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Platform: Playstation
2, Xbox
Related Links: Review: Def Jam Vendetta (PS2) Review: Ultimate MUSCLE - The Kinnikuman Legacy (GC)
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Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood
The
first Backyard Wrestling left many reviewers advising gamers to take the
advice on the box: "Don't Try This at Home," but it looks like
the developers at Paradox have gone to considerable lengths to address
the problems that plagued the original. While
there will still be plenty of TVs, lawn furniture and other dangerous
objects to hurl at your opponents, Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the
Neighborhood features a new wrestling system that includes submission
holds, a defense system and body part specific damage that tempers the
original's button-mashing, one-on-one mosh-pit mentality. And, Paradox
is touting its new Enviro-Mental game engine that it says will
"vastly improve graphics, damage systems . . . and NPC
interaction." The game's Create-A-Wrestler system also features significant improvements, and will allow players to define a character's move sets, as well as their accessories and body type. A graphics editor will also allow players to create and edit tattoos and face paint for their characters.
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Notably, online capabilities will facilitate live, interstate trash talking. The involved plots of televised wrestling – which generally culminate in live, pay-per-view events featuring Vince McMahon in a steel cage with a rake and a huge pile of twenties – have never really elbowed their way into wrestling games, which is kind of a shame. Part of the genius of WWE is that their athletes spend as much (or more) time talking trash on the mike as they do performing pile drivers. That's what lays the groundwork that ultimately makes a grudge match a grudge match. So, the addition of online USB mike enhanced play, along with |
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an international
online ranking system, has the potential to really ratchet up this
game's replay value. The guys at Eidos should really consider setting up
a couple of live online tournaments after the game's launch in Fall
2004.
The
plot of the regular game looks predictably thin – a (virtual) million
dollar cash prize is on the line for the wrestler who can make it
through all the matches and ultimately win the unified BYW championship
in "your town" USA. The large purse has lured the "most
violent professional wrestlers ever to set foot in a ring" into
your hometown, and they will stop at nothing in their quest to smash
your face with a folding chair. The game is once again backed with a
soundtrack featuring metal, punk and hip-hop acts.
As
much fun as it can be to watch huge muscle-men throw chairs and referees
around on TV, it has rarely translated well in the interactive
entertainment arena. It's good to see that Paradox went back to the
drawing board and specifically addressed points of criticism from the
original Backyard Wrestling. The new enhancements – especially online
play – look like they've got the potential to create a more
well-rounded, fun sequel. - M. Enis (June 16, 2004) |
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