Why Wolverine's Level Design Should Borrow from 2023's Top Game

Insomniac has proven its ability to adapt beloved Marvel franchises into top-tier video games with its successful rendition of Marvel's Spider-Man. However, the upcoming Marvel's Wolverine game poses a unique challenge with its significant shift in tone, expanded range of motion and traversal, and more intense combat. To tackle this, Insomniac could draw inspiration from Respawn's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which excelled in creating a rich and immersive world and semi-open level design.

At the 2021 PlayStation Showcase, Insomniac teased Marvel's Wolverine with a stylish trailer that lacked any gameplay footage or release date. Since then, the studio has remained relatively quiet, likely due to its focus on the highly anticipated release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 in late 2023. The bar for quality has been set high for Insomniac, but the recent trailer for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 showcased the studio's ability to meet and exceed expectations, solidifying its place as one of the most anticipated titles of the holiday season.

A Full Open World Might Be a Mistake for Wolverine

Speculation surrounds Marvel's Wolverine with information limited to the 2021 teaser. The game's logical entry point is believed to be Logan's days just before joining the X-Men, supported by the dive bar setting in the trailer. The game may take players to various locations globally, raising questions about Insomniac's level design plan. While Marvel's Spider-Man's open world works well with New York City, Marvel's Wolverine's story may not be as self-contained. Insomniac may opt for a semi-open world design, allowing exploration and side content while directing the narrative with linear levels. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor's design is a good example of how well this type of level design can work, with sprawling planets interspersed with smaller hubs for a refreshing change of pace. Following in its footsteps could be the best route for Marvel's Wolverine unless the game aims to tell a story in a single open world.

Insomniac's Wolverine Story Should Have Varied Backdrops

Smaller set-piece levels would be the best way to showcase Wolverine's destructive capabilities in a gaming medium, as larger open worlds can often feel static. While games like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor have successfully countered this with dynamic environments, smaller linear levels would allow for even more alteration and destruction. Insomniac, with their experience in handling comic book IPs and delivering fun and frantic combat, would be a great studio to manage the new Wolverine game. Their previous title, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, also showcased their ability to create semi-open world environments. Regardless of Insomniac's approach, it's likely that Marvel's Wolverine will be a stellar release.

Marvel’s Wolverine is currently in development for PS5.