Insomniac Games has long been a powerhouse in the gaming world, from the beloved Ratchet & Clank series to the blockbuster Marvel's Spider-Man titles. Now, they're taking on one of Marvel's most iconic and ferocious heroes with Marvel's Wolverine, a PS5 exclusive that's already being hailed as a must-play for 2026. And after getting our hands on it, we can confidently say: this is the superhero game fans have been waiting for.
A Fresh, Gritty Take on Logan's Story
Marvel's Wolverine drops players into the adamantium-clawed boots of Logan (voiced by Liam McIntyre) as he embarks on a globe-trotting mission to rescue Nathaniel Essex (Troy Baker) from the anti-mutant extremist Bolivar Trask. Along the way, he's joined by familiar faces like Sabretooth (Brett Gipson) and Mystique (Nicole Pacent), but this isn't the X-Men story you know. Insomniac has taken creative liberties, reimagining key elements of Wolverine's origin and the broader mutant mythos. The Sentinels, for instance, have been reworked in ways that will surprise longtime fans.
These changes are bold and, for the most part, brilliant. The narrative feels like a definitive Wolverine saga, weaving his past into a larger tapestry that connects to the X-Men universe in new ways. It's a risky move that pays off, though purists may bristle at the deviations. The story does have its flaws—a slow start and a twist that doesn't land as hard as intended—but the emotional core remains strong, especially in the touching Nightmare Trials that unlock fragments of Logan's forgotten memories.
Combat That Makes You Feel Like the Best at What He Does
From the moment the tutorial ends, Marvel's Wolverine throws you into chaos. The pace is relentless, and the learning curve is steep—expect to die a lot early on. But once you master the flow, combat becomes a symphony of violence. Slashing, stabbing, and leaping are just the beginning; a deep upgrade system lets you customize Logan's abilities to suit your playstyle. The result is a gameplay loop that's addictive and satisfying, even if the breakneck speed can make hours feel like minutes.
Insomniac has clearly poured their expertise into making every encounter feel visceral and impactful. The game doesn't shy away from its R-rated tone, with blood and brutality that set it apart from the more family-friendly Spider-Man titles. It's a welcome change that fits Wolverine's character perfectly.
A World Worth Exploring
The game takes you across the globe, from the neon-soaked streets of Madripoor to the snow-covered landscapes of Japan. Each location is richly detailed and offers plenty of secrets to uncover. However, Canada—Logan's homeland—gets surprisingly short shrift, which is a letdown for fans hoping to see more of the Great White North.
Despite the epic scale, Marvel's Wolverine never loses sight of its intimate moments. The relationship between Logan and Jean Grey (Krizia Bajos) is handled with care, adding a layer of emotional depth that grounds the story. It's a balancing act that Insomniac pulls off with finesse.
The Verdict
Marvel's Wolverine is a triumph. It's a game that respects its source material while daring to reimagine it, offering a fresh take that will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers. The combat is exhilarating, the story is engaging (if imperfect), and the presentation is top-notch. If you're looking for the next great superhero game, look no further—this is it, bub.
For more on the latest in entertainment, check out our Doctor Doom comic news or see what's coming to streaming with Matt Damon's thriller. And if you're in the mood for a classic, don't miss this underrated gem.
