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Cartel Tycoon twists my moral compass. I’ve been taught that drugs are bad, and every community suffers because of them. Mr Mackey continually tells us that “Drugs are bad, mmkay!”. Accordingly, when we have to become a drug kingpin, I’m not sure how I feel. On the one hand, it’s nice to do something naughty and underhand. Yet, on the other hand, I’ve sold my virtual soul to the devil, and I’m not sure if there is any way back!
This strategy simulation game was developed by Moon Mouse and published by tinyBuild. Furthermore, it is a single-player experience set in a fictional South American location. This approach was a little strange as the drug trade and South America isn’t a secret. Yet, I guess the fictional world allows the developer some creative licence. Thankfully, they took full advantage of this opportunity as the story and vibrant environment contest.
Cartel Tycoon breaks the mould.
Simulation games rarely deliver a captivating story. Instead, they let you lose yourself in real-world problems and some of the most random jobs possible. Luckily, Cartel Tycoon breaks the mould. Alongside the fantastic gameplay, you’ll experience an exceptional and fulfilling story. Moreover, there are some fascinating characters and the light-hearted dialogue breaks up the sense of doom and gloom.
You play the part of the son of a cartel boss. He is fed up with your waster ways, and he wishes you to prove yourself. Consequently, you and your uncle must work together to create an unstoppable cartel that places everything else in its shadows. Yet, this dream isn’t easy to achieve. Gang wars, the police, the CIA, bribery, and betrayal are issues that you must deal with as you make your way to the top.
Humble beginnings.
The action unfolds with a pleasant and well-timed tutorial. This mellow chapter lets you familiarise yourself with the key protagonists and the core mechanics. Moreover, you get a sense of the humour and what is required from you. Once you complete this lengthy but well-paced option, you have 3 core story segments to undertake. Though this doesn’t sound a lot, there is plenty of depth, and you get great value for money.
At first, you have no manufacturing facilities, no distribution centre, and no leverage with the mayor or the police. Furthermore, there are other gangs to deal with, and you have no reputation to fall back on. Luckily, things quickly change as you build some opium farms and create a distribution network. However, as you expand, you have bigger problems to deal with.
Dirty money is tough to manage and everyone wants a piece of the pie. Moreover, betrayal and idiotic gangs stand between you and complete domination. Subsequently, you must use your trusty lieutenants and a network of money-cleaning facilities to get your house in order. Yet, as you expand, you must spin more plates simultaneously. This is no mean feat, and you’ll feel like you are firefighting throughout.
Firefighting.
Keeping on top of each issue was a bugbear. Moving your trusty team from one location to another is simple at first. But once you expand and your borders are massive, it can be tough to keep on top of each side quest and delivery mission.
This won’t be an issue for genre experts, but newcomers may struggle with the intricacies. However, if you can move slowly, and plan correctly, you should be able to manage even though it will be tougher than it should be.
Cartel Tycoon adds colour to the darkness.
The world of drug dealing is a dark and dank place. Luckily, Cartel Tycoon adds some flair and a cartoon edge to brighten your day. Though this may seem a bizarre art choice, I loved the break away from clichéd ideas. The excellent menus are simple to navigate and the character models are varied and fun to look at. Additionally, the world is vibrant and I loved the distinct South American finish.
The music matches the locale. The upbeat songs transport you to a hot and faraway country. What’s more, the sound effects bring every town to life. I loved the roar of the sirens and the high-pitched sound of every bullet. However, as the action heats up, the constant mix of different sounds can be overwhelming.
Exceptional controls.
Simulation games don’t always work that well on console. The blend of UI management and tasks can be too much for a gamepad. Luckily, Cartel Tycoon got things right. Though it is tough to get to grips with initially, you soon master each fine detail. Moreover, the excellent overworld helps you keep on top of your lieutenant and the multitude of tasks on hand.
4 chapters don’t seem that much. However, I’ve invested hours of my time into this game. The fine details and the phenomenal story will keep you coming back for more. Yes, managing the latter game elements can be tough, but this makes it a rewarding experience that is tough to refuse.
Cartel Tycoon is a great sim title.
I love it when sim games incorporate a fantastic story. Luckily, Cartel Tycoon delivers this in spades. Moreover, the characters are great and I love the light-hearted action. I still find it tough to support a virtual drug trade, but I enjoyed the mischief and the problems this caused. The developer has done a great job with much of the action and this should be a hit with most gamers. Accordingly, I adore it and I recommend buying it here! Can you make your pupa proud? Set up your cartel, manage the business, and make bucket-loads of cash.
