Marvel's Wolverine, the new PS5-exclusive action game from Spider-Man developer Insomniac, offers a deliberately linear, character-focused experience that stands apart from the open-world design of its predecessor. The game leans into the fury and brutality of its title character, blending fast, aggressive combat with cinematic set-pieces, and its stripped-back approach marks a notable departure from the sprawling live-service and open-world titles that dominate the current games market.

The story sidelines Wolverine's usual X-Men allies in favour of a mercenary outfit called Team X, pairing him with morally grey characters such as Sabretooth, Mystique and Nathaniel Essex as they investigate mutant disappearances linked to an arms dealer. Combat centres on a "rage" system that rewards aggression, letting players unleash devastating attacks and use healing as an extra life, while the game borrows heavily from God of War's visceral fighting and Uncharted's blockbuster action sequences. The review notes some weaknesses, including dull optional exploration and a disappointing selection of cosmetic outfits compared with Insomniac's Spider-Man games.