Overview

Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars is a live-action, full-motion video (FMV) arcade game developed by American Laser Games, released in 1993. The game is the sequel to the original Crime Patrol and follows a similar format, allowing players to experience the action of taking down drug cartels. Structured as an interactive movie, players use a light gun to shoot on-screen enemies while keeping civilians out of harm’s way.

Gameplay

The game’s setting takes place across various locales teeming with criminal activities related to drug trafficking. Players progress through different stages, engaging enemies that pop up in real-life video footage. Quick reflexes and accurate shooting determine a player’s success, as they are graded on their performance at the end of each level. This grading system provides additional replay value and challenges players to improve their scores.

Development and Features

As with other titles by American Laser Games, Drug Wars employs cutting-edge, for its time, FMV technology to enhance its storytelling and immersion levels. Despite the graphical limitations of early ’90s technology, the use of live-action video provided a unique interactive experience that set it apart from pixel-based shooting games.

Legacy

Although not as widely celebrated as some other games from the FMV era, Drug Wars stands as an important part of the genre’s development during the early 1990s. This title is often remembered for its bold attempt to mix cinema with interactive gameplay, paving the way for future experiments in video game storytelling.