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.
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