Insomniac Games, known for its cinematic superhero thrillers, tackles a different kind of hero with Marvel's Wolverine. Departing from the web-slinging of Manhattan, this new title delivers a brutal, bloody, and surprisingly earnest character action game that stands among the studio's best. Business Today spent a dozen hours with the game, and here is our official review ahead of its September 15 release.
Graphics and Visuals
Visually, Marvel's Wolverine unmistakably carries Insomniac's signature DNA. Character models are distinct, with Jean Grey recalling Mary Jane Watson from the Spider-Man series. Logan himself is perfectly realized as a comic-accurate, compact, and stocky figure, built like a brick wall.
Animations truly shine, especially Logan's iconic healing factor. Witnessing flesh stitch back together and adamantium-laced bones endure grotesque battle damage effectively conveys his relentless perseverance and raw, animalistic rage. However, visual continuity has minor snags. While combat is appropriately drenched in blood, it vanishes almost instantly from Logan and the environment post-encounter. Similarly, his battle-torn suit quickly regenerates to mint condition. The game offers an in-universe explanation for the suit's repair, but the abrupt disappearance of blood can be immersion-breaking, especially after moments where Wolverine is soaked in gore mid-fight.
Story and Narrative
The narrative weaves together Logan, Nathaniel Essex, Sabretooth, and Mystique in a tense, deeply personal conflict. Without spoiling key plot points, the story serves as a fresh, emotionally resonant origin-adjacent journey, delving into the trauma, brotherhood, and weaponization of mutants. There are genuinely emotional moments, though some characters and their plot lines could have benefited from more development to enhance their impact.
Fans expecting Hugh Jackman's cinematic portrayal should adjust their expectations. Liam McIntyre takes the reins as Logan, making the character his own. This version is more talkative, cavalier in high-stakes situations, and frequently drops a hearty "Bub." While some players might need time to adjust, this take on Logan is refreshing and engaging.
Gameplay and Combat
When combo counters climb and Wolverine's abilities sync, the combat achieves the tactile highs seen in the Batman: Arkham series, arguably surpassing Insomniac’s own Spider-Man combat in pure kinetic punch. Every slash lands with bone-crunching weight, backed by savage grunts and visceral, multi-angle stabbing finishers that make Logan feel like an unstoppable force.
Combat offers no easy wins. Even on lower difficulties, enemies are resilient, requiring multiple hits to defeat, while mini-bosses and main bosses demand frantic button-mashing and strategic play. Progression remains engaging through "Adaptations," tactical mutant upgrades presented via an altering DNA strand UI, despite the encounter loop occasionally flirting with repetition.
Logan's immortality doesn't equate to an easy ride. Breaking a combo or misreading a parry will lead to ruthless punishment from large mobs. The game includes a "Last Stand" revival mechanic when health drops to zero, but it requires at least one full charge on the Rage meter.
Traversal emphasizes animalistic momentum, with Logan bounding, leaping, and lunging through environments like the Hulk, accompanied by satisfying heavy thuds. However, it lacks the buttery, seamless flow of the Spider-Man games. Missed timings on leaps or ledge grabs can halt momentum, leaving Logan awkwardly frozen and breaking the pace. An early chase sequence highlights this friction, where a missed rhythm can leave you grounded and out of time.
Verdict
Marvel's Wolverine delivers a gripping, savage spectacle that honors the character's legacy while forging its own identity. It's an easy recommendation for action fans and a stellar addition to Insomniac's growing catalog. The game releases exclusively on PlayStation 5 (with PS5 Pro enhancements) on September 15, retailing in India at ₹4,999 for the standard edition on the PlayStation Store.