out of strategic positions.
- Scavenger Hunt – Battle at Sainte Mere Eglise, France, encountering heavily fortified German positions.
- Glider Crash – Control Private Jonathan Shepherd as his glider crashes near Carentan, requiring players to regroup and strategize with fellow soldiers.
- Lucky Thirteen & Nijmegen – Players defend B-24 Liberators from enemy aircraft and protect a convoy entering Nijmegen, Netherlands.
- Hunner Park & River Crossing – Tactical missions where players demolish Flak 88s and seize riverbank defenses.
Canadian Campaign
The Canadian Campaign places the player within the 1st Canadian Army during critical operations:
- Woensdrecht – Hold positions during the Battle of the Scheldt.
- Sloedam – Navigate tricky terrain while taking part in Operation Infatuate.
- Walcheren – Conquer heavily defended German positions on Walcheren Island.
- Reichswald – Escort a convoy while avoiding German Panzerschreck attacks.
British Campaign
The British Campaign allows players to experience airborne missions with the Parachute Regiment:
- Arnhem Fire & Arnhem Assault – Capture and defend the Arnhem Bridge from German counterattacks, including tank assaults.
- Rhine Crossing – Invade Hamminkeln, Germany, concluding a series of challenging and historically significant operations.
Plot Overview: From Italy to Germany
The game’s narrative is meticulously structured to give players a cinematic and tactical experience. Beginning in Italy with Private Derrick Warren, the story progresses through France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Each mission emphasizes teamwork, strategic positioning, and historically accurate objectives. Notably, the game allows players to experience the action from multiple soldier perspectives: Private Derrick Warren, Daniel Ferguson, Flight Officer Paul VanAtta, Sergeant Gerald Miller, Corporal Alan Bradshaw, and more. This multi-perspective storytelling adds depth to the player’s understanding of World War II’s complexity.
Weapons and Combat Mechanics
Weapons in Roads to Victory are divided between factions, each with unique unlock requirements and tactical advantages.
Coalition Faction
- Primary Weapons: M4 Carbine, MP5, MP7, M4A1 Red Dot Scope (unlockable), AA-12 (unlockable), P90 (unlockable), M249 SAW (unlockable).
- Secondary Weapons: USP sidearm.
- Campaign-only Weapons: M40A3, Browning M1919, M2 Browning machine gun, Minigun, FGM-148 Javelin, Flashbang.
Insurgency Faction
- Primary Weapons: AK-74 w/Grip, ARX-160, SPAS-12, Skorpion (unlockable), AN-94 (unlockable), AUG A3 (unlockable), MG4 (unlockable).
- Secondary Weapons: M9 sidearm.
- Campaign-only Weapons: RPG-7.
Miscellaneous Weapons
- Grenade: M67 grenade for all factions.
- Melee Weapon: Knife.
- Special Campaign Weapon: Explosive Tip Crossbow.
Players can strategically combine these weapons to suit their mission objectives. For instance, using the M4A1 with Red Dot Scope improves precision in convoy defense missions, while heavy weapons like the M249 SAW are essential for suppressing enemy positions during large-scale assaults.
Multiplayer and COD BO7 Connections
Although Roads to Victory was primarily designed for the PSP, its multiplayer elements foreshadow mechanics seen in later titles, including COD BO7. Players can engage in team-based skirmishes and use unlockable weapons to dominate their opponents. The tactical gameplay—cover usage, grenades, and weapon selection—lays the foundation for modern Call of Duty strategies, making this game a historical piece for understanding the franchise’s evolution.
Tips and Strategies
- Use Cover Effectively – Many missions rely on advancing under heavy fire. Use buildings, walls, and debris to minimize casualties.
- Switch Perspectives – Each campaign offers multiple soldier perspectives. Adapt your strategy based on available weapons and objectives.
- Unlock Weapons Early – Achieve kill milestones to unlock advanced weapons, especially for multiplayer.
- Coordinate in Convoy Missions – Protecting vehicles requires timing and teamwork; don’t rush ahead.
- Grenades Are Key – Flashbangs and M67 grenades can clear enemies from fortified positions efficiently.
Call of Duty: Roads to Victory is more than just a PSP spin-off; it’s a compact yet immersive introduction to World War II FPS gameplay. With multiple campaigns, a diverse weapon roster, and historically rich missions, the game offers both solo and multiplayer experiences. For fans looking to understand the evolution of COD BO7, Roads to Victory serves as a valuable stepping stone—demonstrating early handheld adaptations of the franchise’s signature mechanics while delivering intense, strategic, and historically grounded gameplay.
For players who have enjoyed the tactical depth and historical missions of Call of Duty: Roads to Victory, stepping into the modern world of COD BO7 offers an entirely new level of multiplayer action. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or experience cutting-edge maps and game modes, many gamers are now searching for ways to buy COD BO7 lobby access to jump straight into competitive matches and bring their strategic expertise from classic campaigns into today’s high-stakes online battles.
