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 →
Extreme moves, illegal tactics—win at any cost in the ultimate wrestling showdown.
Step into the ring with 24 WWF superstars and battle in cage, hardcore, and weapon matches!
Alternatives to Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home
View all →Extreme backyard brawls with a hardcore soundtrack on PS2
Step into ECW's brutal world with over 40 hardcore stars and relentless blood‑splattered action.
Extreme moves, illegal tactics—win at any cost in the ultimate wrestling showdown.
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.