Marvel Fans Will be Blown Away: Insomniac Games Faces a Monumental Decision With Marvel's Wolverine

Highlights

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has set a high bar for Marvel's Wolverine, increasing pressure on Insomniac to deliver a truly AAA game.

The success of Marvel's Wolverine depends on not only its gameplay and combat, but also the story and setting. To create a captivating environment, the game could find inspiration from diverse comic book settings including rural Canada, Japan, and the iconic X-Mansion in Westchester County, New York. A dynamic combination of different locations from various stages of Wolverine's life could be an intriguing choice.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is just a few days away, and although Insomniac deserves a break, they are already hard at work on Marvel's Wolverine. The pressure is on for Insomniac to deliver an outstanding AAA Wolverine game, especially after the exceptional success of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. With high expectations from fans, it is crucial that Insomniac excels in every aspect of Marvel's Wolverine, which is no easy task.

Undoubtedly, the gameplay of Marvel's Wolverine is the utmost priority for Insomniac, particularly focusing on combat mechanics. However, the storyline closely follows as the second crucial element, requiring a well-crafted backdrop. Fortunately, Insomniac has a wealth of comic inspiration to choose from when selecting a setting for Marvel's Wolverine.

Marvel's Wolverine Has Plenty of Settings to Pick From

Wolverine, a well-known comic book character, has been depicted in various settings since his debut in 1974. This gives Insomniac ample opportunities to draw inspiration for their own version of the Mutant and the environment he inhabits. With a wealth of content to reference, the choice of setting for Insomniac's Wolverine will likely depend on which particular iteration of the character they aim to recreate or pay homage to, as he has been associated with specific settings throughout different stages of his life.

For example, if Marvel's Wolverine focuses on Logan before he joins the X-Men, there are numerous existing settings that could be utilized. One potential setting during this phase could be the rural wilderness of Canada, where Wolverine could navigate through snowy landscapes and venture into more developed areas for missions. Marvel's Wolverine could also distinguish itself by embracing a specific era, such as the 1960s, 70s, or 80s, making it a period piece. However, based on the announcement trailer, it appears that the game will likely stick with a contemporary setting. Alternatively, another compelling option would be to set parts of the game in Japan, recalling the films like The Wolverine and comics like Wolverine: Back in Japan.

It is highly likely that Marvel's Wolverine will take place after Wolverine meets and joins the X-Men. The game will likely be set in the X-Mansion and its surrounding area in Westchester County, New York. There is a possibility of a Spider-Man cameo if there is any connection between the two Insomniac projects. Additionally, locations such as Genosha, known as Magneto's Mutant safe haven off the coast of Madagascar, may also be featured.

However, an even better approach could be a combination of everything mentioned. Marvel's Wolverine could explore different periods throughout Logan's life, including the American Civil War or World War 2 in the distant past, Canada in his recent past, and the present with New York and Genosha. This approach would work well if the game has a more linear storytelling style compared to Insomniac's previous Marvel games, with these locations serving as smaller-scale hubs.

Marvel's Wolverine is currently in development for PlayStation 5.