If you're unfamiliar with the game, it falls within the broad genre of "action platformer" where you assume the role of a member of law enforcement and have to take out all the bad guys in a level while also completing other objectives, such as rescuing hostages, defusing a bomb, or arresting a particular person. Clearing a stage is usually methodical; get as much information as you can about a room before entering, kick the door down, eliminate the enemies, proceed to the next one. Despite the methodical approach, the action itself is very quick. Most engagements last a few seconds with either you or the bad guys dead, and I've lost those gun battles more than once due to thinking I didn't need to reload my gun.

Sounds like a bad decision, personally, but I'll let you be the judge.

I only ever played a little of the original Door Kickers, though I know both Nick and Locke really dug the top-down tactical action that it offered. Changing the format to a side-scrolling action platformer left both of them wondering how tactical it would be, and we were all pleasantly surprised by what KillHouse has done with this follow-up. Each level presents players with a set objective (e.g., rescue all hostages, clear all hostiles, or defuse a bomb), and the way you go about achieving said objective is entirely up to you and your co-op buddy. For example, two enemies standing below two skylights presents a great chance for you and your buddy to do a quick little countdown and drop down on the baddies simultaneously. You could also drop down on your own (assuming you're playing as the "Shield" class) to attract their attention/fire, while your buddy drops down a little after behind them and takes them out. The way you go about doing all of this is entirely up to you and elements of the game reminded us of titles like Gunpoint, Ronin, and Hotline: Miami.