War simulation is both worryingly accurate and enthralling to boot. When developers get it right, the experience is absolutely amazing. However, when it goes wrong, it is tedious, awkward, and frankly, shit! Commandos 3 – HD Remaster is a prime example of the latter. Whereas Door Kickers 2 sits firmly in the awesome category.
Developed and published by KillHouse Games, this is a top-down strategy tactical war title. With urban combat at the core of everything it does, you’ll have to think on your feet, adjust to changing situations, and plan to come out on top. Sadly, though, things rarely go to plan and this can lead to frustration. Yet, with a little patience and out-of-the-box thinking, you can overcome every obstacle you face and complete every mission in front of you.
Door Kickers 2 instantly grabs your attention.
Rarely does a game impress me from the off. But Door Kickers 2 did just that with its captivating gameplay. From the first mission, you are chucked in at the deep end. You must control a squad of heroic soldiers who are sent to complete a range of missions. You may be asked to wipe out your enemy, capture intel, or save hostages. Whatever the task, you must command your unit of hardy troops as you blow up walls, hammer through doors, swing through windows and shoot the hell out of anyone that stands in your way. Accordingly, it is an adrenaline-fuelled experience filled with ups and downs.
If the action-packed missions weren’t enough, you also have the chance to download user-made maps and custom missions. Now, this may seem like I’m jumping ahead of myself, but I want to nail home how much content there is. Effectively, the developers have piled on the goods and you could invest hours upon hours playing this game. It amazed me how versatile each map was, and the number of different approaches each scenario has. Subsequently, you can be stealthy and hide in the shadows, or blow the hell out of everything while unleashing a relentless rain of white-hot lead.
Enough about the maps. What about the mechanics?
So, we know there are plenty of maps to explore and the game revolves around squad-based action. But that is merely the tip of the iceberg. Each mission has a set number of soldiers to pick from. You have 4 classes available and they are; Assault, Support, Marksmen, and Grenadier. Each unit has strengths and weaknesses, and it is your job to select the best combination for the task at hand. However, there is more. Like other war games, you are free to select your loadout. Door Kickers 2 has plenty of presets available, but as you earn stars for completing each round, you can unlock new equipment.
This is essential in the later stages, as your enemies become tougher and the missions are more convoluted. However, to help you out, you are free to pause the action at any point. Here, you can adjust your plan, change the direction you are facing or throw/place explosives. Alongside this, you can use spy cameras to look under doors, or claw hammers to break locks. Furthermore, there are special tools to burn through metal, and night vision goggles for after-dark raids.
Door Kickers 2 is unlike other strategy games.
The toughest thing to get your head around is the free-flowing action. Unlike other strategy games that rely on turn-based combat, Door Kickers 2 is different. If you so wish, you can plan your whole mission from the start. Accordingly, you can drag a path for each of your squaddies, and set your explosives, throw your flashbangs, or hide in the shadows as needed. After you are happy with your approach, you simply start the mission and hope you’ve got it right. If you haven’t got it right or want to adjust your plan, simply restart the mission, select the affected soldier, and adjust things accordingly.
This was such an unusual mechanic that I was fascinated by it. Even when I had completed a stage, I found myself returning to try a different approach. I would arm myself with explosives and blow my enemies to pieces, or creep around using my marksmen to take out unwitting victims. Consequently, it was the ultimate strategy game where anything goes.
Furthermore, I was amazed by the sheer volume of levels to overcome, and the brilliance of the randomly generated missions. As such, I never tired of any scenario I faced, as I didn’t know what to expect. Alongside this, the fog of war ensured that every mission was filled with thrilling and suspenseful action. Yes, you could use special tools to uncover hidden troops, but there wasn’t always time. As such, you’d adjust your plan repeatedly, as minor mistakes were guaranteed to be made.
Door Kickers 2 looks great.
Whenever I consider top-down strategy games, I always think of the Commandos series or Command and Conquer. Accordingly, neither inspires you to think of incredible graphics or unique landscapes. Fortunately, Dead Kickers 2 has a wonderfully polished finish that enhances its unnerving atmosphere. I loved the shadowy landscape and the limited field of view. This clever design choice keeps you thinking while adding to the realistic style.
Talking of realistic elements, the sound effects are fantastic. With deep booming explosions and shrill and piercing gunfire, you’ll adore every combat encounter. On top of this, the sound bites for each soldier are delivered perfectly. Unlike some of its peers, Door Kickers 2 doesn’t go over the top. Fortunately, there isn’t the normal clichéd gruff hero screaming one-liners. Instead, you get action-specific commands that work wonderfully with the action and theme.
Superb controls.
I read complaints about the tutorial and the lack of guidance. Now, without casting aspersions, this is nonsense. The developers have worked extremely hard to create a thorough tutorial that doesn’t disrupt the flow of the game. I adored the mini guides that punctuate the beginning of many missions. Alongside this, a well-mapped keyboard and mouse layout ensure that the game is simple to play and responsive as well.
I’ve touched upon some of the fantastic elements that make this moreish. However, I’ve failed to mention the XP system and the cooperative multiplayer action. The latter mode ensures you can enjoy this with up to 3 friends. Take on any of the main missions, or undertake custom tasks. It retains the brilliance of the solo mode but adds a whole new way of thinking. The XP and character levelling ensure you stick with the same team. As you complete each mission, your soldiers will rank up. In turn, this improves their stats and makes them a better fighting unit. Consequently, you’ll be distraught when your men die, as you’ll lose a key asset and a member of your elite fighting force.
Door Kickers 2 is incredible.
I adore this genre, and Door Kickers 2 makes it so much better. It is undeniably difficult and unbelievably moreish. I cherished the unique challenge of each task and the freedom to tackle each mission, how I wished. It is for these reasons that I recommend you buy it here! Can you keep your men alive no matter the outcome? Pick your team, choose your weapons, and overcome every obstacle.
