Summary
- Release Year: 2004
- Genres: Fighting, Sport
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox
- Developers: Midway Studios Los Angeles
- Publishers: Eidos Interactive
Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood: A Nostalgic Trip to the Backyard
Released in 2004 for the Xbox and PlayStation 2, Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood is the second installment in the Backyard Wrestling series. Developed by Paradox Development and published by Eidos Interactive, the game promised an improved gameplay experience over its predecessor, but ultimately fell short of expectations. Despite its critical failure, Backyard Wrestling 2 still managed to sell nearly 300,000 copies through 2005, thanks in part to its unique premise and over-the-top action.
Gameplay
Backyard Wrestling 2 is a wrestling game that allows players to create their own backyard wrestling federation and compete in a variety of matches. The game features a roster of over 30 wrestlers, each with their own unique moves and abilities. Players can choose to wrestle in a variety of environments, including backyards, junkyards, and even a construction site.
The gameplay in Backyard Wrestling 2 is fast-paced and chaotic, with a focus on over-the-top stunts and weapons-based combat. Players can use a variety of objects to attack their opponents, including chairs, tables, ladders, and even barbed wire. The game also features a create-a-wrestler mode, allowing players to create their own custom characters.
Story
Backyard Wrestling 2 features a story mode that follows the rise of a young wrestler named Johnny Hardcore. Johnny starts out as a nobody, but quickly rises through the ranks of the Backyard Wrestling Federation after defeating a series of increasingly tough opponents. Along the way, Johnny makes friends and enemies, and ultimately learns the true meaning of backyard wrestling.
The story mode in Backyard Wrestling 2 is surprisingly well-written, with engaging characters and a compelling narrative. It’s a shame that the gameplay doesn’t quite live up to the story, but it’s still worth checking out for fans of the series.
Characters
Backyard Wrestling 2 features a roster of over 30 wrestlers, each with their own unique moves and abilities. Some of the most popular characters include:
- Johnny Hardcore: The protagonist of the story mode, Johnny is a young wrestler with a lot of potential.
- The Backyard Kid: A pint-sized wrestler with a surprising amount of strength.
- The Big Show: A giant wrestler who is nearly impossible to defeat.
- Vampiro: A real-life wrestler who is known for his dark and brooding persona.
- Insane Clown Posse: A rap duo who are also playable characters in the game.
Reception
Backyard Wrestling 2 received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s unique premise and over-the-top action, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of polish. Despite its critical failure, the game still managed to sell nearly 300,000 copies through 2005, thanks in part to its loyal fan base.
Legacy
Backyard Wrestling 2 is a flawed but fun wrestling game that captures the over-the-top action of backyard brawling. It’s not the most polished game in the world, but it’s still a lot of fun to play, especially with friends. If you’re a fan of wrestling games or just looking for a good laugh, Backyard Wrestling 2 is definitely worth checking out.
Tips for Playing Backyard Wrestling 2
Here are a few tips for playing Backyard Wrestling 2:
- Use the environment to your advantage. There are a variety of objects in each environment that you can use to attack your opponents.
- Don’t be afraid to use weapons. Weapons can give you a significant advantage in a fight.
- Team up with a friend. Backyard Wrestling 2 is even more fun when you play with a friend.
- Create your own wrestler. The create-a-wrestler mode in Backyard Wrestling 2 is very robust, allowing you to create your own custom characters.
Conclusion
Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood is a unique and over-the-top wrestling game that is sure to provide hours of fun. It’s not the most polished game in the world, but it’s still a lot of fun to play, especially with friends. If you’re a fan of wrestling games or just looking for a good laugh, Backyard Wrestling 2 is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
5/10
