Call of Juarez: The Cartel

The main pros of the game

• Co-op Gameplay: The game is designed for cooperative play, allowing players to team up with friends and experience the story together, which many found enjoyable.
• Character Variety: Players appreciated the option to choose from three distinct characters, each with unique storylines and skills, which added some replay value.
• Gun Variety: There is a wide selection of weapons available, including handguns, sub-machine guns, sniper rifles, and more, which players found appealing.
• Action-Packed: The game features intense shooting mechanics and several action sequences, including driving and gunfights, which some players enjoyed.
• Interesting Collectibles and Side Missions: The inclusion of secret agendas and collectables added depth to the gameplay for some users.

The main cons of the game

• Poor Graphics: Many users criticized the graphics as outdated and not up to standard for a 2011 release, with complaints about low-resolution textures and poor animations.
• Weak Storyline and Dialogue: The narrative was often described as convoluted, cliché, and poorly executed, with characters lacking depth and engaging dialogue.
• AI Issues: The AI companions were frequently noted as being ineffective or frustrating, often causing problems during gameplay.
• Repetitive Gameplay: Several reviews pointed out that missions felt monotonous and lacked variety, leading to a tedious experience.
• Driving Mechanics: The driving sections were criticized for being poorly designed and frustrating, detracting from the overall gameplay experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Exploration and Open World: Players missed the open-world exploration aspect found in earlier titles of the series, feeling that the game was too linear.
• Polished Gameplay Mechanics: Users noted the absence of a refined cover system and effective gameplay mechanics, which were present in previous entries.
• Engaging Storytelling: There was a desire for a more compelling narrative that connected better with the franchise’s roots in the Wild West, rather than the modern-day setting.
• Improved Graphics and Sound: Many players expressed disappointment over the lack of visual polish and audio quality, particularly the sound effects and voice acting, which felt subpar.

Summary

• Overall, while some players found enjoyment in Call of Juarez: The Cartel, particularly in cooperative play and character variety, the game was largely criticized for its graphics, story, and gameplay mechanics, leading to a consensus that it fell short of the standards set by its predecessors in the series.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025