Door Kickers 2: Task Force North

[b]Q: What is the game like?[/b] You control a squad of 1-8 soldiers. There are a bunch of enemies and a building they sit in. Objectives are all known - kill all, free the hostages, defuse a bomb, escort a VIP. All this from a top-down perspective. You pause and give orders. Or don’t pause. Or even pre-order the whole thing and get a reward if it works [b]Q: Is it challenging?[/b] They rate your performance after each mission, 1-3 stars. Going for 3 stars in every mission is reasonably challenging. At least you have to be careful and think before you do. Getting one star can usually be done with an "everyone go forward" type of order [b]Q: What's the overall quality of the game (graphics, UI, sound design, attention to details, game balance, bugs, etc)?[/b] It’s good, no complaints [b]Q: What's the best thing about the game?[/b] It scratches the tacticool itch very well. Yet it focuses on the gameplay - not on endless equipment "variety", skins, perks, and all that crap. All these things are there, but they’re just extras that never steal the spotlight [b]Q: What could stop me from buying the game?[/b] Not too much adrenaline here. Also, gameplay is kinda repetitive - not boring at all, but it’s the same "throw flashbang and get in", "kick the door, sweep left-right", "slice the pie around a doorway", etc. Every time. AI is expectedly dumb and easy to exploit. [b]Q: So, what would be the final recommendation?[/b] A solid 8/10, worth trying for anyone who likes tactics

What this game needs to go from Overwhelmingly Positive to DemiGodhood is an X-COM crossover. Thank you and take my money.

[h1] Door Kickers? More like A ss Kickers. [/h1] [h2] "I need my Door Kickers... Two" [/h2] The first thing I will say is that I [u] DO [/u] recommend this game. However! That comes with a huge asterisk. The game is very very fun initially and it feels morelike a puzzle game than a milsim in all of the best ways. The mechanics are fun, responsive, engaging and definitely keep your brain locked in as you slowly figure out a map and plan the best way to approach the objective and solve the milsim flavoured rubix cube. I've had a blast figuring out what gear to equip my units with, and how to approach missions in fun and creative ways. The world feels well made, the maps are super fun and genuinely always find a way to force you to think outside the box. It isn't until a few hours in that you notice some of the missions have subtle variations which means that the finely crafted Rube Goldberg machine - you've crafted out of corner-pies, flashbang tosses, mandated reloads, and a [b] lot [/b] of right click, line-of-sight adjustments - completely falls apart. Wait since when did a third guy spawn in that room? Why has that door not been kicked open? How am I supposed to complete this mission using one plan if the mission isn't repeatable and predictable? And [i] that [/i] is the crux of why this game makes me totally pull my hair out. The game desperately wants you to completely plan a mission ahead of time using a fine process of constant inching forward with trial-and-error but the random variables changing on the fly can completely obfuscate that goal. I've genuinely completed a mission at three stars by just hitting space over and over until I got the right seed for that particular run. I'm sure there are people reading this with a white-knuckled fist "Sk... SK... SKILL ISSUE BRUH" and the fact of the matter is that the difference of a mission winning or losing being down to luck is genuinely nothing to do with skill. Like I said earlier - [u] I DO ENJOY THIS GAME AND I DO RECOMMEND IT [/u] but I've seen a massive lack of discourse surrounding this one element of the game that truly frustrates me. I can't help but wonder if the devs included it so that one can't look up "Mission 11 - Solved - All Three Goals" on YouTube or whatever and I get that, but when you punish those who have assumed they discovered the solution to a mission just to have a third guy spawn in the wrong room on this particular attempt? That feels incredibly bad. Another thing to mention is that maybe I'm just bad at the game but... I've definitely noticed that sometimes my team will just outright stare a insurgent directly in the face, gun drawn, mag full, round chambered, no prior tasks assigned - and then just stand there and let the enemy just absolutely magdump them in the face for (what seems to be) absolutely no reason. Also, also (P.S. P.S. if you prefer) not being able to stack commands on the same turn and lacking a lot of tools to make a proper coherent formation of attacking and controlling a zone can take you out the action sometimes. I understand there are probably limitations in the games engine or what-have-you but after spending hundreds of hours in Ready Or Not, Ground Branch, and other such milsim games you really hope to execute something quite of that calibre and greater in a tactical game just to find out that you kinda... can't. Just to make this a proper compliment sandwich I will end the review by saying that I have managed to play 10.4 hours of this game in a single day I genuinely adore it and I see myself spending a lot more hours in it for sure. I may even come back to this review in a hundred hours with the same white-knuckled fist some of you have - having a lot more experience and game-sense under my belt. Just know that people a [b] lot [/b] less patient than me will be totally put off by the negatives I posted above. I can't wait to see a lot more of what this game has to offer with things like 2 alternative squads to play as, campaigns, the map maker, and other community levels for sure. It looks amazing and feels great to play, I just wish that it wasn't so... outright unfair sometimes.

Great game, crazy addictive. One of those "oh it's 1am already" games

The prequel to this game was fantastic, but no longer works the most recent MacOS. This is just like the original, and has more bells & whistles. It's like playing top down Counter-Strike, but with lots more focus on strategy. Sure to play this for many many hours!

This game does what it tries to do almost perfectly. Very simple to pick up, very difficult to master. Very fine lines between success and failure that are perfectly defined by tactics and strategy, as the game promises. Super fun, flawless execution, this game is fantastic.

Not usually someone to play PC games but i was messing around on my wifes laptop one night and I found this game, as I've aged and having kids I have found it hard playing games and locking in and like enjoying a game. I haven't been hooked on a game like I am hooked on this one in a long time. It has so many missions and so much to do and it was way more than I thought but it really eases you into the game. Overall incredible game I hope add on's to come like more squads to pick from but otherwise no legit complaints.

This game taught me that cordination in any FPS would be amazing. But that's never gonna happen cuz my teamates in those games will always be garb.

This game is so incredibly fun and frustrating. Hours of entertainment.

Door Kickers 2: Task Force North is a tactical top-down strategy game that builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor while taking a more grounded and grittier approach to modern-day counter-terror operations. Developed by KillHouse Games, this sequel retains the core formula that made the original so compelling—real-time tactics with pause-and-plan gameplay—but refines it with smarter AI, more complex scenarios, and a new thematic focus on Middle Eastern conflict zones. The result is a game that feels both familiar and significantly more mature, offering a challenging, methodical, and deeply satisfying tactical experience that rewards careful planning and execution. Whereas the first Door Kickers emphasized SWAT-style law enforcement operations, Task Force North shifts the narrative to military special forces. This change in setting isn’t just cosmetic—it influences everything from enemy behavior to mission design. You're no longer just breaching suburban homes or office buildings. Instead, you’re navigating cramped alleys in desert towns, infiltrating insurgent compounds, or defending embassies under siege. These environments are rich in tactical opportunities and hazards, often featuring multiple points of entry, blind corners, breaching obstacles, and civilians who must be identified and protected amid the chaos. The core gameplay loop remains a blend of pre-planned and real-time execution. Before kicking in the first door, players draw precise movement paths for each soldier, set up fields of fire, stack up at entrances, and time synchronized room clears. When ready, the plan is executed—either in real time or with pauses for adjustments. The satisfaction of watching a well-coordinated breach unfold without a hitch is one of the game’s strongest appeals. However, Door Kickers 2 introduces a more robust command system, allowing for greater complexity: you can assign specific stances, trigger actions based on enemy presence, chain multi-phase plans, and switch between stealth and aggressive tactics mid-mission. One of the most significant upgrades is the AI. Enemies behave more intelligently—they’ll retreat under fire, flank your team, or hunker down in ambush positions. Civilians move unpredictably, adding another layer of uncertainty and requiring split-second judgment calls. Your own operatives also feel more specialized and distinct, thanks to the expanded operator system. Each operator can belong to different special forces units, such as Delta Force or the CIA’s SAD, with unique weapons, gear, and abilities. Custom loadouts offer access to flashbangs, breaching charges, silencers, shields, and even drone reconnaissance, giving you a broad tactical toolkit that accommodates both silent infiltration and explosive entry. The mission variety is another standout aspect. From hostage rescues and HVT (high-value target) captures to bomb defusals and ambush missions, each map demands a different approach. Some missions are scripted and narrative-driven, while others are procedurally generated or randomly seeded for replayability. What keeps things especially tense is the game’s unforgiving nature—one mistake can lead to the death of a team member or mission failure. The permadeath system for operators in campaign mode adds significant weight to each decision, turning every successful extraction into a meaningful accomplishment. Graphically, Door Kickers 2 adopts a functional but improved aesthetic. While it doesn’t boast high-end visuals, the isometric style is crisp, clean, and highly readable. Lighting plays a greater role, especially in night missions where flashlights, NVGs, and muzzle flashes pierce the darkness with cinematic tension. Sound design is equally effective: gunfire has weight, explosions are sharp, and the distinct clatter of suppressed vs. unsuppressed weapons adds to the immersion. There’s also support for multiplayer co-op, a long-requested feature that allows you to coordinate with a friend in real-time. It transforms the experience from a solitary planning exercise into a more communicative, team-based affair—adding stress, hilarity, and depth in equal measure. Modding support is present too, with the community already creating new missions, weapons, and even entire campaigns, further extending the game’s lifespan. Still, the game has a few rough edges. The UI, while functional, can feel unintuitive for newcomers, especially when managing multiple squads or complex synchronized commands. The lack of a full campaign (as of mid-2025) may also leave some players wanting a stronger narrative structure, though updates have steadily expanded mission content. Additionally, while the game rewards patience and precision, its punishing difficulty may turn off more casual players. In summary, Door Kickers 2: Task Force North is an excellent evolution of tactical strategy gaming—complex without being convoluted, tense without relying on cheap tricks, and consistently rewarding for those who invest in its systems. With its deep planning mechanics, smart AI, realistic modern setting, and flexible mission design, it sets a high bar for top-down tactical shooters. Whether you're a veteran of the original or a newcomer craving methodical, high-stakes gameplay, Door Kickers 2 delivers an uncompromising and exhilarating experience that earns its place among the best in the genre. Rating: 10/10

It's like Door Kickers 1 only it's 2. Great innovative game, only this time it's bigger, better and more beautiful

Are you nostalgic for the original Rainbow Six and frustrated that nothing in the decades since has given you the ability to make and execute tactical plans on a site map ever since? Well, you've found the correct game to scratch that itch. The only one on Steam, really. Rest easy. Your search is over.

There are not many games I have played and immediately have fallen in love with, but I can safely say that this game is one of those. There is just something soothing developing a strategy for clearing a building room by room.

Door Kickers 2 is an exceptional top-down strategy game that I enjoy to play on a regular basis. There are plenty of missions to select from, and you will have no shortage of surprises in stock. This game is very user friendly when it comes to mods, and overall playerbility. If you are looking to buy this game and are skeptical, DK2 is a good run for your money and you won't be disappointed. There is loads of content to get your hands into, and with the game just releasing, there is going to be more content to come. Overall, this is a great game and would definitely recommend it to others.

A tactics game that incentivizes you to develop "doctrine" and stick to it - and different game modes and missions require *different* doctrines...

Before this I tried DK1 outside of Steam and I loved it. Knew about DK2 development for a very long time. This game was in my wish list since idk, 2019? It was still in Early Access and I decided to let the devs cook. Even after 1.0 Full Release, I would still let it simmer first, and waiting for a sale. So during this Steam Summer Sale 2025, I decided 20% is an OK discount to just try it. And it does not disappoint. The game is so good. Everything is revealed slowly to allow newcomers to learn. Also having guides help a lot. I haven't tried co-op multiplayer yet, probably not for now since I am content with playing solo. I believe it would be good.

This is Rainbow 6 in a top down view, and it is Awesome. Definitely has that "one more round" itch. The best part are the solo challenges where your one guy is just klutching it CS style, and you can't believe they just made that shot through the window killing 2 Ts in one go.

Great CQB, realistic, and quick thinking game. Would highly recommend

A fun game, though it can feel a tad janky at times. But the challenges are great! Worth the price, easily.

An incredibly good tactics game. The only things preventing it being one of the best tactics games of all time are some very, very minor issues that add up with certain squads(such as some occasional fickiness around how the CIA works), and a setting that isn't bad, but a little generic. With that said, definitely grab this game, especially on any kind of sale, if you're even somewhat into tactics games.

Really great way to learn how military people move in situational standpoint. This game basically can help you with tactical fps games with fundamentals like map awareness or how to take gun fights properly imo.

I enjoy how this game is built, it's easy yet hard and gives the player a lot of freedom to approach all missions with a fresh tactical perspective. At one point the endgame feels a bit underwhelming but then you come back to the realisation that every mission with the guards being RNG'd around the map is a fresh take and you still feel surprised/frustrated and have to reconsider the minute little details of your deployment all over again. It's fun and i'm engaged. I recommend it.

First of all, this game is amazing. Initially it is very approachable and then opens up quickly to immensely intricate strategic scenarios with a plethora of tactical decisions to make. It is incredibly satisfying to spend the time to complete a level flawlessly, go for the optional objectives, or to get a faster time. I seriously can't be clear enough that the game just feels super good to play through as you watch your operatives enact your plans with skill and precision, without taking away any of the difficulty that makes tactical games work in the first place. Not only that, but the game runs like an absolute dream. You could get most potatoes to run this smoothly. Because of that I find myself loading this up on my laptop to play a quick round here and there when I have the time. Additionally the Linux support is amazing (I run a Linux laptop), so if I owned a steam deck this would probably be my most played title on it. Some small critiques: - Controls are not initially intuitive, although the tutorial does teach them very well. - I haven't come across anything that teaches about using doctrine points or what leveling up a squad or soldiers does unless you search for it. That might not be relevant though as I am very early into the game and I tend to spend a lot of time optimizing each level. - The game doesn't really take to well to fast mouse movements. - The AI isn't incredible, so a lot of the challenge will come from trying to improve your next time through the level rather than the first clear of a mission.

Easy to learn, tough to master. it lets you slow things down and plan your moves without any pressure, which makes every mission feel personal. The gameplay is smart, unique, and super satisfying. especially when you’re replaying a level just to get it perfect. If you like tactical games, this one’s a gem.

The concept is excellent, and entertaining. It is pretty easy to learn, and will absolutely punish you for making mistakes. I mean rip you to shreds. You have to be smart.

really fun, company of heroes 2 didn't scratch the itch and this is perfect. not a huge starcraft fan mechanically so this is really cool. don't have to learn a whole game, can just hop in and play. seemingly endless missions so just mess around until you get the aiming function down (that was the only thing that was weird to learn). if you're burnt out on games and just want something to hop into on your free-time i 10/10 recommend this. starting the campaign soon but even without it i'd continue to play. it's just so satisfying getting a run the perfect way you want it and getting better each time. also, the colored lines in the settings make planning so much easier. a solid nod to the developers all around.

this game is sooooo good. fun game where u basically control a whole team to do diff things. can actually apply real cqb and tactics. just treat it like its real life and your team should be ok. AND its available on MacOS. i love it! u guys r the best

This game gives me heavy Full Spectrum Warrior vibes from back when I was kid! Overall, super fun, way more in depth than i thought it was going to be. Game was a total surprise for since i never played the first one, very happy with the game so far, would definitely buy again.

My strategic thought process simply leaves my body when one of the terrorists laughs after killing one of my boys.

A really FUN little game. By little, I mean that the requirements are so low and the graphics are simple but good. It does have a lot of content, plus thousands of maps/mods, so you can look forward to a lot of playing time. It's a challenge though! I've played 70+ hours and still make so many mistakes I feel like a rookie. Still, when you do finish a mission clean and fast (rare for me) it feels SO good. Recommend highly for anyone who likes tactics games.

If you are into strategic games but also want a taste of mil sim then this is an amazing game...its also good for those who don't have a pc good enough to play arma or like swat ready or not or are on a mac this game is really amazing it might not be the same but it shares some of the elements

This game is incredibly well-designed and offers plenty of detail that you can use to optimize your strategy if you wish but nothing that you have to touch if you're looking for a more relaxed experienced. If you enjoy tactical games but want something with faster pace and straightforward mechanics, I think you'll like this game, especially if you enjoy shooters (it's not a shooter though, your characters do that stuff based on the tactics you input). You can go slow and control minute aspects of your characters' equipment, skills, and tactics or just control them as live, and there are plenty of missions if you get stuck on one. Trial-and-error is usually enough to get past even the hard levels though, and there's a strong online community that you can find tips through.

Very fun game, campaigns and mods have really extended the life of this game for me

If you love the planning and difficulty of CQB, this will please those brain receptors. I train CQB almost yearly in the army and every time I get the feeling I would need to train more. This game will give you thoughts to challenge your ideas. Content also by community, which makes for good replayability

This is a good game but quickly gets repetitive. Campaigns are so so. Levels in procedural campaigns are not completely random but some aspects of the buildings change, which is nice. Overall I'm feed up after 9 hours of playing.

Fun game with multiple play styles. I enjoy the randomness of the enemy AI and difficulty presented. I haven't done a top-down style game in a long time so this is a fresh change of pace from my current genres.

great game but the random mission generator keeps crashing on me

The game is great. I loved the first one and this one is even better. Gameplay is a lot more fluid now with new added mechanics, more weapon customizations with pros and cons to them, class specializations (not too much of a fan of this, I prefer making people what I need them to be with kits, but I understand why they did it). Lots of missions, workshop missions made by other players, ability to make new teams of characters. I recommended this game if you enjoyed the first one - or if you enjoy tactical strategy games.

door kicking, grabbing, smashing, exploding, fun

it’s a pleasantly satisfying game, the core mechanics and dynamic missions, including the map generator, keep this gameplay fresh and tense. the map editor is surprisingly complex and in-depth, and the workshop is having a field day with it, as well as overall mod support

Insanely addictive. I want my life back! I usually dont fall for these games but its super addictive.

I literally loved the first one so much, and I forgot they were even making a second one, so imagine my delight! Now if they would only make Poker Night at the Inventory 3...

Very fun game to play with friends, would 100% recommend.

love the game would love to see more stuff like weapons attachments and everything possibly vehicles and other stuff but over all great game very tactical.

Fun game. Enjoyed replaying as the different branches. Good way to kill time REALLY quickly!

Doorkickers 2 is a really well made game. The graphics are very nice, troops are solid, and the levels fun. It's just a really nice game to play. I'd really recommend getting the Project Ares mod though, just for more units!

It's a fun game, it makes you think and want to retry again and again to either get all stars or do some if the challenges. Takes puzzles games to another level honestly.

I give this game a thumbs up because it does have some entertainment value to it, it also has a map editor where you can make your own maps/missions, and it also has Steam workshop where you can add your maps and download other people creations. As far as the game play itself... I find the controls to be quite clunky, especially when your units are close to each other, or when their paths cross, and in many places where they are close to objects, walls, and the edge of the playing field. There are times I have to click on a unit 5 times before it selects them, sometimes the aiming won't register and gets stuck in a particular function, and I've even had units just randomly create a path of their own somehow which takes them out of position which is super frustrating. Also finding the sweet spot to clear a window is a major pain. There are a lot of missions which I've been getting through quite easily, I've yet to dive deep into a campaign, and the map creator looks like there will be a bit of a learning curve but I look forward to making some missions for the workshop. Overall, yeah it's playable, a bit clunky at times, and the enemy is quite predictable. There are a lot of achievements and many hours of game play to be had. I picked this up for $25 which is a decent price considering the crappy AAA games that come out for $60-$100 these days that aren't even playable. It would be nice if they had a demo for people to try before they buy. I recommend putting it on your wishlist and look for it on sale, then you won't feel too bad for buying it if you don't like it.

Great game, challenging and fun

Great game! Pure strategy and endless missions, buy it, you won´t regret