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Door Kickers: Action Squad similar games & best alternatives

Door Kickers: Action Squad

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Android, Nintendo Switch • 2018

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Quick resume

Rescue hostages, disarm bombs and save the day in this old school, side-scroller action game with retro graphics and retro sensibilities. Online and Couch Coop Included.

Global score

95/100

Genres

Action, Casual, Indie, Simulator, Strategy, Real Time Strategy (RTS), Platform, Shooter, Tactical

Similar games

    Pros

    • Engaging tactical co-op gameplay
    • Varied characters and upgrade system
    • Strong 80s retro aesthetic and soundtrack
    • Good replayability with multiple modes and workshop
    • Accessible yet challenging action

    Cons

    • Limited to 2-player co-op
    • Some repetitiveness in level design
    • Minimal narrative or story
    • Occasional technical issues in co-op
    • Some weapons and gear underpowered

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Competition, Status. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Story.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players can choose from multiple characters with unique abilities and customize loadouts and skill trees, allowing personal tactical approaches."

    • Competence
      4

      "The game offers challenging levels requiring skillful play, strategic planning, and mastery of different classes and equipment."

    • Competition
      2

      "Includes leaderboards and star ratings encouraging players to improve scores, but main focus is on cooperative and solo play rather than direct competition."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Players often replay levels to achieve perfect scores and unlock gear; workshop and endless modes add to habitual play."

    • Cooperation
      4

      "Strong emphasis on 2-player co-op both local and online, with complementary classes and tactical teamwork."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players customize characters with weapons, gear, and skills; level editor and mod support add creative content creation."

    • Domination
      -3

      "Co-op gameplay encourages shared success and teamwork rather than dominance or power over others."

    • Escapism
      4

      "The 80s retro style, action gameplay, and humorous tone provide a strong escape from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for fun and challenge, with no indication of obligation or external pressure."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players try different classes, gear combinations, and tactics; replaying levels to find optimal strategies."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Levels offer multiple routes and objectives, but mostly fixed maps with limited randomization."

    • Expression
      3

      "Character customization through weapons, gear, and skill trees allows personal expression within gameplay."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Stylized 80s action movie theme with exaggerated characters and scenarios, though grounded in tactical shooter elements."

    • Fellowship
      4

      "Strong community focus through co-op play, shared achievements, and workshop content."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills, unlock gear, and improve characters through progression and repeated play."

    • Health
      -5

      "Primarily a sedentary video game with no physical activity component."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and active engagement during gameplay sessions."

    • Intimacy
      2

      "Co-op play encourages social interaction and bonding, though not focused on close emotional relationships."

    • Leadership
      1

      "Some tactical coordination in co-op, but no explicit leadership or management roles."

    • Progression
      4

      "Strong progression system with experience, unlocks, and upgrades driving player advancement."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "While fun and engaging, gameplay can be tense and challenging rather than purely relaxing."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Enjoyable pixel art visuals, sound effects, and 80s synth soundtrack provide sensory stimulation."

    • Status
      1

      "Leaderboards and achievements provide some social recognition but not a major focus."

    • Story
      -3

      "Minimal narrative or plot; gameplay centers on missions and tactical action rather than story immersion."

    • Strategy
      4

      "Requires tactical planning, threat assessment, and problem solving to succeed in missions."

    • Thrill
      3

      "Fast-paced action and challenging encounters create excitement and suspense."

    • Value
      3

      "Players report good value for price with replayability and content, especially with co-op and workshop."

    • Violence
      4

      "Core gameplay involves combat, shooting enemies, and breaching doors with explosive effects."

    • Survival
      3

      "Players must avoid failure by managing health, reviving teammates, and completing objectives under threat."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026