WCW Backstage Assault

Infobox VG
title=WCW Backstage Assault


caption=
developer=Electronic Arts
Kodiak Interactive
publisher=Electronic Arts
designer=
engine=
released=December 1 2000
genre=Wrestling
modes=Single player, multiplayer
ratings= vgratings|ESRB=Teen
platforms=Nintendo 64, PlayStation
media=Cartridge, CD
requirements=Controller Pak/PS Memory Card (required to save data)
input=

"WCW Backstage Assault" is a video game by Electronic Arts. It was the final World Championship Wrestling game to be released before the company was purchased by the World Wrestling Federation. The game features commentary by Tony Schiavone and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.

Overview

"Backstage Assault" is vastly different from other games of its genre. Any wrestling game prior to it that featured backstage areas (such as the "SmackDown!" series or its predecessor, "WCW Mayhem") treated them as auxiliary fighting locations. "Backstage Assault" took the concept further by removing the ring entirely and having all action take place backstage.

Hardcore Challenge

Hardcore Challenge is "Backstage Assault"'s primary gameplay mode. It consists of winning matches against random opponents until challenged by the champion. Throughout the game, players can unlock wrestlers, arenas, and moves for use in Create-a-Superstar. Unlike most other games that feature title modes, the player cannot defend the championship after earning it.

*WCW Hardcore Championship (Easy)
*WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (Medium)
*WCW World Championship (Hard)

Reception

"Backstage Assault" was widely panned by critics and gamers alike [ [http://www.wrestlecrap.com/oldinductions.html Backstage Assault: Horrible WCW videogame that featured all the top stars of the company and no ring whatsoever.] ] . Many felt that a wrestling game without a wrestling ring was too gimmicky. Also noted were the sub par graphics, which seemed bulky and crude compared to the game's predecessor, "Mayhem", and that many of the game's more popular and recognizable characters needed to be unlocked. In addition, the engine was very similar to "Mayhem", something many players felt hindered the game. The fact that the N64 version of the game had loading screens pointed to the fact that it was a sloppy port of the PSX version.

The game has, however, been noted for featuring a more extensive create-a-wrestler mode than "Mayhem". It also allowed players to customize & edit their favorite superstars, Ex. Having Vince Russo wear Goldberg's trunks.

Featured wrestlers

Unlockable wrestlers

Trivia

*Perhaps due to the negative response to "Backstage Assault", Electronic Arts planned a "true" sequel to "Mayhem", at one point titled "Mayhem 2". The game is said to have featured an all-new engine and was planned for a release on the PlayStation 2 console, but production ended when the World Wrestling Federation purchased World Championship Wrestling.
*The photo on the game's cover is backwards. Goldberg's signature tattoo is on his left arm, not his right.
*Lance Storm is included in the game, but has never received royalties from it. [http://www.stormwrestling.com/121707.html "Storm's WCW Commentary"] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.wcwbackstageassault.com Official "WCW Backstage Assault" website]