Almost nothing is known aboutMarvel’s Wolverine, the upcoming title from Insomniac Games. Since the game’s reveal in 2021, Insomniac has remained radio silent on the progression of development. Naturally, this has caused anticipation to skyrocket as speculation grows on how the final product will turn out, yet that also comes with worry about what could go wrong for Logan. In particular, there’s one popular point of discussion among Marvel games in general,which could serve as a major pitfall forWolverine.
It’s no secret thatMarvel’s Wolverinehas a lot to live up to. Not only must the game provide a faithful adaptation of Weapon X, but it must compete against Insomniac’s owncritically-acclaimedSpider-Mantrilogy. One popular idea that has been circulating, likely inspired by Marvel’s film counterparts, would be forInsomniac to use the characters at its disposal to create an ambitious shared gaming universe. Yet, this very ambition could prove to beWolverine’s downfall.
Focus Gets Taken Away From The Game Themselves
The concept of a shared universe in media has become oversaturated to almost the point of being tiring. Whether it’s the DC Universe, Universal’s Monsters Universe, or Sony’s Spider-Man Film Universe, such a consistent output has made the concept feel exhausted. Even the Marvel Cinematic Universe, arguably the most famous example, has facedfatigue in recent years with a multitude of films that have received mixed receptionanddwindling box office returns.
Superhero Fatigue Exists Even in the Marvel Universe and Iron Man Is Feeling the Hurt
Tony Stark just delightfully acknowledged the real-world phenomenon of “superhero fatigue” is an issue in the fictional Marvel Universe as well.
The primary issue of a shared universe comes in the rapid expansion that can neglect focus on the individual components that make up said universe. In video games,this is no more evident than inMarvel’s Avengers. Almost immediately following the game’s release in 2020, developer Crystal Dynamics rapidly expanded the world they created with multiple story packs and new playable characters, from Kate Bishop’s Hawkeye to Black Panther. A clear attempt was made by the team to create an expansive universe inAvengers. Thegame’s failure and delisting, however, came not with the constant expansions, but with the base game itself.
The receptionAvengersreceived upon release proved the game left a lot to be desired. From the countless bugs that plagued the experience, to the repetitive gameplay and environments, Crystal Dynamics had somehow taken the fun out of a major crossover. The developer’s main mistake when building its universe came in its attempt to build it upon a game that was arguably dead on arrival. The96% drop in active playersin the first two months of release proved there was limited interest in the core components of the game.
The idea of playing with and alongside multiple Marvel characters might be a great premise for some players, and it works for lots of games.This is especially true of competitive titles likeMarvel SnapandMarvel vs. Capcom,which don’t require a lot of narrative focus or depth of character. But for titles likeMarvel’s Avengers, the multitude of characters and additional content led to a shallow and superficial quality for almost all of them, with little to like or enjoy about playing as them.
Spider-Man Works Because It’s A Standalone Series
Insomniac Keeps Its Focus On What’s Important
The approach Crystal Dynamics took withMarvel’s Avengerscontrasts greatly with Insomniac’s trilogy ofSpider-Mangames. Thestory of eachSpider-Manentrykeeps focus on the characters of Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they balance their own personal struggles - from relationships to employment to schoolwork - with their duties as crime-fighting heroes. Whether at odds with Doc Ock, the Prowler or Venom, there’s always something personal at stake for the Spider-Men,maintaining an emotional core that is consistent throughout the games.
Marvel’s Wolverine Is Opening The Door For My Favorite Hero To Get His Own Game Next
Insomniac’s Marvel Universe is due to get bigger with the Marvel’s Wolverine, but there’s one other hero I feel is long overdue his own game.
This is also complimented with tight and focused gameplay.The mission structure and character movesets are crafted in a way that immerses the player fully into the world.Controlling both Miles and Peter is a blast thanks to the well-crafted web-swinging that makes movement so fluid. While the objectives range from high-speed car chases to catching pigeons, this variety is still consistent with Insomniac’s goal of replicating the friendly neighborhood charm that makes Spider-Man so beloved.
By foregoing any potential to expand its world, and instead maintaining a primary focus on the Spider-Men themselves,Insomniac demonstrates an understanding of the characters on a fundamental level. People’s connection to Peter and Miles comes through the characters' relatability, their qualities, and the flaws that make them human. That type of connection can’t be achieved if it gets lost in an ever-expanding universe.
Insomniac Must Get Wolverine Right
Logan’s Journey Is Just As Important
Likewise, the adoration Wolverine often receives is precisely because of people’s connection to him. His tragic backstory as a part of the Weapon X program that influenced his signature rage and lack of trustmakes for a character that can be deeply empathized with. This is core to what makes aWolverineadaptation good. Sure, his mutant abilities are certainly fun, and Insomniac should ensure that thesame chaotic energy Logan gives offis replicated in this upcoming title. But above all else, focus must be placed on showcasing the developer’s understanding of why the character is so beloved.
There’s no doubt that a shared universe could appear in the future. Marvel has its hands full of upcoming video games, from aBladeadaptation to an actual crossover betweenCaptain AmericaandBlack Panther. One of these games could certainly be a starting point for an expansive universe of interconnecting titles.Marvel’s Wolverineis not that game. If Insomniac is to maintain its stellar track record with Marvel, priority must be placed ongiving Logan the deep and focuses single-player experience he deserves, without having to share the limelight with other characters.
