Door Kickers: Action Squad is a side-scrolling action game that blends fast-paced shooting with strategic decision making. Players take control of SWAT troopers clearing threats in Nowhere City USA through door-to-door operations that reward quick thinking and precise execution.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on selecting gear before each mission and then breaching rooms while managing recoil, reload timing, and positioning. Cover and distance play key roles in surviving encounters with over twenty enemy types. A unique Strategic Abilities system lets players call in health packs, gear refills, or teammate rescues at critical moments, or bank points for an Ultimate ability that clears tough sections. Six playable characters each bring distinct playstyles and progression paths that alter how levels unfold. High-detail retro pixel art supports the old-school feel while delivering clear visuals for fast action. Non-linear level design across eighty-four stages encourages multiple approaches and repeated attempts without penalty.
Game Modes
Standard missions feature four primary objectives that mix hostage rescues, bomb disarms, and similar goals. These levels support both solo play and cooperative sessions. Zombie invasion mode transforms the same maps into survival-style encounters against waves of melee attackers, offering a fresh challenge after completing the main content. Couch co-op and online multiplayer allow two players to tackle missions together, sharing control and coordinating abilities in real time.
Characters and Progression
Each of the six characters offers unique abilities and upgrade trees that change movement, firepower, and tactical options. Players earn points through successful runs to unlock better gear from a pool of sixty weapons and items. Leveling systems reward experimentation, as different characters handle the same objectives in noticeably different ways. The emphasis stays on adapting loadouts and abilities to specific room layouts rather than grinding for power.
Is It Worth Playing?
Door Kickers: Action Squad maintains strong player reception years after its 2018 release, with overwhelmingly positive reviews across thousands of user submissions. Recent reviews continue to rate it very positively. A new Professionals Abroad DLC arrived in 2026, adding fresh content to an already substantial package of levels and modes. The game suits players who enjoy precise side-scrolling action combined with light strategy, especially those who appreciate co-op sessions or the ability to restart missions freely. Its retro presentation and tight mechanics hold up well for both short bursts and longer sessions focused on mastery.
