Backyard Wrestling 2 There Goes the Neighbourhood Review

Overview

Released in November 2004 by Eidos Interactive and developed by Paradox Development, Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighbourhood represents the company's second attempt at translating the underground wrestling phenomenon into video game form. The game builds upon its predecessor's foundation while attempting to address many of the complaints levelled at the original. As a fighting game/wrestling hybrid, it occupies a unique niche in the Xbox's library, offering an alternative to the more mainstream WWE titles of the era. While the original Backyard Wrestling was criticized for its shallow gameplay and poor controls, this sequel attempts to deliver a more refined experience while maintaining the series' signature ultraviolent style.

Graphics and Presentation

From a technical standpoint, Backyard Wrestling 2 makes decent use of the Xbox hardware, though it never pushes the system to its limits. The character models show good detail for the era, with recognizable representations of the real world backyard wrestlers featured in the game. The environments offer impressive destructibility, with objects breaking apart convincingly and debris remaining present throughout matches. However, textures can be muddy, and the overall visual presentation lacks the polish of contemporary wrestling titles.

The art direction embraces a gritty, underground aesthetic that fits the subject matter well. Venues range from dingy backyards to abandoned warehouses, each filled with various weapons and destructible elements. Character designs lean heavily into the extreme wrestling aesthetic, featuring an array of outlandish outfits and accessories that capture the DIY spirit of the backyard wrestling scene.

Performance wise, the game generally maintains a stable frame rate but can struggle during particularly chaotic moments when multiple wrestlers and environmental effects are on screen. The game runs at a native resolution of 480p on Xbox, and while this was standard for the era, it means the visuals can look somewhat dated by today's standards. The user interface is functional if unremarkable, with clear menus and a minimalist HUD that keeps the focus on the action.

Sound and Music

The audio presentation is one of Backyard Wrestling 2's stronger aspects. The licensed soundtrack features an impressive collection of punk, metal, and hip hop tracks that perfectly capture the underground wrestling atmosphere. Artists like Insane Clown Posse, Spine shank, and Kenny Rogers contribute to a diverse playlist that helps maintain energy throughout matches. The sound effects pack a satisfying punch, with impactful thuds, crashes, and breaks that sell the violence of the action. Voice acting in the career mode is serviceable, though the dialogue often ventures into campy territory.

From a technical perspective, the audio mixing is generally well handled. Impact sounds and music are balanced appropriately, though occasionally the commentary and crowd noise can get lost during particularly chaotic moments. The ambient audio does a good job of creating atmosphere, with different venues featuring distinct background noise that adds to their unique character. The integration of music during matches is smooth, with tracks transitioning naturally between menu and gameplay sections.

Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, Backyard Wrestling 2 attempts to straddle the line between a traditional fighting game and a wrestling title. The basic control scheme is more accessible than its predecessor, with a straightforward layout for strikes, grapples, and environmental interactions. The game emphasizes combat flow and chain attacks rather than technical wrestling mechanics, allowing players to string together combinations of moves and environmental attacks. The counter system adds a layer of strategy, though it can feel inconsistent in execution.

The environmental interaction is where the game truly shines. Nearly everything in each arena can be used as a weapon or destruction point, from standard furniture to more exotic items like weed whackers and shopping carts. The physics system, while not particularly realistic, creates entertaining moments of destruction as wrestlers crash through objects and bounce off surfaces. The variety of weapons and environmental hazards helps keep matches feeling fresh, even if the core combat can become repetitive.

Character progression is present but somewhat shallow. The career mode allows players to unlock new moves and create custom wrestlers, but the progression system lacks the depth found in contemporary wrestling games. Match types offer some variety, from standard one on one bouts to more elaborate multi person contests, but they all ultimately rely on the same basic gameplay mechanics. The control responsiveness is improved from the original game but still feels slightly sluggish compared to more polished fighting titles of the era.

Story and Setting

The career mode narrative follows your created wrestler's rise through the ranks of underground wrestling, featuring a storyline that embraces the absurdity of its premise. The plot involves territorial disputes, personal vendettas, and increasingly outrageous scenarios that serve as a vehicle for the game's extensive violence. While the writing won't win any awards, it effectively captures the over the top nature of backyard wrestling culture and provides sufficient motivation for the constant stream of matches.

Character interactions are appropriately cheesy, with dialogue that ranges from amusingly bad to genuinely entertaining. The world building effectively creates a grimy, underground atmosphere that feels distinct from the more polished presentation of mainstream wrestling games. The narrative pacing is inconsistent, with some storylines dragging on too long while others feel rushed, but it serves its purpose of providing context for the action.

Content and Value

The main career mode offers approximately 8-10 hours of content, with additional replay value found in the various exhibition modes and multiplayer options. The roster features over 20 playable characters, each with unique move sets and personalities drawn from the real backyard wrestling scene. The create a wrestler mode provides decent customization options, though it lacks the depth found in contemporary WWE games. Unlockable content includes additional characters, venues, and weapons, providing incentive for repeated play.

At its original retail price of £39.99, the game represented somewhat questionable value given its limitations. However, at current pre owned prices ranging from £5-15, it becomes a more attractive proposition for those interested in its unique take on the wrestling genre. The multiplayer modes, while basic, can provide entertaining sessions with friends, though the lack of online features limits long term appeal.

Technical Performance

Loading times on the original Xbox are reasonable, with matches typically loading within 20-30 seconds. The game generally runs smoothly, though frame rate drops can occur during particularly chaotic moments with multiple wrestlers and environmental effects on screen. The save system is functional, automatically recording career progress and unlocks, though it only provides a single save slot.

Bug testing reveals occasional collision detection issues, with wrestlers sometimes clipping through objects or getting stuck in environmental geometry. While not game breaking, these technical hiccups can disrupt the flow of matches. Crash frequency is low, with the game generally maintaining stability throughout extended play sessions. The Xbox hardware handles the game's requirements adequately, though the technical limitations of the era are evident in various aspects of the presentation.

The Verdict

Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighbourhood represents a modest improvement over its predecessor, delivering an entertaining if flawed experience that captures the spirit of underground wrestling. While the improved controls and environmental interaction provide genuine moments of chaotic fun, the shallow gameplay mechanics and technical issues prevent it from reaching its full potential. The game's unique approach to the wrestling genre and impressive soundtrack help compensate for its shortcomings, but it remains a niche title that will appeal primarily to fans of extreme wrestling and those who can overlook its rough edges.

Pros

• Extensive environmental destruction adds excitement to matches
• Solid licensed soundtrack enhances the atmosphere
• Improved controls over the original game
• Variety of match types and venues

Cons

• Repetitive core gameplay mechanics
• Technical issues with collision detection
• Shallow career mode
• Inconsistent frame rate during intense action

Final Score: 6/10

Backyard Wrestling 2 delivers on its promise of chaotic, environmental wrestling action but falls short in terms of lasting appeal and technical polish. While fans of extreme wrestling may find enjoyment in its unique approach, most players would be better served by more refined wrestling titles of the era.

By OGXbox Archive