Narcos: Rise of the Cartels

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9
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  1. LaPS4
    Jan 6, 2020
    76
    Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is a game totally recommended for those gamers who have seen and enjoyed the Netflix series. However, as a product independent of any license, the title suffers from excessive simplicity and some inconsistencies that are denoted at the time of play. It is still fun, but in contrast to titles of this style, there are better options in the market.
  2. TheSixthAxis
    Nov 19, 2019
    70
    Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is a decently executed turn-based strategy title. Sure, sometimes it's a bit too easy, but when the enemy moves efficiently it become a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Just be warned that you'll grow attached to your squadmates, and hate if you lose them. This is for you, Ruiz!
  3. Hobby Consolas
    Nov 19, 2019
    65
    Narcos is a simple "tactics" game, which some fans of the Netflix series will enjoy because of an interesting use of the official license. After a few hours it gets repetitive, because of its lack of different maps.
  5. COGconnected
    Nov 22, 2019
    63
    Licensed games still get a bad rap these days and Narcos: Rise of the Cartels probably won’t convince the naysayers. But buried beneath the murky graphics and presentation is a pretty decent and entertaining turn-by-turn tactical game. It plays well and there’s a reasonable amount of strategizing to be had to win each combat scenario. Within the genre, however, it doesn’t do enough to make it a must-play but for fans of the show, it’s a fun but safe time killer.
  6. Metro GameCentral
    Nov 26, 2019
    60
    Part of the problem is clearly the budget, with low-tech visuals and poor sound quality, but that would’ve been a lot easier to forgive if the gameplay had been stronger. It’s not awful, and is a reasonable gateway game into other, better games, but the obvious danger is that if you’re unimpressed by the flawed experience of Narcos you might be even less likely to try out XCOM. And since nobody really expected a game based on Narcos to be any good, that would be the real tragedy here.
  7. PlayStation Country
    Nov 20, 2019
    60
    Nacos: Rise of the Cartels is a simpler XCOM. To a degree the simplification is to its detriment, but I still had fun with the lighter tactical elements, even if I missed some of the depth of its inspiration.
  8. Vandal
    Nov 20, 2019
    60
    This Netflix adaptation is one of those games made for fans of the series, as fans of the genre have much better options available.
  9. DarkStation
    Dec 18, 2019
    40
    For what it’s worth, I think the developers of Narcos were on the right track. They had a good idea that other games have nearly perfected, and tried to add their own twist to it. Sometimes those chances work out, giving us another way to play some of our favorite game types. This was not one of those times. Narcos tried to change the game. It just didn’t work.
  10. PlaySense
    Dec 2, 2019
    40
    Narcos: Rise of the Cartels could've used more polish. A lot more polish, in every department. Dumb AI, reused maps and a long list of gameplay errors will definitely put a damper on your enjoyment. Even true fans of the show should skip this.
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  1. Eurogamer
    Nov 21, 2019
    Though, admittedly, expectations might have been a little low, Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is surprising in all the right ways. Its loading screens offer a stunning blend of animation and FMV straight from the show, and while the in-game graphics don't quite share the same slick polish and the combat can feel a little stale, Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is a thoughtful, unusual take on Escobar's legacy. Yeah, I'm a bit surprised, too.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
3.0

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 12 out of 18
  1. StepHD
    Nov 30, 2019
    9
    For the type of game that it is, its fun, the right difficulty for strategy, and the price-quality its not overpriced, overall a good simpleFor the type of game that it is, its fun, the right difficulty for strategy, and the price-quality its not overpriced, overall a good simple game, a multiplayer feature would've been amazing!… Full Review »
  2. eduardocecconi
    Nov 28, 2021
    6
    Narcos is a good game for starters players, introducing turn-based tactical concepts. Obviously it lacks in budget to go forward, so there areNarcos is a good game for starters players, introducing turn-based tactical concepts. Obviously it lacks in budget to go forward, so there are limitations in the gameplay. Those who are experienced will quick finish the game and be bored, but it's not a wast of money if you see it in a sale. It can be fun in a Sunday afternoon, mainly if you like the Netflix series (as I do).… Full Review »
  3. MaorGadol
    Mar 30, 2021
    9
    This game isn't as difficult and complex as Wasteland series, but for me personally it's equally enjoyable. I was a huge fan of the NetflixThis game isn't as difficult and complex as Wasteland series, but for me personally it's equally enjoyable. I was a huge fan of the Netflix series, so I naturally like the game. I agree that some details could had been done better by the devs, but overall, it's a relaxing and pleasing game.… Full Review »
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