Let's face it, some things were just born for controversy; look at Grand Theft Auto. As immensely built as it is, there are just so many people complaining against the violent nature of the games and question its existence. It's probably these same sort of people that can't stomach something like Backyard Wrestling. Made popular with a series of home DVD releases, Backyard Wrestling depicts hardcore "backyard wrestlers" who decimate each other in any way possible, by crashing through tables, beating each other senseless with barbed wire bats or other objects, and just plain mercilessly looking for the win. It's fun for some people, and it's these sort of people who enjoyed last year's release of Backyard Wrestling for the PS2 and Xbox.

But last year's release was just the beginning, as Backyard Wrestling is back with an all new sequel, There Goes the Neighborhood. The game has improvements all over, and should definitely create plenty of noticeable havoc once it arrives this fall. Returning to the fray are a lot of the local favorites from the first game, including the Insane Clown Posse, a metal rap group who have made Backyard Wrestling that much more popular. However, this time around, you can also customize yourself to join in the action, as the game features a detailed Create-A-Wrestler mode where you can tweak numerous features and put yourself in the game, be it a man or a woman. You can even create tattoos or other designs for clothing and then let it be put on your character as part of their design.

Backyard Wrestling also features some new gameplay tweaks. First off, the game features better wrestling techniques, including the ability to use submission holds, a defense system that comes in handy for protecting your energy, and a particular damage system where you can go after specific body parts and work that damage against your opponent. Work their legs and go for a figure four leglock, or keep bashing them in the head and knock them unconscious. There's also a new gameplay engine called Environ-Mental, which allows for better interaction with the settings in which you wrestle, which can be a number of locations in rural America. Jump off a house and tear someone through a table; smash someone through a window and then jump at them into the bushes. It all adds into the strategy of the game itself.

Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood will also include online gameplay, at least for the PlayStation 2. You can even use the USB headset in the game, so you can talk trash to your opponents and see what they have to say. The online features also cover rankings, so you can challenge top wrestlers and see what they've got. In addition, the game features an extensive single player mode, where you can partake in a quest for the championship as you seek out the title belt.

The game's also showing improvements in graphics, as the wrestlers look and move pretty solidly. There are also high indications of the damage they've taken, as they become bloodied rather quickly. A soundtrack has also been included, that fits the mood of the game, featuring a number of tracks by such bands as D.R.I., Body Count, Hazel St. and Six and Violence, among others.

No doubt about it, if you absolutely dug the first game, then Eidos has enough included here to keep you hooked on There Goes the Neighborhood. Newcomers may also find something to like here, especially with the Create-A-Wrestler mode. We'll find out how deep it is soon enough. Ready the tables.