What are the differences?

[KellyMonro007]

Hi guys,

I have SvR but honestly I dislike it a lot. It just isn't fun to play. I've played it maybe a total of a dozen times. Now it is back in the case almost mint and will remain there. I went back to "Here Comes the Pain' and play it often. No, it doesn't look as good as Smackdown v Raw, but at least it is Fun. I don't want to spend another $50 for the newer version if it hasn't been improved drastically. Besides, comparing the rosters, HCTP knocks the last 2 versions upside the head.

1) What is better this time around?
2) Is it basically the same as the last version?
3) Is the game still pretty restrictive in areas like you can't 'walk' around the arena before the match like in HCTP and face off with different wrestlers?
4) What is worse than the last version?

Thanks for your opinions.

I wish they would release an American version of Fire Pro. That thing would knock this stuff that WWE releases on it's butt.

Kelly

[ringsyde]

I'm not sure if the SvR you have is last year's original or the new Smackdown versus Raw 2006. If you're asking for the differences between last year's game and the new 06 version, then allow me to help you out a little

1)What is better this time around?
-Ring entrances & post-match celebrations
-Larger assortment of moves per wrestler
-new techniques like sleeper holds, playing opossum and momentum switching
-Backstage action
-New match types (including Buried Alive)
-Better controls (counters make sense and tapping a button to escape a hold does not speed up the submission)
-Improved create mode
-A great roster of legends (including Hogan, Hart, Bulldog and Andre)
-Smarter AI
-Better story modes that are tailored to each wrestler
-GM mode (think Franchise mode in Madden)

2)Is it basically the same as the last version?
This version elevates itself to the status of true sequel to Here Comes the Pain. The wrestling is infinitely better than last year's as are the controls, options and roster. Some of the controls have changed as well. The gameplay still feels the same, but the overall package is light years better.

3)Is the game still pretty restricitve in areas like you can't "walk" around the arena before the match like in HCTP and face of with different wrestlers?
Yes and no. You can't wander around the back stage and walk into wrestlers at random. However, there's no need for this anymore. Because of the excellent (EXCELLENT!!) AI and story mode, you are generally visited in the locker room or put in position to meet up with allies and enemies in a way that feels less random and makes more sense than HCTP.

4)What is worse than the last version?
This is a subjective question, so I'll give you my opinion and try to support it. NOTHING in 06' is "worse". SvR was a letdown of a game because it didn't really introduce or improve much of anything (except the mini games before matches), and because it cut a lot out of the series (reduced roster, fewer legends, no pre or post match stuff, faster matches). '06 gets these things right, and it adds so much more to each mode of the game than last year's effort.

I'm sure others will weigh in with their opinions. For my money, there is no comparison and no debate; Smackdown versus Raw 2006 is the best wrestling game to come out since WWF No Mercy for the Nintendo 64.

[Big Bri]

HCTP was the first wrestling game I ever bought, and I absolutely loved it. I was very excited for SVR, and what a letdown it was! It was a looooong year to wait for SVR06, but as Rings mentioned, this time they fixed many of SVR's problem spots. With the new stamina & momentum system, the matches seem very real. I have to differ with Rings though and say the CAW system is a bit trickier to navigate through IMO. However, you can enter a wrestler's weight and height and it will help mold a fitting body, meaning you don't have to adjust every body part's size (although you can still do so if you'd like).

I hate the online option because I never use it, and they had to scrap a lot of CAW clothing beacuse of it in SVR. This is still the case in SVR06.

Overall, I give the game an 9. HCTP would be an 8 and SVR would be a 5. I recommend picking it up. You'll be very happy with it.

[Shon Maxx]

Ring and Bri pretty much covered everything, but I'll emphasize that the AI is MUCH better in 06 than last year's game. It's not perfect (wrestlers like to get out of the ring a lot), but it's a huge improvement. Now you don't have guys whose AI is set on ground, low flying, and low taunting climbing the turnbuckle and taunting until they're thrown off.

Also the aiming is better. Again not perfect but much better.

As far as worse, they took out a number of moves, at least a noticable amount, and 'A Submissions' are a pain in the @$$ this time around as far as getting the tap out.

Other than that, a huge improvement overall!

Take care,

Jay