CONTENTS STARTING THE GAME COMMAND REFERENCE . BASIC CONTROLS . INTRODUCTION ... COMPLETE GAME CONTROLS GETTING STARTED FIGHTING IN THE WCW™ HARDCORE CHALLENGE MODE . BACKSTAGE BRAWLIN' CREATING A SUPERSTAR SAVING AND LOADING .. WARRANTY FOR MORE INFO about this and other titles, check out Electronic Arts™ on the web at www.ea.com, a — WCW Backstage Assault ofCOMMAND REFERENCE DUALSHOCK™ analog controller | ‘L2 button R2 button u L1 button Ri button button & button 1 directional button @ button (D-Button) 4 button : i | : teft analog stick/- right analog stick/ 13 button ANALOG R3 button mode switch | \ MENU CONTROLS Highlight menu iterns D-Button ¢ ] Cycle choices D-Button «> Select/Go to next screen x Return to previous screen a WCW Backstage Assault ahBASIC CONTROLS COMPLETE GAME CONTROLS Master the following moves to become a dominant force in the WCW. ACTION CONTROL 4) GENERAL GAMEPLAY Move Wrestler D-Button ‘ACTION CONTROL Pause Game START Quick Punch e | Move Wrestler D-Button Climb D-Button + Ml Quick Kick x of. Reversal A Free Focus. L2 Button Special Move A ~~» WITH BOTH CHARACTERS STANDING Grapple a ‘Initialize a Grapple ag # i Quick Punch e Grab Weapon Wi (when near the weapon) ‘ ‘Quick Kick x BD Power Punch D-Bution + @ Free Focus 12 Power Kick D-Button + 3. Special Move | a J For a complete list of fighting moves, » Complete Game Controls on p. 5. Special Move 2 D-Button + Taunt R2 Button INTRODUCTION Run RI Button, ‘Block LI Button tron ut the ing and eas sgt to slow these cH pone haus took win lng ay thrown out the ring and the rules in order to allow these j- thing back! For ere protection, the wrestles have taken their rutality backstage, Now these mekeshift wit BOTH CHARACTERS GRAPPLING matches can and will spill into places such as the locker rooms, parking lot, and the media center. Trust us 2 Irish Whip D-Button + RI Button when we tell you that no place backstage is safe from the assault! Grapple Move | A With more than 50 WCW superstars to choose from, fight as, or against, some of professional wrestling’s Grapple Move 2 D-Button Pore + greatest grapplers, including Goldberg, Kevin Nash, and Brett Hart, or use the Create a Superstar option to Grapple Move 3 Déutton vor > +h build your own unique competitor. With tons of new weapons and moves, WCW Backstage Assault is nothing apple Move short of all-out grappling warfare. Grapple Move 4 e FOR MORE INFO about this ttle, check out the official WCW Backstage Assault site on the web at Grapple Move D-utton 4 or € + Ml or @ ‘ www.wewbackstageassault.com. aan WCW Backstage Assault apeGrapple Move 6 D-Button Y or > + Mor @ ,, _ WITH YOUR CHARACTER STANDING AND AN OPPONENT LYING ON HIS BACK Grapple Move 7 x sai Pick Up Opponent a Grapple Move 8 D-Button Por € + Roll Opponent Over e Grapple Move 9 DButton VY or > + 9% j Fad Up Mbve | A Finisher Move - a A Face Up Move 2 DButton + IRISH WHIP: Use this move to bounce an opponent off items, such as tire stacks, and set him up for the next attack, Wt Face Up Move 3 x WITH YOUR CHARACTER STANDING AND AN OPPONENT RUNNING TOWARDS | Face Up Move 4 D-Button + % YOU AFTER AN IRISH WHIP . Fin L1 Button Post Irish Whip Attack 1 a ‘ WITH YOUR CHARACTER STANDING AND AN OPPONENT LYING IN A CORNER pest Wish Whip Attack 2 mue 2 Move Opponent to Sit on Comer Ledge a st lish Whip Anack 3 * © “Commer attack Move A, ©0% a WITH YOUR GHARACTER RUNNING AND AN OPPONENT a WITH YOUR CHARACTER STANDING AND AN OPPONENT SITTING ON AN STANDING IN FRONT OF YOU ELEVATED CORNER Running Attack Move 1-3 D-Button + %, de, of Ml / @ ’ Elevated Corner Attack 4B OoA we YOUR CHARACTER GRAPPLING AN OPPONENT FROM BEHIND WITH YOUR CHARACTER STANDING ON A LEDGE AND AN OPPONENT ‘ear Grapple Move | O-Button + STANDING Rear Grapple Move 2 D-Button + @ Rear Crapple Move 3 D-Button + % 4 Jump Down a . : Aerial Attack 1 SO ora WITH YOUR CHARACTER STANDING AND AN OPPONENT LYING FACEDOWNON =~ nee 7 THE GROUND WITH YOUR CHARACTER STANDING ON A LEDGE AND AN OPPONENT LYING DOWN Pick Up Opponent a , jump Down a Roll Opponent Over e * Aerial Attack 2 XOork Face Down Move | A NOTE: When the text "AERIAL OPPORTUNITY” appears onscreen, your foe is vulnerable to an Aerial Attack. Face Down Move 2 D-Button Face Down Move 3 * Face Down Move 4 D-Button + % WCW Backstage Assault axSETTINGS SCREEN Select the number of players and match options on the Settings screen. WITH YOUR CHARACTER HOLDING A WEAPON AND AN OPPONENT STANDING Pick Up /Drop Object a Hit Over the Head x © Press the:D-Button } to highlight an option, then press the D-Button «> to change option settings. Swinging Attack e © Press.& to return to the Main menu. Stab Attack A ‘PLAYERS: Choose the number of players for the bout: ONE PLAYER, TWO PLAYERS, Throw Weapon ul rig ‘DIFFICULTY Select a skill level for your opponent: EASY, MEDIUM, or HARD. WITH YOUR CHARACTER LYING DOWN AND YOUR OPPONENT STANDING eT MEAN TOnttl ales ox Gabe ed tear mahes Ot ACTION. CONTROL NOTE: Women wrestlers cannot be selected in FIRST BLOOD matches. Crouch Attack g Sag tine getting up) +. : 2 NOTE: With HUMAN TORCH rules, the first player set on fire loses, — - BRAWL LENGTH Set the time limit for your match: 10, 15, 20, 30 MINUTES, or UNLIMITED. When set to UNLIMITED, a match continues until one wrestler is defeated. GETTING STARTED as : SUBMISSION |When ON, wrestlers can win a match with a submission hold, KNOCKOUTS ‘When ON, wrestlers can win a match by knocking an opponent out, Begin your wrestling carer atthe Main menu. Ate making your selections, press 9% to advance tothe Select Wrestler screen, wie ents SELECT WRESTLER SCREEN Choose the wrestlers you want to fight with and/or against. CHALLENGE A FRIEND OR THE CPU IN A SINGLES MATCH WITH. ANY TWO COMPETITORS PRESS THE D-BUTTON + TO - HIGHLIGHT A GROUP OF (COMPETE IN A ONE-PLAYER TEST OF SKILLS. ‘ ‘WRESTLERS FOR THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE, TRY THE HARDCORE GAUNTLET. > P15: BUILD YOUR OWN WRESTLING SUPERSTAR. > 17, \VigW A SUMMARY OF THE TOP HARDCORE CHALLENGE ‘ ~ PERFORMANCES,» BS - PRESS THEL1 OR RI BUTTON TO CHANCE YOUR SELECTED ACCESS THE GLOBAL OPTIONS MENU. > B.11 ; PRESS THE D-BUTTON ? TO HIGHLIGHT CHARACTER'S COSTUME. AIWRESTLER, THEN PRESS 3¢ TO SELECT PRESS @ TO PREVIEW THE HIGH: LUGHTED WRESTLER'S MOVE UST PRESS THE D-BUTTON f TO HIGHUCHT AN OPTION, THEN PRESS THE A BUTTON TO SELECT Default settings in thi i oo . WCW Backstage AssaultAfter both match competitors are selected, the Level Select screen appears, MATCHUP SCREEN Preview the specifics for the upcoming bout and set the Handicap Level for each wrestler. The Handicap Level is used PREVIEW MOVES SCREEN to even out differences in skill level between two players. ‘or between a single player and the CPU, by adjusting their stamina, Adjusting the meter up increases a wrestler stamina, while adjusting it down decreases it, The Preview Moves screen provides a complete moves list for the selected wrestler. © To preview a move, highlight the move then press Il. The wrestler performs the selected move. ‘YOUR OPPONENT: © To return to the Preview Moves screen, press PRESS THE DBUTTON £ 70, INCREASE OR DECREASE THE HANDICAP LEVEL FOR EACH LEVEL SELECT SCREEN CHARACTER, THEN PRESS a8 TO CONFIRM YOUR CHARACTER Choose a backstage setting in which to wage war, AREA DESCRIPTION = After setting the Handicap Level for each wrestler, your match begins. GLOBAL OPTIONS MENU Set the game options you prefer. PRESS THE D-BUTTON TO HiGH: TiCHT A BACKSTAGE AREA > To-access the Global Options menu, select GLOBAL OPTIONS from the Main menu, ‘THEN PRESS 38 TO SELECT. > To highlight an option, press the D-Button ¥. To change an option, D-Button «>. ter selecting a backs the Matchup sceenapoesrs MUSIC VOLUME Adjust the game music volume level, er selecting a backstage area, the Matchup screen appears. , "71 For more information on the backstage levels, ® Backstage Brawlin' on p. 15. } SPEECH VOLUME Set the volume for voice effects SOUND FX Modify the sound effects volume. J, CROWD VOLUNE Aer the evel fe cowa/ambint nie volume J REALISM When ON, injured wrestlers can bleed during a match, Wrestlers will always bleed during a First Blood match. NOTE: With Realism ON, female wrestlers will not bleed. VIBRATION Toggle ON/OFF to play with or without controller feedback. CREDITS View the game credits WCW Backstage Assault af =xduyy wod°sjpnupwixsd°MMM// atx FIGHTING IN THE WCW Professional wrestling is not a sport for the faint of heart and WCW Backstage Assault has been designed to appease the most hardcore wrestling fans, Once a match begins, it's war and literally anything goes! GAMEPLAY SCREEN YOUR CHARACTER —= mugs YOUR OPPONENT MOMENTUM METER —= FREE FOCUS ENABLED mms TIME ELAPSED aut For a complete list of game controls, > Complete Came Controls on p. 5. PAUSE MENU > To access the Pause menu, press the START Button during gameplay. > Press the D-Button > to select an option, then press the A Button to select. CONTINUE Resume your match. OPTIONS Access the game options. MOVE NAMES ‘When ON, the names of moves you perform appear onscreen. INTRO VIDEO Turn ON/OFF the intro video for each wrestler. EXIT End your match and start over or return to the Main menu. NOTE: If you lose a match in Hardcore Challenge mode, you are instantly given an option for a rematch. If you lose or decline the rematch, your game ends. The rematch option does not appear in the Hardcore Gauntlet, MOMENTUM METER Gauge how well you are doing in a fight by examining the Momentum Meter. It indicates how well a wrestler is doing through a combination of factors including remaining stamina, damage caused to the wrestler’s oppo- nent, crowd response, and successful foreign object use within the fight. ‘Once the match begins, the Momentum Meter moves back and forth between the two wrestlers depending upon what each-wrestler is doing. The execution of moves and crowd response helps determine how much and how fast the meter swings in a wrestlers favor, Difficult moves like leaping attacks, very damaging holds, for weapon use cause the meter to move a great deal in a wrestler’s favor, while inaction or an offense but around just punches and kicks will hardly move the Momentum Meter at all. The benefit of all this momentum is that whenever a wrestler-is able to move the Momentum Meter into the red zone, they can then attempt a finishing move. STAMINA METER itis Said that in wrestling, conditioning is the greatest hold. Therefore, it’s important to know the stamina of your wrestler at all tires. During a match, a character's remaining stamina can be measured by the color of their name.-f a character's name is white, the character possesses maximum stamina. A yellow name indicates approximately 50% stamina, while a red name means a character's stamina is dangerously low, FINISHING MOVES Finishing moves are powerful signature maneuvers used by each fighter to inflict massive amounts of damage ‘on an opponent. Once the Momentum Meter has completely swung to one character and the text “MAX MOMENTUM" appears over his or her name, you may execute your character's special finishing move, After applying the move, follow up with an attempt to pin your foe and end the match. Then again, you may want to forego the pin attempt and choose to dish out some more punishment. WEAPONS Each arena in WCW Backstage Assault is packed with an assortment of weapons that can be used to pummel your opponent. Weapons come in all shapes and sizes and include a variety of items including baseball bats, ‘garbage cans, boxes, and more! In fact, just about anything you can get your hands on can be used to assault a foe. However, most weapons have a limited number of uses, and will be destroyed if smashed too often against an opposing wrestler, EA TIP: Some of the games best weapons are hidden within objects. Try smashing things by sending your opponent into them, courtesy of an trish Whip. WCW Backstage Assault =xHARDCORE CHALLENGE MODE So you think you're ready to go toe-to-toe with the world’ greatest wrestlers? Then test your skills in Hardcore Challenge mode, a single-player, multi-match competition allowing you to step into the shoes of your favorite wrestler. Hardcore Challenge mode contains the chance to compete for three WOW championships: Hardcore, U.S., and World, Battle ‘your way through the competition to claim each ttle belt, while unlocking new venues, characters, and weapons along the \way. Then, if you are good enough, claim your spot among the sport’s best competitors in the Hall of Champions, To enter the Hardcore Challenge: 1. On the Main menu, select HARDCORE CHALLENGE. The Existing/New Game menu appears. 2, Choose to continue an EXISTING game or to start a NEW one, © If you choose EXISTING, your saved game automatically loads. > If you choose NEW, the Difficulty menu appears. 3, On the Difficulty menu, choose a tithe to pursue: HARDCORE (Easy), U.S. (Medium), or WORLD (Hard), The Select Wrestler appears. (> p. 9.) 4, Select the wrestler you want to fight with. The Level Select screen appears. ( p. 10.) 5. Choose an available backstage area to brawl in, The Matchup screen appears. (> p. 11.) MATCHUP SCREEN Preview the upcoming match and gain some clues for unlocking hidden characters, costumes, and levels! THE OPPOSITION ee THE HIDDEN REWARDS) CLUES PROVIDE HINTS ABOUT UNLOCKING SECRET BONUSES DURING & MATCH YOUR WRESTLER. > To begin your assault on the title, press 38. : NOTE: In Hardcore Challenge mode, you can only replay a match ance, BONUS ATTRIBUTE POINTS If you successfully complete the Hardcore Challenge mode, you earn bonus Attribute Points. These points can then to be applied to your character to strengthen him or her for the battles ahead. (> Edit Abilities Screen on p. 18.) TTWwo points are earned for winning the U.S. Championship and three points are eared for winning the World Championship, HALL OF CHAMPIONS When WCW Wrestlers have proven themselves in no-holds-barred wars like the ones contained within WCW Backstage Assaut, they gain a reputation in the wrestling world. However, only the best fighters are admitted into the Hall of Champions. Here, you will find a complete list of the toughest performers in the game and the wrestlers. who have performed the best in the Hardcore Challenge, as well as the current belt-holders of the three main championships, > To access the Hall of Champions. select HALL OF CHAMPIONS fram the Main menu, To gain a ranking in the Hall of Champions, you must first complete the Hardcore Challenge. At this point, several factors are used to determine your ranking such as Number of Matches Won and Attack Style Points. Attack Style Points are based on the variety of attacks that you utilize through the course of a Hardcore Challenge, To earn more points, attack from different positions and use as many moves and weapons as you can. At the conclusion of a challenge, the Score Tabulation screen appears, displaying all of the points earned over the course of your game. HARDCORE GAUNTLET \Wirestiers in search ofthe uitimate test of grappling skill, courage, and intestinal fortitude must undertake the most danger- ‘us challenge in WCW history! Ths new event is known as the Hardcore Gauntlet, and foolhardy wrestlers who want to firm: ly establish themselves in the WCW history books can access it from the Main menu. The Hardcore Gauntlet is truly the ultimate wrestling challenge. In this mode, you must face seven of some of the toughest. customers in the WCW, one right after the next. Participants in the Hardcore Gauntlet quickly learn that there is no rest between fights (meaning your stamina is nat replenished}, no option to replay a match that you have lost, and no way to save your progress. if you can successfully run the gauntiet, you earn the right to access special, hidden stars of the WOW. BACKSTAGE BRAWLIN’ In WCW Backstage Assault, the action takes place in a number of massive behind:-the-scenes venues, packed with an array of potential weapons. And in the backrooms, anything goes! Many of the backstage areas contain doors that allow you to move between rooms during the course of a bout. Wooden doors let you move between rooms in the same area, while metal doors allow you to move WCW Backstage Assault between the various areas themselves. However, to open the metal doors, you must untock them during ‘gameplay by winning key matches in Hardcore Challenge mode. > To move into a new room, face an open door and press the Run button to enter or throw an opponent into an open door with an Irish Whip. Here’s a brief description of each backstage area: TRUCK ARENA The Truck Arena is the largest single backstage area, consisting of several grimy semi-truck trailers backed end to end and side to side, The atmosphere here is dark, gritty, and harsh. Even the fire here can be used as a weapon. With an unforgiving asphalt surface, the Truck Arena is the perfect place to give your opponent a little road rash! LOCKER ROOMS The Locker Room level is split into two sections: the Exercise Room and the Locker Room itself. The Exercise Room is a large area full of g m equipment where the WCW superstars engage in grueling workouts — it takes a lot of hard work to attain physical perfection. The Locker Room contains lockers and benches and is where the wrestlers suit up before a match begins. For some unfortunate wrestlers, the match ends here as well. LOADING BAY The Loading Bay Level is a concrete space set aside for the loading and unloading of equipment, tis made up of two rooms: the Loading Bay and the Storage Room. The Loading Bay is filed with oil drums, boxes, and crates of all sizes. Large cargo doors facilitate the movement of goods, and a raised area on one end of the room acts as a temporary storage spot. The Storage Room is a small rectangular room, making it an ideal venue for close-range combat. BATHROOMS The Bathroom level is divided into three rooms: the Men's Bathroom, Women's Bathroom, and Janitor’s Room. With the scrubbed ceramic tile and fixtures, the overall feel of the ievel is clean, sanitary, and tidy. Of course, this all changes once the wrestlers have their way... THE BLOCK “The Block level is made up of two rooms (Boiler Room and Electrical Room) and is filled with a twisting coil of pies ard wring R'is ht and humid pre dently grungy! Urnished and crumbling the concrete als form an unforgiving boundary to an arena populated with all manner of potential weapons. This harsh envi- ronment is the perfect place to turn the heat up on a hated foe. PARKING GARAGE The FrknaCarage i an underrourd parking garae/ storage area comprised of two raps: the Garage and the Tool Room. The concrete gives it a cold, unforgiving feel. Boxes, oil drums and tires fll the Garage area, ‘ while the Too! Room is comprised of a soda machine, tool cases, tables, chairs and computer monitors. MEDIA CENTER The Media Center is an area dedicated to bringing the WCW to the world. It consists of two large rooms: the Broadcast Room and the Green Room. The Broadcast Room is full of computers and production equipment, One comer is devoted to an announcer set, white the other contains electronic equipment, giving the area a sleek, high-tech look. On the other hand, the Creen Room is the place for WCW talent to relax before a match. In the Green Room, you will find a variety of items including a big screen TV, a soda machine, and a food table. CREATING A SUPERSTAR Think you're ready to enter the exhilarating world of sports entertainment? Then create an all-new wrestler, step into the proving grounds, and test your luck against the roughest customers in the business. To build your own backstage brawler: 1, Select CREATE A SUPERSTAR from the Main menu, The Select Wrestler screen appears. (> p. 9.) 2, On the Select Wrestler screen, choose a character to use as a model or use a generic wrestler, then press the 9% Button. The Create a Superstar screen appears. CREATE A SUPERSTAR SCREEN Customize your own unique wrestler on the Create a Superstar screen, ACCESS THE EDIT NAME SCREEN ACCESS THE EDIT APPEARANCE SCREEN ACCESS THE EDIT ABILITIES SCREEN ACCESS THE EDIT MOVES SCRE SAVE YOUR WRESTLER TO A MEMORY CARD (> P22.) RESET YOUR CHARACTER TO DEFAULT SETTINGS a WCW Backstage Assault hcEDIT NAME SCREEN Select a name, nickname, and video entrance for your wrestler. To enter a new name for your wrestler: 1. Press 9%. The Name menu highlights. 2. Press the D-Button to highlight a letter, then press % to select. 3, When the name is complete, highlight DONE, then press 3. EDIT APPEARANCE SCREEN Choose the physical features and costume for your Backstage Assault warrior. > Press the D-Button f to highlight an item, then press the D-Button « > to select the desired option. © On features that involve colors (such as Hair Style}, press @ to access Hue and Intensity Color Sliders. Highlight a slider, then press the D-Button < * to adjust the setting. > To save your changes and return to the Create a Superstar screen, press 9. NOTE: Depending on which options you select for your wrestler, certain options may be locked out. For example, if you create a wrestler without a shirt, you won't be able to select the Sleeve Length options. > To discard changes and exit any Edit screen, press é&. The Create a Superstar screen appears. EDIT ABILITIES SCREEN Define your wrestlers physical abilities such as strength, speed, and more. PRESS THE D-SUTTON « » TO ADJUST YOUR ‘WRESTLERS ABILITIES POINTS REMAINING A To save your changes and return to the Create a Superstar screen, press 9% Button. EDIT MOVESET SCREEN Customize a move list for your grappler. You begin with your generic wrestler’s move list and a limited num- ber of Move Points. The Move Points can be used to purchase new moves, allowing you to create a wrestler with all of your favorite holds and attacks. To add a new move to your moves list: 1, Highlight the Moves List Header then press the D-Button ++ to view the moves for a given position. 2. D-Button > to highlight the move you want to replace, then press %. The Complete Moves List appears. 3. On the Complete Moves List, press the D-Button to highlight the move you want to add to your moves list, then press %. The new move is added to your list and your point total is adjusted. TOTAL MOVE POINTS AVAILABLE POINT AVAILABLE if YOU ADD THE HIGHUGHTED MOVE MOVES LIST HEADER ‘CURRENT MOVES LIST = COMPLETE MOVES LIST > To save your changes and return to the Create a Superstar screen, press %. NOTE: You cannot exit the Edit Moves screen with a negative Total Free amount. SAVING AND LOADING WCW Backstage Assault lets you save global options, unlocked characters, wrestlers you create, and Hardcore Challenge mode progress with the use of a MEMORY CARD. At various points throughout the game, a Save menu appears asking if you want to save your current game data. Highlight the appropriate response and press % to save your game data, or the @ to continue without saving. NOTE: Never insert or remove a MEMORY CARD when loading or saving files. WCW Backstage Assault hx