Join us as we take a trip back in time to revisit X-Men Origins: Wolverine. In the world of films adapted into video games, the end products are usually a mixed bag. Often seen as a mere money grab by the developers to cash in on the popularity and relevance of a movie, the quality of these games is, more often than not, quite low. Raven Software’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a rare example of an adaptation done right. In fact, some consider this game to be superior to the film itself.
X-Men Origins: A Proper Adaptation
X-Men Origins: Wolverine was released on May 1st 2009, the same day as its film counterpart. Though 20th Century Fox made their money back on the film, it received mostly mixed reviews, citing the clunky pace and disjointed story. The game, however, received much more favorable reviews, which is unusual for video game tie-ins. Raven Software took the story from the movie and combined it with an original plot directly influenced by key events in the comics. Hugh Jackman reprised his role as the voice of Wolverine, though didn’t provide motion capture for the character.
In the story, we follow Wolverine through his troubled past, beginning with his final mission with Team X, Colonel Stryker’s mutant super-soldier black ops team. We get to see the process that binds the adamantium to Logan’s skeleton, his conflicted relationship with his brother Victor Creed/Sabretooth, and his tragic romance with Kayla Silverfox. The game keeps story bits from the movie while adding its own; like when Logan takes out a mutant-hunting Sentinel. The game also features the voices of Liev Schreiber and Will.i.am reprising their roles as Victor Creed and John Wraith, respectively.
“I’m The Best At What I Do, But What I Do Isn’t Very Nice”
The game was released on several systems, but the PC, Playstation, and Xbox versions were dubbed the Uncaged Editions. In these versions of the game, Raven Software smartly embraced the M-rating and gave us an ultra-violent masterpiece that portrayed a more accurate demonstration of Wolverine’s abilities. We finally got to see what would happen to a human body when it is introduced to Wolverine’s deadly claws, and it isn’t pretty. The dialogue was also more representative of an adult rating, with curse words aplenty. Besides certain comics, we had never seen Logan in his full glory like this, and wouldn’t again until 2017’s Logan film.
One of the most interesting details about X-Men Origins: Wolverine is how it depicts the character’s healing factor. During combat, if Logan takes significant damage, it is visually represented on his character model. Bloody flesh and bone, as well as Logan’s adamantium skeleton can be seen, and we can witness his accelerated healing factor close up his wounds in real-time. The combat gameplay itself resembles that of games like God of War and Devil May Cry, with rapid, hack-and-slash action. Logan also has a rage meter that can be built up to unleash deadlier attacks. The XP from defeating enemies can be used to bestow Wolverine with new upgrades as well.
Games Of Future Past
With the Deadpool & Wolverine movie currently in theaters, it is clear that the character of Wolverine is still highly relevant across the comic, movie, and gaming communities. For those wanting to revisit the history of the X-man, the X-Men Origins: Wolverine game is a great way to experience the character in all his gory goodness. You don’t have to watch the Origins movie to enjoy this game, and that’s probably a good thing. While it may be a little over the top at times, it is a game that serves its purpose well and provides a good bit of chaotic, bloody fun that really scratches that itch to embody the legendary mutant.
Marvel has made some decent superhero games featuring the character, but none come close to Origins. They’ve also tried their hand with M-rated superhero games like Volition’s The Punisher, and High Moon Studios’ Deadpool, both massively underrated gems. These kinds of games are few and far between though, which is why the upcoming Wolverine game from developer Insomniac has us excited. It seems that they are going for a more mature tone with this one, which is great news for those who loved Origins. In the meantime, there’s never been a better time to sink your claws into the delightfully violent X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
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