{"id":72617,"date":"2020-07-26T11:59:27","date_gmt":"2020-07-26T15:59:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprowrestling.com\/?p=72617"},"modified":"2020-07-26T13:35:09","modified_gmt":"2020-07-26T17:35:09","slug":"revisiting-wrestling-video-games-xbox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2020\/07\/26\/revisiting-wrestling-video-games-xbox\/","title":{"rendered":"Revisiting Wrestling Video Games (Xbox)"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this edition of \u201cRevisiting Wrestling Video Games,\u201d the sixth generation of consoles concludes with the original Xbox. This was Microsoft’s first foray into the gaming market, as we will discuss in detail later, and it provided experiences that competed directly with the ones offered by Sony and Nintendo. Much like the PlayStation 2 and GameCube, the Xbox offered a number of wrestling games for fans to enjoy. Let’s dive deeper into the console itself.<\/p>\n

\"Xbox\"
Photo \/ Microsoft<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Microsoft Xbox<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Released in 2001 in North America and 2002 in subsequent regions, the Xbox made a solid first impression. Keep in mind that, since the mid-90s, no major American company was manufacturing video game consoles. Once Atari was out of the console race, no other company tried their hand until Microsoft. The latter brand became synonymous with computers and software, so the transition into the gaming market wasn’t terribly surprising. While the Xbox may not have won the sixth console generation, it put up a formidable fight, especially given it was Microsoft’s first gaming platform.<\/p>\n

During its lifetime, the Xbox sold over 24 million units. It had a solid launch, supported by the introduction of the \u201cHalo\u201d series with \u201cHalo: Combat Evolved.\u201d This series would be to Microsoft what \u201cThe Legend of Zelda\u201d or \u201cSuper Mario\u201d is to Nintendo. The Xbox failed to see momentum in Japan, though it was incredibly popular with American audiences. This success was largely due to the software that came out for the Xbox. Of course, this brings us to the discussion of wrestling video games. If you’re planning on dusting off your old Xbox or may be eying a used console online, here are a few of the most memorable wrestling titles to pop in.<\/p>\n

\"Showdown:
Photo \/ Acclaim<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Showdown: Legends of Wrestling<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It’s important to note that despite the popularity of the Xbox in North America, there were very few original wrestling video games released for the platform. That said, it benefited from titles that found their way onto other systems, specifically the PlayStation 2. One such example was the \u201cLegends of Wrestling\u201d series, from Acclaim. This featured names from yesteryear, recreated with exaggerated, muscular proportions, ranging from Hulk Hogan<\/strong> to\u00a0Bret Hart<\/strong> to Terry Funk<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In terms of critical reception, the first two \u201cLegends of Wrestling\u201d games were average at best. The titles weren’t necessarily terrible, but they didn’t quite excite to the level fans expected. While \u201cShowdown: Legends of Wrestling,\u201d the third entry, may not have set the world on fire, it provided a loaded experience. Released in 2004,\u201d Showdown: Legends of Wrestling\u201d featured one of the most stacked rosters of any wrestling video game up until then. It also boasted multiple few real-life locations, including the Tokyo Dome and Wembley Stadium.<\/p>\n

The matches also features solid presentation. Said presentation was bolstered by commentary from Tony Schiavone<\/strong>, Larry Zbyszko<\/strong>, and Bobby \u201cThe Brain\u201d Heenan<\/strong>. In terms of gameplay, \u201cShowdown: Legends of Wrestling\u201d is a bit rough around the edges. Don’t be surprised to see your strikes or grapples fail to register from time to time. For those that are itching for a wrestling game on the Xbox, you can do much worse.<\/p>\n

\"Backyard
Photo \/ Eidos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Developed by Paradox Development and published by Eidos Interactive, \u201cBackyard Wrestling: Don’t Try This at Home\u201d was as gritty as wrestling video games became. Instead of rings, fighters would compete in unique locations ranging from parking lots to strip clubs. It also played less like a traditional wrestling game and more like a fighter in a similar vein as \u201cSoul Calibur\u201d or \u201cTekken.\u201d While it wasn’t terribly well-received, it carved a unique niche for itself.<\/p>\n

Enter the sequel, \u201cBackyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood,\u201d which released on the Xbox in addition to the PS2. The soundtrack was packed, with The Insane Clown Posse<\/strong>, the figureheads of the series, being accompanied by such names as Andrew W.K. and Fall Out Boy. Its roster also features many names in hardcore wrestling, ranging from John Zandig<\/strong> to The Sandman<\/strong> to New Jack<\/strong>. To see these wrestlers compete in locations such as the ones mentioned earlier is an experience, to say the least.<\/p>\n

It’s important to note that \u201cBackyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood\u201d is an acquired taste. This isn’t exactly a pretty game, nor is it one that controls the best. However, it should satiate a wrestling fan’s hunger for violence and mayhem, provided the game’s hiccups can be overcome. Give this game a try if you can get your hands on it, but don’t spend too much.<\/p>\n