Marvel’s Wolverine launches for PlayStation 5 next, but early reviews are perhaps not as positive as one might expect for a title from Insomniac Games. Superhero-based video games have long been a mixed bag for comic book fans, with some so completely alienating players that they go on to become infamous (Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, 2004’s Spider-Man 2 PC version), while others hit the mark so well they manage to establish franchises (Batman Arkham series, 2018 Spider-Man). However, a big trick for hooking fans is ensuring they feel like they are playing their favorite characters and not some generic digital puppet with a costume slapped on. One might think that the developers at Insomniac Games have this dialed in given the overall successes with its Spider-Man games, but if early reviews are to be believed, it appears that may not be the case with Marvel’s Wolverine.
Going over the well-known basics for Logan, we know that he doesn’t have super strength, the ability to fly, or shoot rays from any part of his body, but he has multiple lifetimes of combat experience, adamantium, and a lot of it with it covering his bones- and, of course, those useful razor-sharp retractable claws, and an amazing quick healing factor. In most media, he’s portrayed as being able to handle most adversaries with or without powers with varying levels of effort, but according to reviews, anyone in a flak jacket can present a challenge against those adamantium claws.
“I don’t feel like Wolverine is using claws, it feels like he’s got blunt kitchen knives on the ends of his fists.”
– VGC
It’s noted that skill progression doesn’t matter much, as the generic fighting, including boss battles, lacks any real change from the beginning to the end of the game. It’s doubtful any updates to improve balancing could fix this when boredom is tied to overall game design. Credit is given to the developers for visuals, image quality, and a cinematic feel but they are criticized for a strict linear approach that involves a significant amount of handholding, leaving little to no engagement for players to explore or investigate. Reviewers note that it seems there was a generic checklist employed to cover the bases, but no amount of glam can overpower the game’s failings.
“Visceral combat and impressive blockbuster spectacle can’t rescue a melodramatic comic book story that tries to run as many emotional bases as possible in 15 blood-soaked hours.”
– Polygon
“It’s a solid, cinematic, and occasionally thrilling experience that ticks all the necessary boxes for a decent action game. But it does so in a workman-like fashion and never aspires to much more than the essentials.”
– Gamespot
So overall, if players don’t have their hopes up too high and don’t mind a somewhat generic hack-and-slash linear game, they might end up enjoying the 15-hour story. The game does have its positives with visuals, story, and cameos, but it sounds as if Logan has been somewhat declawed in this outing when it comes to embodying the tense excitement and adventure usually associated with the character.
Discussion (10 replies)
Join Discussion →I wonder how much of that is due to Marvel licensing wanting a game that can be safely Teen rated.
All they had to do was get environmental damage right. And Wolverine latching onto moving vehicles and even planes or helicopters. Scaling buildings. Falling from a building and breaking the fall at the last minute by jamming his claws into the side of the building. A "rabid" mode where whoever he bites also gains temporary immunity and ability to regenerate and grow super strong nails and acts as a sidekick fighting machine. Helpful in fighting hordes of enemies. So much could be done.
That's not teen rated:
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Pretty gory. From that gameplay look, seems it's too linear. Having multiple ways of completing the same objective could've made the game better. Also, too many movie style cutscenes. Ok the first time around but they will get on anyone's nerves on subsequent replays.
My friends and I actually enjoyed the X-Men Origins: Wolverine game from 2009 that used Unreal Engine 3. And the body damage system was interesting. I've never seen the movie but I heard that the game is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than the movie.
Wasn't expecting Insomniac the drop the ball with this game, as I enjoyed Spider-Man Remastered and Miles Morales on PC (still need to play Insomniac's Spider-Man 2). Maybe I'll be fine with the game once I actually get hands-on with it (which if it never comes to PC then who the f*ck knows when that'll be), but it sounds like it's not on the same level as Insomniac's Spider-Man games so far. Oh well. Give me another Ratchet and Clank game. That's what I want. And you better f*cking put it on PC.
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This is hilarious beyond imagination and TIL "gas fart trails" :D
I have a very strong sense of smell.. your natural bodily gaseous emissions are as easy to follow as..
Wait you have been following my FARTS
Uhh yea bub anyway..
Hahahhaha thats what you re the best at.. smelling farts!!!
No inhave these claws..
Hahahhaha and smell farts better than anyone else!!! Hahahhaa..
SNIKT Listen bub..
Hahahaha wheeze.. I can't breathe.. *pfffft* do you smell that.. hahahahahaha..
*kills opponent* I hate this fucking game..
I don't like Wolverine's costume either. I don't care how lore accurate it is. I'm more accustomed to seeing Hugh Jackman's Wolverine and this character doesn't look anything like that. He honestly looks like a bad guy which would be fine except Wolverine's movies haven't portrayed him as a bad guy and it was always easy to see Hugh Jackman's version as a hero.
We've evolved you see, from yellow climbing markers on walls and what not to sniffing fart trails. The best meme I've seen so far on the character's looks has been the one comparing wolverine to aloy of horizon zero dawn 2.
Also, unless Sony locked them down that much, they'll release it to PC to try and make some more money from this. I don't see it doing well beyond the initial hype machine since its PS5 only.
Sony said no more single-player games of theirs will be released on PC, but of course I hope that this is wrong, and you are correct. Maybe the game will do so poorly that they will be forced to sell it on PC to try to earn some more money from it.
Was thinking the same.
Honestly, this game is too little too late. Should've been out during Days of Future Past or the Deadpool movies when the character was still very popular. Since then how many folks are still that interested? I think a lot of folks have long since become burnt out on him from oversaturation. I know I have.