Call of Juarez: The Cartel revolves around an undercover team formed to investigate a bombing of an LAPD office. The events begin in the meeting room where the team comes together, consisting of Ben McCall, Kim Evans, and Eddie Guerra from DEA. Their mission is to work in secrecy and uncover evidence of the bombing, potentially linked to local gangsters and the Mendoza cartel from Mexico. By working together, they aim to provoke a gang war by destroying drugs belonging to one gang while impersonating the Cartel.
The game allows players to choose which character to control, each with their own unique arsenal and abilities. When enemies are laying down suppressive fire, the player must stay back while the protagonist advances to provide cover. The game features several car chase sequences and shootouts, as well as short fighting sequences and door-breaching moments to take out enemies. Call of Juarez: The Cartel is designed for co-operative gameplay, with optional objectives available throughout the game.
Xbox 360, released on 22 July 2011, brings a first-person shooter experience to players, with a focus on teamwork and strategy.