Summary

Release Year: 2006
Genres: Shooter
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Plastic Reality Technologies
Publishers: 1C Company, Ascaron Entertainment ltd., Cenega Publishing

El Matador (2006): A Hard-Hitting Drug War FPS

Introduction

El Matador is a first-person shooter video game developed by Digital Extremes and published by Atari. It was released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Windows. The game puts players in the role of a DEA special agent tasked with taking down a rising narcotics cartel in Central and South America.

Gameplay

El Matador is a fast-paced, action-packed FPS that emphasizes close-quarters combat and tactical decision-making. Players must use a variety of weapons and gadgets to clear out enemy-infested buildings, infiltrate cartel headquarters, and ultimately bring down the drug barons.

The game features a variety of different mission types, including:

Breach and clear: In these missions, players must storm enemy strongholds and clear out all of the hostiles.
Hostage rescue: In these missions, players must rescue hostages from enemy captivity.
Escort: In these missions, players must escort a VIP to safety.
Assassination: In these missions, players must assassinate a high-value target.

El Matador also features a number of unique gameplay mechanics, such as:

Adrenaline mode: When players are in adrenaline mode, they can slow down time and perform more accurate shots.
Breaching charges: Players can use breaching charges to blow open doors and walls, allowing them to surprise enemies and gain a tactical advantage.
Grappling hook: Players can use a grappling hook to scale buildings and reach otherwise inaccessible areas.

Story

El Matador’s story is set in a fictionalized version of Central and South America, where a new narcotics cartel is rising in power. The cartel is led by a ruthless drug lord known only as El Matador.

As a DEA special agent, players are tasked with taking down El Matador and his cartel. Players must travel across Central and South America, infiltrating cartel strongholds and taking down El Matador’s lieutenants.

Along the way, players will encounter a cast of colorful characters, including:

Maria: A DEA agent who is El Matador’s partner.
Carlos: A local informant who helps El Matador and Maria.
El Lobo: A ruthless cartel enforcer who is El Matador’s right-hand man.

Reception

El Matador received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, intense action, and unique gameplay mechanics. However, the game was also criticized for its repetitive missions and lack of innovation.

Overall, El Matador is a solid FPS that offers a unique and exciting take on the drug war genre. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, intense action, and unique gameplay mechanics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Legacy

El Matador was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was also nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2006 Golden Joystick Awards.

El Matador has been cited as an influence on several other FPS games, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Rainbow Six: Siege. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics, such as adrenaline mode and breaching charges, have been adopted by other FPS games and have become industry standards.

Conclusion

El Matador is a classic FPS that offers a unique and exciting take on the drug war genre. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, intense action, and unique gameplay mechanics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.