Marvel’s Wolverine has landed on the mostly positive side for several critics, though it’s proven quite mixed for others. With Insomniac’s action-adventure game out today after first being announced in September 2021, the developer has thanked “everyone who has helped us reach this special moment” and added, “We’re incredibly proud of what the team has created.”
“Players around the world are beginning their journey with Logan, and we’re excited to learn about everyone’s experiences playing the game.”
That said, it’s seemingly aware of pre-release impressions, noting that, “We’re also actively engaged with our player community and gathering feedback to further refine the player experience. We deeply appreciate our players’ passion, support, and time spent with Logan. We’re raising our claws in tribute, and can’t wait to hear about your own adventures playing Marvel’s Wolverine.”
Available exclusively on PS5, Insomniac’s take on the character is an original story where Logan reunites with Sabertooth and Mystique of Team X to save mutants from Bolivar Trask. While the performers, including Liam McIntyre as Logan, have received significant praise, the gameplay has been criticized.
Unlike Marvel’s Spider-Man, Wolverine is a linear adventure, where players progress from one story beat to the next on a fixed path. The controversy is about scent trails (representing Logan’s enhanced sense of smell) that lead to the next objective, though community and marketing director James Stevenson said they’re not always active. Regardless, fans and critics have reacted harshly to its very presence, especially with other elements that feel like excessive hand-holding.
Time will tell if Insomniac provides options to turn those off and perhaps address other criticisms with the combat. Check out our impressions for the title here – we gave it a 10 out of 10, praising the presentation, characterization, and much more.
