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Wolverine PS5 emphasises fury over the open-world formula
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.
In short
- Insomniac's Wolverine is a linear, combat-focused PS5 action game
- Rage system rewards aggression, unlike stealthy or defensive play
- Blends God of War-style combat with Uncharted-style set-pieces
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A linear, character-focused structure can keep the story’s pace and emotional intensity centred on Wolverine, while avoiding the repetition and bloat some players associate with open-world games. Its aggressive combat and cinematic set-pieces may also suit the character better than a sprawling format, offering a deliberate alternative in a market crowded with open-world and live-service titles.
The case against
An open world can give players more freedom to explore, discover side stories and shape their own pace, enriching a superhero game beyond its main plot. A more linear design may feel restrictive or short on variety, especially if optional exploration is dull and customisation is limited; familiar combat and set-piece influences may also make the experience feel less distinctive.
Explained simply
Wolverine is a Marvel character, also known as Logan, with retractable claws and a healing ability. He is often associated with the X-Men, a group of mutants—people born with unusual powers—who feature in many Marvel stories and games.
Insomniac, the studio behind the PlayStation Spider-Man games, has made this new game exclusively for PS5. It brings Wolverine together with Team X, a group that includes characters such as Sabretooth and Mystique, as they look into the disappearance of mutants.
Many big games use large worlds for players to explore or add online features over time. A more focused, story-led design changes how players spend their time, while the game’s fast combat and cinematic action draw on styles familiar from other action-adventure games.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Wolverine on the PS5 goes back to a simpler (and bloodier) style of action game”.