Did you watch Narcos on Netflix and think “I could deal drugs” but didn’t do anything about it? Good, because selling drugs is bad. Playing a game where you play as the cartel, however, is perfectly acceptable in today’s world. Well, mostly. Someone is bound to get triggered by it, but whatever.
Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is an upcoming turn-based strategy game by developer Kuju and publisher Curve Digital. It’s coming to PS4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch in “late 2019” as a digital release, with a physical boxed product coming in Q4 2019. That could mean early 2020 if you’re insistent on a physical copy.
The game takes players through the vents of the show’s first season, where you can either take the side of the Medelling Cartel and be a murderous bastard, or you can fight on the light side of the force for the DEA. Each side has its own campaign, which sounds pretty cool to me.
Personally, I’ve never watched the TV show, so I’m not sure what’s what. I’ve heard it’s a big deal, though, and I’m sure the game will find an audience. Perhaps the biggest obstacle will be the turn-based strategy; it’s something of a dying art and there aren’t that many available on consoles. That said, I’m hoping it turns out decent. I’m a fan of strategy games done right, so the more on PS4, the better.
There’s an action-packed trailer up above focusing on the DEA, and down below you’ll find an excerpt from the press release and a trailer for the Cartel:
“Based on the hit Netflix series from production company, Gaumont,, Narcos: Rise of the Cartels features iconic locations and characters from the show, offering players the chance to step into the criminal underworld alongside characters such as El Mexicano, Murphy, Peña, Primo and more – each with their own unique gameplay abilities and perks to help turn the tide of battle. Explore familiar scenery from the show and take a pivotal role in world-altering events that will define and shift the war on drugs.”
“Fans of turn-based strategy will experience an exhilarating new take on the genre, with units on both sides moving simultaneously and with innovative new mechanics that allow players to take direct third-person command over their units in critical moments. Form your team from a variety of class-specific roles, upgrade your skills and join leading characters on the path to dominance, but beware – your actions will have lasting consequences.”
