Expectations are high forMarvel’s Wolverine, which is understandable given the popularity of the character Insomniac Games will be focusing on and the success of the studio’s recent games. Not only has Logan received many iconic comics over the last few decades, butHugh Jackman’s portrayalof the character in theX-Menfilms was wildly popular.
However, while Insomniac has plenty of source material it can pull from to ensure it delivers a crowd pleasing game, it should aim to forge its own path.Loganwas a tremendous film, and comic book fans love to see their favorite storylines adapted, but the developer had already shown the strengths of doing something new through itsMarvel’s Spider-Manseries. As such, thoughMarvel’s Wolverinecan and should pull some things from other sources, Insomniac should strive to do its own thing.
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Crafting a Never Before Seen Look For Logan
One great thing aboutMarvel’s Spider-ManwasPeter Parker’s Advanced Suit. Though there was initially some negativity around the costume’s athletic look and the removal of the black spider symbol, fans eventually warmed up to the outfit, with some even viewing it as their favorite Spidey design ever. The biggest strength of the Advanced Suit is that it is distinctly Insomniac, meaning that whenever Marvel fans see that big white symbol, they know which version of the hero they are looking at.
With the decision to give Peter a fully original suit inMarvel’s Spider-Man, the developer should not pass up the opportunity to do the same withMarvel’s Wolverine. While the yellow and blue or yellow and brown color combinations could be reused, the developer should instead shake things up. Whether it alters the mask for Logan or changes the color that accompanies the yellow portion of the design, it would be fun to see the studio make a fully original costume the mainsuit inMarvel’s Wolverine.
Giving Logan a Fresh Story in Marvel’s Wolverine
Instead of Insomniac Games ripping a story from the comics withMarvel’s Spider-Man, it spun its own tale about an experienced version of the friendly neighborhood hero. This proved to be a major strength, as gamers were thrown into a universe where Peter had broken up with MJ, worked withDoc Ockfor a while, and established a working relationship with the police. By crafting a fully original tale, Insomniac could surprise players once again, something it undoubtedly did withMarvel’s Spider-Man’s heartbreaking ending.
A similar approach can be taken withMarvel’s Wolverine. Though Insomniac should obviously use some of Logan’s iconic friends and foes, its takes on these characters should be unique, similar to the Tinkerer inSpider-Man: Miles Morales. Speaking of Miles Morales, Insomniac could surprise characters by introducing another Wolverine during Logan’s story. PerhapsX-23could be discovered as part of the narrative, with the character eventually leading her own spin-off game further down the road.
While this would run the risk of beingtoo similar toThe Last of Usand other games that follow the trend of parent and child storytelling, featuring a version of X-23 that is bit older could prevent this from happening. She could feel more like a friend to Logan than a daughter, being a proper ally that can fend for herself instead of needing constant protection. The question of where the X-Men are is also one that should be answered, as fans have no idea if the game is set before, after, or during Logan’s stint with the group. No matter what kind of story Insomniac tells, though, the developer should aim to deliver a version of Logan that feels like its own creation instead of the one fans have seen time and time again.
