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Usually, I’m not a real-time strategy or tactical player; my only experiences in this game genre are StarCraft, Warcraft, and Command & Conquer: Red Alert. I wanted to try KillHouse Games’ Door Kickers 2: Task Force North.
I can attest that what began as an exercise in frustration turned into a pleasant gaming experience.
First impressions are important to me as a gamer, as they are to many of you. A game can grab your attention because it makes it “special” and endearing to the user. In my experience, it was initially a negative one. Maybe it was due to my lack of experience with RTS and Squad Tactical games, but I always feel that a game should be accessible for players, including newcomers to the genre.
At first, I felt that the game was not accessible, as I was losing my units to those pesky terrorists. Just when I was about to write off this game, I understood it. I was hooked when I found the “special” part of this game. Let’s talk about Door Kickers 2: Task Force North, shall we?
Door Kickers 2 is a tactical game played from an isometric top-down view. You control a squad of an anti-terrorist unit and take on a multitude of missions, from sweeping all the terrorists off the map to conducting rescue operations or capturing a cell leader.
Your squad has various functions, including assault and support, among others. As the player, you must control and plan your attack to successfully complete your mission with minimal losses to your team members.
The main mistake I made was treating this game like an over-the-top action game, charging in with guns blazing and getting my squad killed. I learned that Tango wasn’t in a hurry, and neither are you. You must plan the engagement before making your move.
You control each soldier in your squad with your mouse. From there, you can issue commands and plan your attack. You can select where on the map you want your soldier to move, what direction they face while moving, and how you want them to open a door—ranging from a quick kick for a surprise attack to a more stealthy approach.
The game allows you to pause the action to plan the assault. For example, there is a closed door in a room. You don’t know what’s on the other side of the door. Do you want to kick it and mobilize your troops, or would you open the door quietly to throw a flashbang grenade to stun the terrorist and shoot them in case there is a hostage inside, or if you’re sure the room is full of Tango, just open and throw a frag grenade. The choice is yours.
Door Kickers 2 features a series of missions you must complete first before the game allows you to access the campaign. Consider it a sort of tutorial. Each mission teaches you how to utilize different game mechanics, such as controlling your squad, using sniper support, and selecting your soldier’s line of sight. That ability alone can determine life or death for your troops.
In terms of graphics, the game won’t impress any player. The visuals are adequate, looking satisfactory at best. Nevertheless, they are fitting for the game. You can see your troops on the map and distinguish them from enemies to address them effectively.
The visual element that defines the game is the UI. It is practical and user-friendly, allowing for commands to be issued to individual soldiers. You can control your troops’ actions through icons that represent opening doors, using grenades, and strafing fire.
One thing I was not a fan of in the game presentation was that sometimes it felt more like a mobile game than a full-fledged PC game. For example, the three-star rating commonly found in many mobile games appeared. This is minor, of course, but still a downside. I would have preferred a more PC-centric rating system, such as percentages or another method to show your progress.
Door Kickers 2 features many extras, providing excellent replay value in the long run. With various missions, including campaign mode, you receive a game editor that allows you to create and share your maps. You can also play co-op multiplayer with up to four players online. Each player controls a squad, and you must work together to neutralize your enemy.
As I mentioned earlier, I was initially not impressed with this game. It may have been due to my lack of familiarity with this genre, and I almost quit. At the last moment, when I grasped the nuances of the game, I discovered that it is an enjoyable tactical experience where you must consider various options before taking action.
How you control your soldiers can make the difference between life and death for your troops. Make the right decisions, and your troops will live to fight another day. Make the wrong ones, and it’s adios, muchachos.
Remember that the graphics won’t blow you away, and they don’t have to for you to enjoy this title. Just give this a try, and you will be surprised at how good this game is.
Door Kickers 2: Task Force North
