Unleashing the Adamantium Berserker: Wolverine's Unprecedented Obstacle Sets Him Apart from Spider-Man

Highlights

Marvel's Wolverine may face difficulties in justifying the inclusion of puzzles, investigative gameplay, and stealth sections, unlike the Spider-Man games. This is because Wolverine's character is more oriented towards combat and brute force, rather than intellect and finesse.

However, despite the lack of inherent gameplay variety seen in Marvel's Spider-Man, there are still chances for Insomniac to deliver a unique experience in Marvel's Wolverine. They could achieve this by introducing a partner with different gameplay mechanics or incorporating climbing and platforming sections. To keep the gameplay focused on combat, Insomniac will need to think creatively and explore unconventional possibilities.

Insomniac's upcoming Marvel's Wolverine remains mostly shrouded in mystery, but there is one aspect of its gameplay loop that deserves speculation. Insomniac previously demonstrated adept handling of this gameplay element in Marvel's Spider-Man, incorporating narrative justifications for in-game situations. It is hoped that this aspect will be further enhanced in the upcoming Marvel's Spider-Man 2. While details about Marvel's Wolverine are scarce, it is certain to provide a stark contrast to the recent Spider-Man games.

The Spider-Man games have a lighthearted, all-ages tone, with occasional serious moments, as they follow the adventures of Peter Parker and Miles Morales balancing their superhero duties with everyday obligations. These games feature grounded sections with puzzles and exploration at a slower pace. On the other hand, Marvel's Wolverine promises to be a gritty, M-rated experience, embracing a darker tone that suits the rugged, no-nonsense X-Man. Therefore, while there may be some similarities between Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Marvel's Wolverine, the gameplay experiences of each title are bound to be vastly different.

Marvel's Wolverine Might Face Issues with Gameplay Variety

The non-action parts of Marvel's Spider-Man may not have been the game's main highlights, but they effectively added a change of pace to the gameplay. The slower moments of puzzle-solving and investigation contributed to the game's overall rhythm, even if they weren't always flawlessly executed. Despite any flaws, these moments were still significant in the game's structure. Additionally, both Spider-Man games included stealth gameplay, which provided variety and prevented players from becoming overly fatigued by constant action. However, Marvel's Wolverine could potentially face challenges in this regard.

The inclusion of puzzles, investigative gameplay, and stealth sections in the Spider-Man games made sense within the context of the narrative. However, it is unlikely that these particular aspects will be integrated into Marvel's Wolverine. Peter Parker and Miles Morales, the protagonists of the Spider-Man games, are academically inclined characters with a strong interest in science. This made science-themed puzzles and missions exploring labs feel appropriate and cohesive within the game.

In addition, Spider-Man's finesse-oriented approach makes him well-suited for stealth gameplay. On the other hand, Wolverine lacks these traits, being more inclined to rely on brute force in various situations. His lack of intelligence and focus makes puzzle-solving an unlikely fit, and stealth would feel out of place for him as well.

This presents a challenge for the game, as it may become overly focused on combat. While Marvel's Wolverine's storyline remains largely unknown, it is anticipated to be action-packed and centered around fighting, fitting for the titular character. With constant combat, there is a risk of the game becoming monotonous and repetitive, requiring Insomniac to think creatively in order to maintain a fresh and engaging experience.

Marvel's Wolverine lacks the same level of gameplay variety as Marvel's Spider-Man, but there are still ample chances for the game to provide a fresh and distinct experience. While Logan may not be particularly suited for slower-paced puzzle-solving, the game could introduce a partner who excels in that area, taking inspiration from God of War's approach.

Alternatively, the game could incorporate climbing or other platforming sections, providing a separate gameplay opportunity that aligns with the central character and plays to Insomniac's strengths as a developer. Even if Marvel's Wolverine primarily focuses on combat, it could offer depth and flexibility within its combat mechanics to deliver an engaging experience. With its departure from Insomniac's previous games, Marvel's Wolverine is poised to offer a unique experience regardless of how gameplay is diversified.

Marvel's Wolverine is in development.