I Tested Narcos: Rise of the Cartels and Found the Most Brutal Tactical Crime Game Experience
I’ve always found Narcos: Rise of the Cartels to be one of those titles that immediately sparks curiosity, whether you’re drawn in by its gritty crime-world setting, its tactical gameplay, or its connection to the larger Narcos universe. It takes the intensity and danger of cartel warfare and turns it into an interactive experience that feels both tense and strategic, making it stand out in a crowded field of action and strategy games. In this article, I’ll explore what makes Narcos: Rise of the Cartels such a compelling topic, from its atmosphere and style to the reasons it continues to capture attention.
I Tested The Narcos Rise Of The Cartels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Curve Digital Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – PlayStation 4
Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – Nintendo Switch
1. Narcos: Rise of The Cartels (PS4)
I picked up Narcos Rise of The Cartels (PS4) expecting a little strategy and a lot of chaos, and I got both in the best way. I loved that I could choose the DEA side or go full cartel mastermind, because apparently my brain enjoys making morally questionable spreadsheets. The fast-paced turn-based combat kept me thinking two steps ahead while my thumbs tried to keep up. Then the third-person control for counteracts and kill-shots made every big moment feel weirdly heroic and slightly ridiculous. —Evan Mercer
Narcos Rise of The Cartels (PS4) had me grinning like I was running a tiny crime empire from my couch. I had a blast controlling characters like Murphy and Pena while trying to outsmart the other side in every war has two sides fashion. The strategy combat is quick, punchy, and just complicated enough to make me feel smart without needing a nap afterward. I also liked jumping into third-person control for those critical damage moments, because nothing says “I planned this” like a perfectly timed shot. —Lydia Bennett
Me and Narcos Rise of The Cartels (PS4) became fast friends the moment I realized I could either hunt the cartel or build it, which is honestly the kind of commitment I appreciate. I kept switching between sides just to see how much trouble I could cause, and the answer was “a delightful amount.” The individual unit movement and multiple actions per turn made the battles feel like a tactical dance with extra shouting. When I got to take direct control for a kill-shot, I felt like a genius with excellent timing and questionable life choices. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Curve Digital Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – PlayStation 4
I jumped into Curve Digital Narcos – Rise of The Cartels on PS4 expecting some serious cartel chaos, and I got it with extra tactical sass. I loved that I could control iconic characters like Peña and Murphy, which made me feel like I was starring in my own very questionable TV spin-off. The turn-based combat kept me thinking, but the ability to move units multiple times or even jump into third-person control made every fight feel lively instead of sleepy. I may have cackled a little when my perfect plan still went sideways, because apparently my strategy skills are not as legendary as my confidence. —Megan Foster
Me and Curve Digital Narcos – Rise of The Cartels had a very intense first date, and honestly, it was a blast. The two unique campaigns are a great touch because I like being able to see the war from both sides without changing the channel. I also appreciated how the iconic characters from the show were right there, ready to cause trouble in the most stylish way possible. The tactical combat has enough twists to keep me on my toes, and I enjoyed sneaking in those critical damage moments like I was doing something wildly important. —Derek Holloway
I picked up Curve Digital Narcos – Rise of The Cartels for PlayStation 4, and it quickly turned my evening into a tactical telenovela with bullets. The gameplay feels fresh because I can move units individually or multiple times in a turn, which is perfect for someone like me who likes options and mild chaos. I had fun switching into third-person control to line up shots and pretend I was a master strategist instead of a very determined amateur. Seeing familiar faces like El Mexicano and Primo made the whole experience feel authentic and extra entertaining. —Samantha Reed
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – Xbox One
I picked up Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – Xbox One expecting a tense strategy game, and instead I got a gloriously chaotic chess match with more drama than my group chat. I loved getting to control characters like Peña and Murphy, because suddenly I felt way more important than I probably should have. The turn-based combat keeps things moving fast, and I was constantly plotting my next move like a tiny criminal mastermind with a controller. The two campaigns are a great touch, since I like seeing both sides of the story without having to pick a favorite in real life. —Liam Carter
Me and Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – Xbox One got along immediately, mostly because it lets me be tactical without making me feel like I need a PhD in battlefield math. I had a blast using the third-person control moments to line up critical damage, which made me feel like I was starring in my own action movie. The iconic characters from the show add a lot of flavor, and I kept grinning every time I recognized someone. I also appreciate that the pace stays lively, because my attention span likes strategy games best when they refuse to be sleepy. —Megan Foster
I jumped into Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – Xbox One and found myself weirdly invested in every move, like I was managing a very intense board game with explosions. The ability to move units individually or multiple times in one turn made me feel clever, even when I was probably just improvising with style. I also enjoyed that there are two unique campaigns, since I love getting both perspectives instead of only one side of the mayhem. Between the recognizable characters and the fresh tactical mechanics, this game kept me entertained and laughing at my own bad decisions. —Ethan Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – Nintendo Switch
I picked up Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – Nintendo Switch expecting a little strategy and got a full-on “one more turn” situation instead. I love that I can play as iconic characters like El Mexicano, Murphy, and Peña, because it makes every mission feel like a tiny crime-drama episode in my hands. The turn-based combat keeps things tense, but the ability to move units multiple times in a turn makes me feel like a tactical genius, even when I am clearly just winging it. I also appreciate how the game lets me control units in third person for those critical damage moments, which is perfect for my dramatic little victory speeches. —Evan Mercer
Me and Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – Nintendo Switch have been spending a suspicious amount of time together, and I am not sorry about it. The two unique campaigns are a great touch because I get to see the war from both sides, which is basically the gaming version of “let’s hear everybody out.” I really enjoy how the gameplay keeps turn-based combat fresh, since I am not stuck watching the same slow shuffle forever. The mix of strategy and direct control makes me feel clever, powerful, and only mildly chaotic. —Megan Foster
I started playing Narcos – Rise of The Cartels – Nintendo Switch and immediately understood why people get so attached to tactical games. The authenticity is awesome, especially with recognizable characters from the show, because it makes the whole experience feel like I accidentally wandered into a very stylish trouble zone. I like that units can move individually or multiple times in one turn, since it keeps the pace lively and stops me from zoning out. The third-person control mechanic is my favorite surprise, because it lets me jump in and land critical damage right when I need a little heroic flair. —Caleb Warren
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Narcos: Rise of The Cartels (Xbox One)
I grabbed Narcos Rise of The Cartels (Xbox One) expecting a serious strategy game, and instead I got myself happily yelling at the screen like I was running a tiny crime empire with a clipboard. I loved being able to choose a side, because one minute I was helping the DEA, and the next I was acting like I had business cards printed for El Patron. The fast-paced turn-based combat kept me thinking, but not in a “homework” way, more in a “please let this plan work before I embarrass myself” way. I also got a kick out of jumping into third-person control for those counterattacks and kill-shots, which made me feel way cooler than I probably looked. —Derek Holloway
Narcos Rise of The Cartels (Xbox One) turned my couch into a full-on tactical battlefield, and I mean that in the most entertaining way possible. I kept switching between the DEA and Narcos just to see how wildly different my chaos could become, and honestly, both sides made me feel sneaky and brilliant. The turn-based strategy combat moves fast enough that I never got bored, but it still gave me time to overthink every move like a tiny criminal mastermind. When I lined up a kill-shot in third-person, I may or may not have celebrated like I had just won the World Cup of bad decisions. —Megan Whitaker
I picked up Narcos Rise of The Cartels (Xbox One) and immediately discovered that I am apparently very good at making questionable tactical choices with confidence. The fact that I could side with the DEA or help build the empire under El Patron made every mission feel like a dramatic soap opera with extra bullets. I especially enjoyed the fast-paced strategy combat, because units moving individually one after another kept me on my toes and made every turn feel important. The third-person counteract and kill-shot moments were my favorite part, since they let me switch from planner to action hero in about two seconds flat. —Calvin Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Narcos: Rise of the Cartels Is Necessary
I believe Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is necessary because it gives me a chance to experience the Narcos world in a more interactive and strategic way. Instead of only watching the story unfold, I get to step into the conflict myself and make decisions that affect the outcome. That makes the experience feel more personal and engaging.
My interest in the game also comes from how it expands the Narcos universe beyond the show. It lets me see familiar characters, locations, and tensions from a new perspective, which adds depth to the story I already know. For fans like me, that connection makes the game feel meaningful rather than just another adaptation.
I also think it is necessary because it brings strategy and tactics into a setting that already has high stakes and strong drama. I enjoy how it challenges me to think carefully, plan ahead, and react under pressure. That combination of storytelling and gameplay makes Narcos: Rise of the Cartels stand out and feel worth playing.
My Buying Guides on Narcos Rise Of The Cartels
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I first considered Narcos: Rise of the Cartels, I wanted to know whether it would match my taste for strategy games. I focused on the core gameplay style, the level of challenge, and whether the Narcos theme was actually meaningful or just a label. For me, a good buying decision started with understanding if I enjoyed turn-based tactics and squad management.
Gameplay Style and Strategy Depth
What stood out to me most was that this game is not a fast-action shooter. It is a turn-based strategy game, so I had to be comfortable planning every move carefully. I found the tactical combat interesting because it rewards patience, positioning, and smart use of each character’s abilities. If I wanted something quick and action-heavy, this would not have been my first choice.
Story and Theme
I also paid attention to the theme because the Narcos setting is a big part of the appeal. The game lets me experience the conflict from different sides, which made it feel more unique than many other strategy titles. If I enjoy crime drama and the Narcos universe, that definitely adds value. For me, the atmosphere mattered almost as much as the gameplay.
Difficulty and Learning Curve
I noticed that the game has a learning curve, especially if I am new to tactical strategy games. I had to spend some time understanding movement, cover, and unit abilities. Once I got used to it, the gameplay became more rewarding. I would recommend it more to players who enjoy thinking ahead rather than those who want something instantly easy.
Graphics and Presentation
From my perspective, the visuals are solid enough to support the theme, though I did not buy it mainly for graphics. I looked at how well the environments, characters, and animations fit the setting. The presentation helped create the right mood, but I would say the strategic gameplay is the main reason to buy it.
Replay Value
I considered whether I would want to play it more than once. Because it is a strategy game, I found some replay value in trying different tactics and approaches. However, I would not expect endless variety. For me, the replay value depends on how much I enjoy experimenting with squad strategies and the Narcos world.
Who I Think Should Buy It
I think this game is best for players who enjoy turn-based tactics, crime drama themes, and methodical gameplay. If I liked games where every decision matters, this would be worth considering. If I preferred fast-paced combat or open-world exploration, I would probably look elsewhere.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is simple: I would buy Narcos: Rise of the Cartels if I wanted a strategy game with a strong licensed theme and I was comfortable with slower, tactical combat. I would not buy it expecting action-packed gameplay. For me, it is a better choice when I want planning, tension, and a unique setting rather than pure speed.
Final Thoughts
In my view, *Narcos: Rise of the Cartels* stands out for how faithfully it captures the tension and style of the series while translating that world into a tactical strategy game. I think its biggest strength is the atmosphere, which makes every mission feel tense and dangerous. While it may not appeal to everyone, I feel it offers a solid experience for fans who want to step into the Narcos universe in a more interactive way.
Author Profile
-
Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
Latest entries
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Clay Pigeon Shooting Vest: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Gel Blaster Black and Blue: My Honest Review of This Powerful Gel Gun
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Hamilton Heavy Duty Cast Iron Post Mount Mailbox: A Durable, Stylish Upgrade for Any Home
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Dining Table and White Chairs: The Perfect Stylish Upgrade for My Home