Narcos: Rise of the Cartels

What it’s like

Narcos: Rise of the Cartels offers a dual-perspective retelling of the first season of the Netflix series, allowing players to command either the DEA or the Medellín cartel in a turn-based tactical framework. The experience is heavily anchored in its source material, featuring recognizable locations and iconic character archetypes that serve as the primary draw for fans. Visually, the game utilizes an isometric view with decent art direction that captures the gritty tone of the show, supported by audio that reinforces the dramatic atmosphere. However, the strategic layer feels superficial; combat encounters often devolve into repetitive targeting exercises without meaningful tactical depth or build variety. The narrative structure is linear and episodic, relying on cutscenes to bridge gameplay segments rather than integrating story through emergent mechanics. While it successfully recreates the mood of the series, the game functions more as a interactive slideshow of iconic moments than a robust strategy title.

Keep in mind The strategic gameplay lacks depth and can become repetitive quickly, making it unappealing to players seeking complex tactical systems or high replayability. Additionally, technical issues such as bugs and awkward camera angles may detract from the immersion for those expecting a polished simulation experience.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from pcgamer.com, metacritic.com, someawesome.com, cyberpowerpc.com, xboxtavern.com.