Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is now available for both the PC and the PlayStation 4. This brutal tactical turn-based game is based on the multi-award-winning Netflix series Narcos. Nintendo Switch owners don't have to worry as they get the chance to choose their side when Rise of the Cartels releases on the platform tomorrow, November 21. Meanwhile, Xbox One players need to wait a bit more as they can join the war on Friday, November 22.
Narcos: Rise of the Cartels focuses on the first season of the show and offers two unique campaigns that gives players different perspectives on the infamous 80s drug war. Players can choose to work as the DEA with Agent Murphy or build and expand the narcotics empire of the Medellin Cartel under the watchful eyes of none other than El Patrón.
The game offers turn-based tactical strategy and combines it with brutal real-time combat. There are typically no right choices, and each choice is sure to have lasting consequences. If you lose a member of your team in a fight, for example, they're gone for good. Players can move one unit per turn and need to think fast and come up with new strategies in order to retain control of the battlefield.
Key features of the game include:
- Based on the hit Netflix Series: At the core of this game is authenticity. In addition to the game experience, Narcos: Rise of the Cartels offers many of the iconic and recognizable characters from the show. The different characters are available to control and play with each offering unique gameplay opportunities.
- Every war has two sides: The game offers two campaigns letting players see the war for each side. Siding with the DEA gives you the opportunity to bring down the cartel. Choosing the Narcos allows you to expand the drug empire.
- Fast-paced tactical combat: The game takes tactical combat to a whole different new level. Units have the ability to move individually one after another or multiple times in one turn. This means the pace is always guaranteed to be constantly ramping up. Players need to plan their actions as their choices have lasting consequences.
- Counteract and Kill-shot: Despite offering turn-based combat mechanics, the gameplay is unique in that it lets players take third-person control of units in order to engage enemies directly and provide the opportunity to deal critical damage at optimal moments.
Curve Digital Chief Executive Officer Dominic Wheatley shared in a press statement that Narcos remains to be one of the biggest hits on Netflix and is in fact a personal favorite. Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is sure to appeal not only to gamers, but also fans of the show as it offers an interactive feel combined with the authentic feel of the series. Wheatley went on to say that it puts players "right in the action" especially with "the characters, the storyline and the history of the cartels are all there."
