Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood vs Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood pits you against friends in over‑the‑top fights using real‑world locations and a licensed roster of metal and rap tracks. Developed by Midway Studios Los Angeles and published by Eidos Interactive, the 2004 release brings split‑screen chaos to the PlayStation 2.
Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home thrusts players into a gritty, open‑ended fighting experience where anything can become a weapon. Leap from rooftops, smash opponents with barbed wire, thumbtacks, and even fire to claim the title of King of Hardcore. Featuring split‑screen multiplayer and a single‑player mode, the game delivers over‑the‑top action across sprawling environments, encouraging risky, high‑damage tactics for fans of hardcore combat sports.
- Entertaining split‑screen multiplayer
- Strong licensed music lineup
- Varied arenas with interactive hazards
- Robust character customization
- Variety of improvised weapons
- Highly interactive environments
- Split‑screen multiplayer
- Distinct hardcore wrestling theme
- Critically panned for clunky controls
- Graphics dated even for its era
- Limited online functionality
- Limited to PlayStation 2
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- Steep learning curve for controls
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood
View all →Alternatives to Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home
View all →Extreme backyard brawls with a hardcore soundtrack on PS2
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are PS2-only, $49.99, split‑screen wrestling games from Midway, but Backyard Wrestling 2 offers more arenas, customization, and a licensed soundtrack, while the original has a higher critic score and slightly earlier release.
Key differences
- •Backyard Wrestling 2 (2004) includes eight distinct arenas and character customization; the original (2003) does not mention customization.
- •Backyard Wrestling 2 lists a licensed soundtrack (e.g., Andrew W.K.); the original only notes a gritty soundtrack without specifics.
- •Critic score: Backyard Wrestling 2 received 45/100; the original has no critic score provided.
- •Release date: 2004 vs. 2003, indicating newer content and possibly refined mechanics in the sequel.
- •Both share split‑screen multiplayer, but the sequel notes “robust” customization as a pro, while the original lists “steep learning curve” as a con.
Gameplay & fun factor
Backyard Wrestling 2 adds character customization and more arena hazards, enhancing variety and replay fun.
Platform availability
Both are PlayStation 2 exclusive with no other platform listed.
Price & value
Both priced at $49.99, offering comparable value at launch.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Each supports local split‑screen multiplayer for two players.
Content & replayability
Eight arenas, unlockable moves/costumes, and a licensed soundtrack give the sequel more content.
Difficulty & accessibility
Original notes a steep learning curve; sequel is criticized for clunky controls but not labeled steep.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as dated graphics for their era; no differentiating data provided.
Choose Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood if…
Buy if you prioritize a higher critic rating and can tolerate fewer arenas/customization.
Choose Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home if…
Buy if you want more arenas, customization, and a licensed soundtrack for richer replay value.
Common questions
Do either of the games support online multiplayer?
No; both only list split‑screen local multiplayer.
Is there a significant price difference between the two?
No; both have an MSRP of $49.99.
Which game has more content to keep me playing?
Backyard Wrestling 2 offers eight arenas, unlockable moves, costumes, and a licensed soundtrack, providing more content.