Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood

Story

Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood takes players into the chaotic and colorful world of backyard wrestling. Unlike traditional wrestling games that focus on the grandeur of professional arenas, this sequel to Backyard Wrestling: Don’t Try This at Home invites players to explore the raw, unfiltered side of combat sports. The game doesn’t follow a traditional storyline but instead immerses players in a series of escalating challenges that mimic the rise of an underground wrestling sensation.

The narrative thrust of the game revolves around the idea of becoming the top backyard wrestler in your neighborhood. Players navigate a series of matches, each set in varied and unconventional environments like junkyards, parking lots, and even rooftops. The game also features a cast of eccentric characters, including real-life personalities from the world of backyard wrestling, such as Insane Clown Posse and New Jack, each bringing their unique flair and fighting style to the mix.

The story is more an experience of the culture and personalities involved in this underground scene rather than a linear narrative. With each match, players unlock more content, allowing them to delve deeper into this gritty, over-the-top universe.

Gameplay

Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood expands on the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor while introducing new elements to enhance the player experience. The game is known for its freeform combat system, allowing players to utilize the environment and a wide array of weapons to gain the upper hand in matches. This system encourages creativity and improvisation, as players can smash opponents into walls, use random objects as weapons, and exploit environmental hazards to devastating effect.

The game features several modes, including a Story Mode, which acts as the primary campaign, and Exhibition Matches for quick play. The Story Mode offers a progression system where players can customize their characters and unlock new moves and items as they advance. This mode also features a series of boss battles against the more famous real-life backyard wrestlers, each presenting unique challenges.

One of the standout features of the game is its create-a-wrestler option, which provides extensive customization options. Players can tailor their wrestlers’ appearance, fighting style, and even entrance music, allowing for a personalized experience. The character creation tool is robust, offering a variety of clothing, tattoos, and accessories to choose from.

The controls are intuitive yet complex enough to offer depth, with a combination of strikes, grapples, and special moves at the player’s disposal. Mastering the timing and combination of these moves is key to dominating opponents and becoming the ultimate backyard wrestling champion.

Graphics and Sound

Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood embraces a gritty visual style that matches its chaotic gameplay and underground aesthetic. The graphics, while not groundbreaking for the time, effectively convey the game’s raw atmosphere, with detailed character models and destructible environments. Each venue is uniquely designed to reflect the anarchic spirit of backyard wrestling, filled with interactive elements that players can use to their advantage.

The sound design complements the visuals with an energetic and aggressive soundtrack featuring artists from the hardcore and hip-hop scenes, including the Insane Clown Posse and Andrew W.K. The music selection enhances the game’s rebellious tone and keeps the adrenaline pumping during matches. Additionally, the game’s sound effects, from the crash of broken furniture to the crowd’s roaring reactions, add to the immersive experience, making each match feel intense and impactful.

Legacy and Reception

Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood received a mixed reception upon its release. Critics praised the game for its unique premise and the freedom it offered players in terms of combat and environment interaction. The inclusion of real-life backyard wrestling personalities also added authenticity and appeal to fans of the underground wrestling scene.

However, the game also faced criticism for its repetitive gameplay and lack of a cohesive storyline. Some players found the controls clunky, and the AI opponents could be inconsistent in terms of challenge. Despite these criticisms, the game maintained a cult following, particularly among fans who appreciated its departure from the more sanitized wrestling games of the time.

In terms of legacy, Backyard Wrestling 2 holds a special place as a distinctive entry in the wrestling game genre. It pushed the boundaries of what a wrestling game could be, focusing on creativity, chaos, and the raw energy of backyard wrestling. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, it remains a nostalgic favorite for those who experienced its unique brand of virtual mayhem.

Conclusion

Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood stands out as a bold and unconventional entry in the realm of wrestling games. It captured the essence of an underground subculture, offering players a chance to experience the wild, unrefined world of backyard wrestling. Despite its mixed reception and the limitations highlighted by critics, the game carved out a niche for itself by offering a chaotic, creative sandbox for players to explore.

The game’s impact lies in its willingness to break away from traditional wrestling norms and deliver an experience that was as much about the culture of backyard wrestling as it was about the sport itself. For those who appreciate games that dare to be different and embrace their unique identity, Backyard Wrestling 2 remains a memorable and entertaining journey into the world of extreme, unsanctioned combat.