Critics split on Marvel’s Wolverine as review scores settle below expectations

# Overview

With review embargos lifted, Marvel's Wolverine has received a steady stream of critiques ahead of its release. The game's OpenCritic aggregate is 79. Reviews generally agree the game is competent and often striking in presentation, but many critics expected a higher score given Insomniac's recent track record.

# What reviewers liked

Most reviewers highlight a compelling central story, well-written characters, and strong visuals. The Sixth Axis scored the game 8/10, noting the narrative and character work as core strengths. Several outlets single out the cinematic presentation and Liam McIntyre's portrayal of Logan (mentioned in some reviews) as factors that make the story engaging.

# Main criticisms

The clearest recurring complaint is combat design. Multiple reviewers say the visceral, melee-focused combat starts satisfying but wears thin over time because enemy variety and combat scenarios don't change enough to sustain momentum across the full run.

• GameSpot's Tamoor Hussain also scored it a 6 and argued that strong single-character superhero games don't guarantee the same success for every character, pointing to Wolverine's narrower move set.
• Skill Up's Ralph Panebianco criticized the game's handholding, writing that playing the game "is like bowling with the kid's bumpers on," suggesting the guidance and prompts reduce player agency for some.

Insomniac's Spider-Man games are a frequent point of comparison. Reviewers note Spider-Man's larger toolkit—ranged attacks, gadgets, traversal—gives it more combat variety than Wolverine's predominantly close-quarters, feral approach plus a healing factor. Those comparisons shape expectations and are a lens through which shortcomings are judged.

# Difficulty and accessibility

Opinions diverge on how punishing the game feels. The Sixth Axis review reports that the second-hardest setting provided meaningful challenge, forcing retries on bosses and survival gauntlets. Conversely, some critics and players find on-screen prompts and system guidance too prominent, which ties into the broader handholding critique. New Game+ or playing on lower difficulties will reduce challenge for experienced players.

# Audience and context

Wolverine's mature rating and a narrower, melee-centric gameplay loop may limit its audience relative to Spider-Man. The character's enduring popularity and the renewed interest in X-Men content give the title notable name recognition, but that recognition does not automatically translate into unanimous acclaim.

# Bottom line

Marvel's Wolverine is not a disaster: it delivers a strong narrative, memorable characters, and high production values. Where it falters for many critics is sustaining combat variety and balancing player freedom with guidance. If the story and character work matter most to you, the game is likely to be satisfying. If you expect the breadth of systems and combat variety that defined Insomniac's Spider-Man titles, you may come away underwhelmed.