Door Kickers: Action Squad, developed by KillHouse Games, puts you in a SWAT trooper's boots to clear Nowhere City and complete mission objectives under pressure. The game pairs fast-paced side-scrolling shooting with tactical decision-making: weapon recoil management, timed reloads, cover use, and strategic abilities shape each encounter. It offers varied characters, a long campaign, and cooperative multiplayer. Fans of retro pixel action who enjoy tactical depth and short sessions will find this appealing.

What kind of game is Action Squad?

Action Squad blends old-school 2D arcade shooting with tactical decision-making, placing the player in SWAT roles across Nowhere City. The core loop pairs quick room-clearing runs with deliberate entry planning, where timing and positioning change outcomes. Levels are short and focused, designed to encourage multiple retries and tight runs. The standout design is its tactical side-scrolling approach, which alters how conventional run-and-gun mechanics feel in practice.

Does it support cooperative play and class variety?

Local couch and online cooperative play support two players, letting teammates coordinate breaches and revive strategies. Online multiplayer requires a PlayStation Plus membership on PlayStation 4. The class-based design encourages different roles during cooperation: each class has distinct upgrade paths and gameplay identity, so partners can complement one another rather than mirror the same approach, which deepens coordinated tactics in shared runs.

What does the game look and sound like?

The presentation mixes high-detail pixel art with an 1980s-inspired synth soundtrack, producing a stylized, period-tinged atmosphere. Visuals shift across neon storefronts, gritty interiors, and varied locales, while a wide enemy roster keeps encounters feeling different. The PlayStation 4 release supports 720p and 1080p output, which preserves sprite clarity on a TV and lets the soundtrack underscore pacing without obscuring combat cues.

Is the learning curve forgiving or demanding?

The design rewards measured execution: a recharge system converts efficient play into tactical support, and characters advance through separate level-up options that change how a player approaches rooms. Additional modes, including an Endless Tower and a Zombie Invasion mode, extend the challenge beyond the campaign and encourage experimenting with different builds. Players who enjoy refining runs and optimizing roles gain the most satisfaction.

An inviting pick for players who enjoy precise, repeatable runs

Action Squad suits players who like short, focused sessions that reward refinement and role experimentation with a partner. Its emphasis on execution and coordinated play makes it a satisfying choice for those who appreciate mastering patterns and builds. Players seeking relaxed, drop-in entertainment without a learning curve may find the experience more demanding than casual alternatives.