SvR stands as the best wrestling game so far. It's not the evolution we saw in HCTP, it's the improvement of everything.
I don't mean that SvR is a bad game, far from that! In fact, SvR is brilliant, like the predecessor. All that we saw in HCTP is improved and better. For example, the graphics are amazing, the gameplay is better than ever and even the great Create-a-wrestler is better!
As SvR is a "upgrade" to last year's HCTP, it is compreensible that are some new wrestlers who replaced last year's. So, you can count on playing with JBL, Scotty 2 Hotty, an improved John Cena, Hardcore Holly, and others. Wrestlers like Goldust, Goldberg, Scott Steiner were left behind as they quit the WWE. There are, however, some characters i can't understand how didn't they get their place on the game - like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Eric Bischoff (as a playable wrestler) or Mick Foley (altought we have him as Mankind, it would be nice to play as the legend of hardcore himself). But, thanks to the create-a-wrestler mode (possibly the best editor in any Ps2 game) and to their enhaced movelists, we can create them. Here, i recomend you to browse the net for some brilliant guides.
Graphically, SvR is much better than HCTP. The wrestlers look more realistic than ever, the move's animations are superb which provides you the same fun playing this game as if you were watching any WWE Show. The wrestlers' entrance are just spectacular, and during some (like Triple H's or Shawn Michaels') you will notice that they are EXACTLY equal to the one on the TV shows.
The season mode was shortened too, and there is no more backstages fights. Honestly, i thought they were quite boring in HCTP, and i'm glad that these were deleted. You have basically the same typesof matches that you had in HCTP, and also the Parking Lot Brawl, that is no other than a hardcore match in the...Parking Lot.
There was added a kind of scenarios-like challenges for you to beat, that require, for example, that you defeat Andre The Giant with Rey Mysterio, or reverse two Sharpshooters from Bret Hart. These are interesting additions to the game, that improve SvR's lifespan.
This game is also marked for having again commentaries during the match. Depending on the show you choose, you get comments from Michael Cole and Tazz or JR and King.
Those aren't certainly the best commentaries in Ps2's sports games, but they are good.
Also, in season mode, you'll also have voicework from every Raw/SD superstar! Cool.
The Royal Rumble also features a new elimination method, as there is a meter that tells you who close you are from being eliminated when you're thrown to the outside apron. These meter has different velocities of filling up and emptying. So, if you get serious damage or are getting pushed by two wrestlers, this meter will be emptied sooner, but if you eliminate someone by yourself, the meter will fill up a bit. This adds more interest to the Rumbles, as in the previous there wasn't a difference between applying special moves and just throwing the opponent out, as it seemed you only needed luck. Oh, and wrestlers like the Big Show can now toss easily smaller ones like Mysterio.
However, the biggest news in SvR are the new Dirty/Clean meter, the minigames, the Charisma stats and the create-a-PPV/Create-a-belt.
The first one is a meter that, according to your wrestling style, fills up and provides you some techniques to win the match. For example, if you choose to wrestle with JBL or Angle, and you complain to the ref, ignore the ropebreak condition or use weapons, you'll build up the dirty meter, that, when full, allows you to deliver a powerful low-blow to help defeat you opponent. But, if you're Mysterio and do a lot of High risk moves, you'll fill up the clean meter, that when full allows you to be "invincible".
The minigames take place in determined points of the match, as you can have a shoving minigame, a taunting minigame, a chopping minigame between others. Here, all you have to care about is the timing that you press the X button.
The charisma stat is also a sweet addition, as how higher you charisma is reflects on how fast does your trick meter fills up. Chances are, if you have a higher charisma, you'll be able to perform more finishers.
In the online component, i can't appreciate it, as i don't have PS2 Online. But, for what i've seen, it doesn't seem anything too special (althought it exists!). But, as i believe that there are more the PS2 owners that don't have online than the ones who have it, i won't consider that in my rating.
Graphics- 9
The better of the series. The most detailed and realistic graphics/animations in any wrestling game. But, when will it be possible to have more than 6 wrestlers in the ring?
Gameplay- 9
As good as HCTP's, if not better. Superb, and the inclusion of those new elements are very good too.
Sound - 7
Finally, we have SOUND! But, however, it is not as good as it could have been. The voices and comments are ok, but that's all.
Replay Value/Lifespan - 9
The season mode requires some hours to finish, and you will play it after it. Solo or multiplayer, you'll want to have another Royal Rumble, elimination chamber, or TLC.
Veredict
I personally think that this is really the best WWE simulator so far. All that was in HCTP is back in SvR, and upgraded. A must have for any Wrestling fan.