WCW Backstage Assault (2000)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

WCW Backstage Assault: No-Holds-Barred Brawling

WCW Backstage Assault is a professional wrestling video game released in 2000 for the PlayStation and Dreamcast. The game features over 50 WCW superstars, including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sting, Goldberg, and Diamond Dallas Page. It also includes the women of the WCW, such as Madusa, Miss Elizabeth, and Torrie Wilson.

Backstage Assault is a departure from the traditional wrestling game formula. Instead of focusing on in-ring action, the game takes place in the backstage areas of a wrestling arena. This gives the player a chance to explore the backstage area and interact with objects in the environment. Players can use these objects as weapons, such as chairs, tables, and ladders.

The game features 14 playable backstage areas, including the locker room, the training room, the production truck, and the parking lot. Each area has its own unique hazards and obstacles. For example, the locker room is filled with lockers that can be used to trap opponents, while the production truck is filled with electrical equipment that can be used to shock opponents.

In addition to the standard wrestling moves, Backstage Assault also features a number of power-ups that can be used to give the player an advantage. These power-ups include things like speed boosts, invincibility, and the ability to perform special moves.

The game also features two new match types: First Blood and Torch matches. In First Blood matches, the first wrestler to draw blood from their opponent wins. In Torch matches, the wrestlers fight in a ring surrounded by flaming torches. If a wrestler falls out of the ring, they are burned by the torches.

Backstage Assault was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its large roster of wrestlers, and its realistic graphics. The game was also a hit with fans of the WCW, who were able to play as their favorite wrestlers and explore the backstage area of a wrestling arena.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Backstage Assault is similar to other wrestling games. Players control a wrestler and must use a variety of moves to defeat their opponent. However, Backstage Assault also features a number of unique gameplay elements that set it apart from other wrestling games.

One of the most unique features of Backstage Assault is the ability to use the environment as a weapon. Players can pick up objects in the environment, such as chairs, tables, and ladders, and use them to attack their opponents. Players can also use the environment to their advantage, such as by throwing their opponents into walls or off of balconies.

Another unique feature of Backstage Assault is the inclusion of power-ups. Power-ups can be found throughout the backstage area and can give the player a variety of advantages, such as speed boosts, invincibility, and the ability to perform special moves.

Backstage Assault also features two new match types: First Blood and Torch matches. In First Blood matches, the first wrestler to draw blood from their opponent wins. In Torch matches, the wrestlers fight in a ring surrounded by flaming torches. If a wrestler falls out of the ring, they are burned by the torches.

Roster

Backstage Assault features a roster of over 50 WCW superstars, including:

  • Hulk Hogan
  • Ric Flair
  • Sting
  • Goldberg
  • Diamond Dallas Page
  • Kevin Nash
  • Scott Hall
  • Lex Luger
  • Bret Hart
  • Chris Benoit
  • Chris Jericho
  • Eddie Guerrero
  • Rey Mysterio
  • Juventud Guerrera
  • Billy Kidman
  • Torrie Wilson
  • Madusa
  • Miss Elizabeth

Reception

Backstage Assault was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its large roster of wrestlers, and its realistic graphics. The game was also a hit with fans of the WCW, who were able to play as their favorite wrestlers and explore the backstage area of a wrestling arena.

Backstage Assault was nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2000 Golden Joystick Awards. It was also ranked as one of the best wrestling games of all time by IGN.

Legacy

Backstage Assault is considered to be one of the best wrestling games of all time. It was one of the first wrestling games to feature a large roster of wrestlers, and it was one of the first wrestling games to allow players to use the environment as a weapon. Backstage Assault also introduced two new match types: First Blood and Torch matches.

Backstage Assault has been cited as an influence on several other wrestling games, including the WWE SmackDown! series and the WWE 2K series. It is also considered to be a classic wrestling game by many fans of the genre.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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