Insomniac Games, renowned for its acclaimed Marvel's Spider-Man series, is venturing into the gritty world of Marvel's Wolverine. Based on an early preview, the studio appears poised to deliver another compelling superhero experience, albeit one that leans into a more traditional linear AAA action format.
During a two-and-a-half-hour preview, the game showcased a combat system that is as vicious and brutal as one would expect from the iconic mutant. Players will utilize a gap-closing leap attack to quickly close distances with enemies, followed by rapid claw combos and powerful kicks that can break guards and send foes reeling into walls or off ledges. A key mechanic is the parry system, essential for countering aggressive enemies whose sturdy defenses require precise timing to overcome. Special moves are mapped to different inputs, offering a variety of strong attacks, area-of-effect damage, or temporary buffs, each tied to individual cooldowns.
A central combat feature is the Rage Meter, designed to evoke Wolverine's healing factor. As players deal damage and defeat enemies, the meter fills, allowing Wolverine to potentially survive fatal blows by trading rage for health. Reaching Tier 2 of the Rage Meter enhances combo finishers and enables this last-stand mechanic. At Tier 3, the game enters a heightened state where the background desaturates, enemies are highlighted, and Wolverine's attacks become dramatically more damaging, enabling him to quickly dispatch groups of foes.
While the combat effectively captures Wolverine's aggressive spirit and is fundamentally sound, the preview noted a potential lack of variety compared to the elaborate maneuverability seen in Insomniac's Spider-Man games. The action often revolves around quick attacks and parries, and the preview expressed a hope that deeper combat options within the game's skill tree and upgrade systems will emerge to provide more nuanced gameplay throughout the campaign.
The narrative setup also stood out, presenting a story set before the formation of the X-Men. Wolverine, Sabretooth, and Mystique are depicted as part of a team known as Team X, led by Nathaniel Essex. This early narrative places them in opposition to mutant-hater Bolivar Trask, setting the stage for early conflicts. The writing is helmed by Walt Williams, known for his work on Spec Ops: The Line, suggesting a potentially mature and engaging story. Performances have also been praised, with Liam McIntyre's grounded portrayal of Wolverine and early glimpses of Troy Baker as Nathaniel Essex drawing positive remarks.
Beyond the intense combat, the preview highlighted a notable change of pace in a section set in Lowtown, a mutant haven. This segment allowed for exploration, conversations with other mutants, and character-focused interactions like arm wrestling with Sabretooth and playing a game of Never Have I Ever with Mystique. These quieter moments were a welcome respite and offered a chance for character development, with the hope that more such instances will be present in the full game.
Marvel's Wolverine is slated for release on PlayStation 5 on September 15.