Genre: Run and gun / Shooter
Developer: VIS Entertainment
Publisher: Midway Games
Year: 2005
System: Microsoft Xbox
NARC is a run-and-gun shooter developed by VIS Entertainment and published by Midway Games. Released in 2005 for the Xbox, PlayStation 2, and Windows platforms, the game is a reboot of the 1988 arcade classic NARC, updated with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics.
The story follows two narcotics officers, Jack Forza and Marcus Hill, as they battle a powerful drug cartel in a violent crime-ridden city. Gameplay involves navigating levels filled with enemy gang members, heavily armed adversaries, and bosses, using an arsenal of firearms and explosives. The game features fast-paced, cover-based shooting combined with mission objectives like rescuing hostages and collecting evidence.
The Xbox version offers detailed 3D environments, dynamic lighting effects, and robust character animations. It supports single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes, allowing two players to team up in the campaign. The game emphasizes aggressive combat and strategic use of weapons and power-ups.
NARC received mixed reviews, with praise for its gritty atmosphere and action-packed gameplay, but criticism targeted at repetitive mission design and AI behavior. The Xbox version holds a Metacritic score of 62/100.
