7-Nov-2003 Don't try this at home? How right are they
If you want to experience the craziest, most barbaric, simply downright stupidest wrestling experience around then you don't head to the WWE. Vince McMahon and his friends might offer you Hardcore fights, Hell In A Cell matches and Shane McMahon taking a massive bump once a year, but it pales in comparison to the insanity delivered by Backyard Wrestling.
The newest brand on the block has already been described as 'Jackass does wrestling' and that comment isn't too far wide of the mark. Backyard Wrestling dispenses with the glitz and glamour associated with the sport and simply offers what a large proportion of fans want - more blood and insanity.
Claret 'N' Sick The fights all takeplace in danger-filled environments, from the backyards of the title, to abattoirs and truck stops. Slices of redneck Americana are waiting to be destroyed as a procession of trailer-park trash line-up to do battle. Each location is fantastically interactive. Objects such as tables, chairs, bricks and iron bars litter the floor, waiting to be hurled at an opponent. There are also a wide variety of background objects for you to wreck or use, including old mattresses you can set alight, high sections to climb and launch yourself from and locals that don't like being interrupted if a fight gets too close.
Gallons of blood may be spilled during these barbaric bouts, but ultimately the game fails to really deliver. Simply, the wrestling side of the game is poorly executed and will leave you incredibly frustrated. Poor collision detection, unresponsive controls, a terrible reversal system and thrown objects that follow you even if you change direction make the game feel as low-budget as the real sport. It's a shame, since Backyard Wrestling certainly offers something unique, but alone that's not a good enough reason to play it. Sadly, with the Don't Try This At Home tagline, Eidos has already written its own review.
Captures the spirit of no-holds barred underground wrestling, but the execution is just too poor. Compared to WWE SmackDown! this feels like an inbred third cousin.
Easily the best part of Backyard Wrestling is simply going Tonto in the different locations on offer. The game has its faults but the level of interactivity is a real bonus. For example, when a new bout loads up the first thing you'll do is scan the background for objects you can use to inflict pain on your opponent. There will be loads of them. Everything from fish tanks to pole dancers can play a part in a bloody bout.
If someone’s stupid enough to park their car here, they won’t mind a little damage
Together you can make some sweet music with a synthesizer. Or just break some heads
Use those flaming hay bales to make yourself a round of clown toast
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