Door Kickers

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,453 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • replayability
Door Kickers Game Cover
Door Kickers is an addictive, entertaining and surprisingly cerebral experience. If you have any interest in strategy and tactics, this game is for you.
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Door Kickers is a tactical strategy game where players plan and execute SWAT team raids in various scenarios. Realistic physics and detailed environments require strategic decision-making and quick thinking. With over 80 missions and a level editor, Door Kickers offers countless hours of challenging gameplay.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Tablet
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,453 reviews
story151 positive mentions
grinding48 negative mentions
  • Engaging and addictive gameplay that rewards strategic planning and execution.
  • Variety of missions and customization options for squad members, weapons, and tactics.
  • Strong community support with modding capabilities and a level editor for endless replayability.
  • Clunky controls and user interface that can hinder gameplay, especially during planning phases.
  • Randomness in enemy placements and AI behavior can lead to frustrating trial-and-error experiences.
  • Lack of a cohesive story or narrative progression in campaigns, making missions feel disconnected.
  • story1,482 mentions

    The story aspect of "Door Kickers" is notably minimal, with players emphasizing that the game focuses primarily on tactical gameplay rather than narrative. While there are multiple campaigns and over 80 single missions, these lack a cohesive storyline or character development, often feeling like a series of disconnected scenarios. Players appreciate the variety of mission types and the challenge they present, but many express a desire for more narrative depth to enhance engagement.

    • “The game has a robust campaign feature, but I feel the game's true meat and potatoes lies in its free-form missions, built with progressive storylines you can make up in your head for extra-real grittiness and true crime nastiness.”
    • “The sheer amount of different scenarios, ranging from hostage situations to raiding criminal headquarters, makes each mission feel like a new tactical challenge for your SWAT team.”
    • “The planning options in this game are expansive, and offer players an outstanding amount of ways to complete a mission.”
    • “Lack of story: the focus is entirely on gameplay, so there’s no narrative to drive engagement.”
    • “The single player content is lacking as well, there are several campaigns, but each is just a string of 4-8 missions with no story.”
    • “The campaigns aren't very story driven, at all.”
  • gameplay528 mentions

    The gameplay of "Door Kickers" is characterized by its flexible, pause-and-play mechanics that allow players to meticulously plan and execute tactical missions at their own pace, offering a unique blend of strategy and real-time action. While the game emphasizes gameplay over narrative, it features a variety of missions and extensive customization options that enhance replayability and strategic depth. However, some players have noted issues with clunky controls and a steep learning curve, which can detract from the overall experience despite the game's addictive and rewarding nature.

    • “From the preliminary briefing, where the gravity of the situation is laid bare, to the culminating dénouement of a successful operation, Door Kickers proffers an immersive and profoundly gratifying gameplay experience that will leave an indelible mark on your gaming psyche.”
    • “The pause-and-play mechanic, an ingenious innovation that lies at the heart of the gameplay experience, constitutes the quintessence of this strategic depth, affording you the capacity to meticulously choreograph your team's every maneuver with balletic precision, transforming the chaotic theater of urban combat into a meticulously orchestrated ballet of tactical brilliance.”
    • “With its formidable missions, each a unique challenge to overcome; exhaustive customization options, allowing for unparalleled personalization; and dynamic modding community, a testament to its enduring legacy, Door Kickers delivers an immensely rewarding and replayable experience that will enthrall strategy enthusiasts, aficionados of tactical gameplay, and connoisseurs of digital entertainment for countless hours, leaving an indelible mark on their gaming repertoire and solidifying its place as a true classic in the annals of gaming history.”
    • “The gameplay feels tedious, clumsy, and very reminiscent of tablet/phone games.”
    • “The controls are clunky, unreliable and the gameplay is just plain frustrating.”
    • “I really wanted to like this game, but between the lazy-shallow mechanics, clunky interface, and repetitive gameplay; I just couldn't enjoy it.”
  • replayability179 mentions

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, largely due to its user-generated content, map editor, and random mission generation, which provide endless opportunities for varied gameplay. Players appreciate the extensive customization options and the dynamic modding community, which further enhance the game's longevity and challenge. While some users note a lack of content in the base game, the overall consensus is that the replay value remains high, making it a compelling choice for tactical game enthusiasts.

    • “This stratum of customization imbues the game with an additional layer of depth and replayability, ensuring that its allure remains undiminished through countless hours of gameplay, a testament to its enduring appeal.”
    • “With its formidable missions, each a unique challenge to overcome; exhaustive customization options, allowing for unparalleled personalization; and dynamic modding community, a testament to its enduring legacy, Door Kickers delivers an immensely rewarding and replayable experience that will enthrall strategy enthusiasts, aficionados of tactical gameplay, and connoisseurs of digital entertainment for countless hours.”
    • “The game also has exceptional replay value.”
    • “The game sort of lacks replayability, since when you run out of missions and campaign levels, all you really have left are the workshop maps and the game's level generator, which is just three maps with a fake difficulty level thing that just adds more enemies.”
    • “I honestly feel the game's included content could have been more, the campaigns are a bit short, but the replayability with different tactics is refreshing.”
    • “It's just because the replayability is close to 0.”
  • graphics177 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally described as simple and functional, with many reviewers noting that they are adequate for a top-down shooter but not particularly impressive compared to modern standards. While some players appreciate the clean and crisp art style, others feel the visuals are basic and reminiscent of older games. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose in supporting the gameplay, which is often highlighted as the main strength of the game.

    • “The graphics are top-notch and the sound design is immersive, adding to the tension and excitement of each mission.”
    • “The graphics are a pleasing mixture between realism and stylization.”
    • “The graphics are detailed and communicate a sense of realism without trying to be photorealistic.”
    • “The graphics are not over the top.”
    • “The graphics make it look like a flash game from Newgrounds.”
    • “Second, the graphics are ugly and blurry, and the texture quality (or artwork quality, however you want to call that) is low.”
  • music86 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the energetic soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience and fits the game's tempo. However, some find the music repetitive or not particularly memorable, with a few expressing a preference for ambient sounds over the soundtrack. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the atmosphere, its impact varies among players, with some enjoying it greatly and others finding it less impressive.

    • “The soundtrack is fantastic and reminds me greatly of Hotline Miami.”
    • “The music fits perfectly and is awesome (I could just let it play in the background all day), scenarios are quick and replayable.”
    • “The soundtrack for the game is also amazing, adding another dimension to this fast-paced real-time strategy game.”
    • “However, the music is not the greatest.”
    • “The looping soundtrack wears thin after a while, and the game is an all-around disaster; caveat emptor - buyer beware.”
    • “Music and voice acting are less than mediocre, while the graphics are pretty much just fit for purpose.”
  • grinding54 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is a significant and often tedious aspect, with many players feeling it requires excessive time and effort to unlock weapons, equipment, and upgrades. While some appreciate the challenge, the overall sentiment leans towards frustration due to the repetitive nature of missions and the grindy unlock system, which detracts from the enjoyment of the gameplay experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Not because they're impossible, but there are a number of factors that make them very tedious to play.”
    • “I wasn't a fan of the unlock system as it encouraged grinding, especially the campaign/single mission split.”
    • “On top of this, you will be grinding for credits to unlock equipment for your operators, and the lack of access to even semi-decent equipment combined with the requirement of understaffed operator teams in the beginning of the game I found to be a huge point of frustration.”
  • stability44 mentions

    The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous players reporting game-breaking glitches, particularly related to pathfinding and mission completion. While some users noted minor bugs and occasional freezes, others experienced more severe issues that impacted gameplay, such as unresponsive controls and inconsistent mechanics. Overall, the game is described as entertaining but plagued by stability problems that detract from the experience.

    • “The game is pretty much bug-free due to the long alpha period, with only a couple of minor items that have to be addressed.”
    • “Also worth noting that the game would run on a potato and runs great on anything else.”
    • “It's fairly cheap and really innovative to the market; it's also in early access, so there is so much more to come, and it's completely playable and almost bug-free in its current state.”
    • “If this wasn't bad enough, there are some game-breaking glitches surrounding the pathing.”
    • “Several glitches caused action points to not attach to player paths correctly and actions were not executed, even though they remained on the map.”
    • “Unfortunately, the game can get buggy, and there are times it feels like the game isn't properly optimized.”
  • optimization29 mentions

    The game's optimization is generally well-received, with many players noting it runs smoothly even on lower-end PCs, though some report occasional stuttering and bugs. Performance is influenced by strategic planning and individual troop management, with a ranking system that adds replayability but can frustrate completionists. Overall, while there are minor inconsistencies and performance issues for some users, the game is considered responsive and well-optimized for most players.

    • “Certain minor details make a big impact on the performance of your virtual officers, and I think most people don't learn about them before being done with the game.”
    • “Your team members individually gain experience after each mission based on their performance, allowing them to rank up, naturally increasing their marksmanship (accuracy), assault shooting (aiming speed), and field skills (speed of using tools).”
    • “On a performance standpoint, the game runs really well and is very responsive.”
    • “Unfortunately, the game can get buggy, and there are times it feels like the game isn't properly optimized.”
    • “Bad optimization for PC.”
    • “Oh, and also it may have only been my PC, but I had a terrible performance stutter every 5 or 6 minutes lasting about ten seconds per incident.”
  • atmosphere17 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is highly immersive, drawing players into meticulously crafted scenarios inspired by real-world law enforcement operations, with diverse environments that enhance the tactical experience. Reviewers praise the intense mission atmosphere, complemented by a brilliant soundtrack that significantly contributes to the overall tension and excitement. The combination of strategic gameplay and atmospheric sound design creates a compelling experience reminiscent of classic tactical shooters like Rainbow Six and Payday.

    • “You can immerse yourself in verisimilar scenarios meticulously modeled after authentic SWAT operations, drawing inspiration from real-world events and the heroic actions of those who serve on the front lines of law enforcement; explore wholly novel environments that stretch the boundaries of imagination, from gritty urban landscapes to exotic locales, each with its own unique challenges and atmosphere.”
    • “Immersive atmosphere that gets your heart pumping every time a raid is initiated and keeps you coming back for more.”
    • “I enjoy the graphical style and the sound, and the atmosphere is good.”
    • “It's got the Rainbow Six/SWAT atmosphere but the gameplay style of XCOM converted to real-time.”
    • “The cult classic Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield being the quintessential example of this type of game, Door Kickers takes a similar approach in trying to create an atmosphere of tactical tension, albeit with a bit of levity involved in the presentation.”
    • “As a game, Door Kickers has a very 'hotshot' atmosphere.”
  • humor16 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players enjoying the comedic moments that arise from both successful and failed plans. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to blend humor with tactical gameplay, creating funny scenarios, especially in co-op mode. Overall, the game is described as consistently entertaining and filled with amusing quotes and situations that enhance the experience.

    • “The choices are yours, and the thrill of seeing your plans come to life (or hilariously fall apart) is what makes this game shine!”
    • “Overall, a very fun game and it is very funny yet stressful in co-op due to not being able to pause and plan.”
    • “Though this game has an overall serious tone, there are bits of humor thrown in that are quite amusing to lighten the mood a little when needed.”
  • emotional15 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to create deep connections with characters, particularly through the impactful permadeath mechanic that makes every decision feel significant. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from heartbreak to guilt, as they become attached to their squad members and navigate the game's strategic challenges. Overall, the game offers a unique emotional journey that resonates with players, making it a standout experience in the gaming landscape.

    • “Barely any games will make you feel this way, and its strategic depth mixed with this emotional hooking and sucker-punching gives off a true experience that is unmatched by anything else out there, in my opinion.”
    • “Never thought I'd miss someone who I'd only ever seen the top of his head, but Doc made me feel things I never thought I'd feel.”
    • “Thank you for this emotional journey.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    Reviewers appreciate the game's monetization model, highlighting the absence of in-app purchases and microtransactions, which allows for skill and item progression without financial barriers. This approach is seen as a positive and refreshing change in the mobile gaming landscape.

    • “It's refreshing to see a game with progression of skills, items, and classes without the need for microtransactions.”
    • “It's refreshing to see a game with progression of skills/items/classes without the need for microtransactions.”
    • “I like how the developers aren't greedy; they have this game for mobile too with zero in-app purchases, which says a lot about them in my opinion.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

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Play time

14hMedian play time
16hAverage play time
7hMain story
37hCompletionist
7-20hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 26 analyzed playthroughs

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