Review: Door Kickers: Action Squad (Steam)

Door Kickers: Action Squad

Rescue hostages, disarm bombs and save the day in this old school, side-scroller action game with retro graphics and retro sensibilities. Online and Couch Coop Included.

Pros:

  • Modern pixel graphics.
  • 63MB Download size.
  • Steam achievements.
  • 2D shooter gameplay with a puzzle element.
  • Full controller support.
  • Graphics options- Resolution, Fullscreen, Borderless, Screen shake, Gore and AA.
  • Local two player support.
  • Online co-op- Quick match, Host public or private servers.
  • Five operatives- Assaulter, Breacher, Shield, Agent, and Recon. Each has unique stats and weapon load-outs.
  • Earn EXP for individual operatives and use skill points to add new buffs/abilities or increase stats.
  • Loadout- Primary weapon, Two gear slots, and an ultimate move.
  • Catchy soundtrack.
  • Keep any earned EXP even if you die in the level.
  • Online Leaderboards.
  • Five episodes- Gangland, Radicals, Red alert, Big Apple and Cartel.
  • 12 levels in each episode.
  • Has a serious Broforce vibe about it.
  • 1-3 star rank for level completion.
  • Easy enough to learn.
  • Clever level design.
  • Secret collectibles.
  • Scenarios mode.

Door Kickers: Action Squad

Cons:

  • No actual tutorial.
  • Mouse cursor stays on screen when using the controller.
  • Issues with ladders registering.
  • A lot of trial and error.

Door Kickers: Action Squad

  • 9/10
    Graphics - 9/10
  • 8/10
    Sound - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Accessability - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Length - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Fun Factor - 9/10
8.4/10

Summary

The original Doorkickers was a technical play by play game with a lot of prep and planning needed in order to survive, Here its the complete opposite! Arcade action a go go! You can play with a friend and go nuts in this crazy over the top action-puzzle type shooter. The progression is excellent as you can just play the character you like and improve them, The controls are tight and responsive. Levels are designed in a way where they are difficult but also have multiple ways to tackle them. It really is a smart game that I wish did a proper tutorial and explain how it all works but after a few swearing fits it all clicks. It has Broforce vibes what with the carnage and style and that’s a compliment, Its a serious Broforce if you will and well worth your time even if you play solo, Its just good fun.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!