Summary
Marvel’s Wolverineis the next iconic superhero developer Insomniac is seeking to bring to life, and it could be a fun departure from the developer’sSpider-Mangames. WhereSpider-Manput a major focus on swinging through the New York City skyline,Wolverinewill likely offer a much more grounded style of gameplay, since the titular character doesn’t feature the same web-slinging abilities.
One of the most exciting prospects of stepping into the role of Wolverine is his iconic claws. The Adamantium blades that violently protrude from Wolverine’s knuckles have become one of themost iconic abilities in all of Marvel Comics, but they also present some serious problems in terms of keeping combat exciting.
Wolverine’s Claws Could Prove to Be a Tricky Mechanic
The Antithesis of Spider-Man’s Gameplay
Insomniac’s work with theSpider-Mangames really highlighted Peter Parker and Miles Morales' spider-like powers in dynamic ways.Both Peter and Mileshad the benefit of having a slew of fun gadgets at their disposal that kept the game’s combat and traversal exciting, since it was always evolving. This is the biggest issue with Wolverine’s powers, because although hacking and slashing through enemies is likely to be thrilling, it also runs the risk of growing boring if it can’t evolve throughout the game.
Wolverine is much more of a simplistic fighter than Marvel’s friendly neighborhood hero. He doesn’t have any gadgets, only his strength and deadly claws. If the length ofMarvel’s Wolverineis comparable to theSpider-Mangames, players are looking at 15 to 20 hours of gameplay. That is a lot of time to be performing the same fighting moves over and over.Marvel’s Wolverinewill have to tread carefullyin order to do such an iconic character justice, and although Insomniac has what it takes, Wolverine’s claws could make or break the overall experience.
Using the Environment to Diversify Gameplay
One route Insomniac could take withits approach to Wolverine’s mechanicsis focusing more on destructible environments instead of the claws. Recent leaks have revealed that Wolverine will likely utilize his environment by using his claws to scale buildings. However, in-game structures could also be the key to diverse combat, not just traversal. Wolverine can easily use destructible environments to his advantage by using his claws to pick up objects and throw them at enemies. Instead of giving Wolverine more combat options through gadgets and tech, he could upgrade his fighting skills through the evolving nature of buildings around him.
Wolverine’s claws could become a sort of pitchfork. Broken pieces of a concrete wall could be used as projectiles, while a discarded sheet of metal could become a makeshift shield. It would require players to be hyper aware of the environment, which could offer some sweat-inducing fights. With rumors suggestingMarvel’s Wolverinewill have real-time damage and healing, being strategic in combat would be essential.
Insomniac Exploring New Avenues with Marvel’s Wolverine
AlthoughWolverine’s leaked wall climbing is reminiscent of theSpider-Mangames, it’s still likely that the character’s mechanics will differ greatly from Peter Parker and Miles Morales. There may be some overlap with traversal, but Wolverine’s fighting style is a completely different avenue for Insomniac to explore.Marvel’s Wolverinewill hopefully have exciting things in storefor longtime Marvel fans, but nailing the combat and keeping it exciting will be essential to the game’s success.
Despite the onslaught of leaks that plagued Insomniac last year, there is still plenty of mystery surroundingMarvel’s Wolverine. Yes, there has been footage, characters, and settings spoiled, but there can’t be any official opinions made until the finished product is seen and played. The opportunity to slash through enemies as Wolverine is a promising prospect, and hopefully Insomniac can pull off keeping such unique combat balanced.
