With Spider-Man already under its belt, Insomniac Games is perhaps in the best position to take on another Marvel legend. Wolverine has been itching for a AAA game if his own, with a long list of powers and abilities that would translate perfectly to the virtual space. He's finally set to receive one in the future, as the Ratchet and Clank and InFamous developer Insomniac Games is looking to show its proficiency once again in Marvel's Wolverine. The character's eclectic past could be explored in a number of different ways and using plenty of unique pre-existing characters like Sabretooth and William Stryker.
Superhero games come with certain expectations, not least an instantly recognizable suit that they do battle in. Wolverine has one, and most fans of the character will be familiar with the yellow and black get-up that Logan has been seen in during a whole host of comics and TV series. Marvel's Wolverine from Insomniac could easily put him in the costume to make the character noticeable form the off, but the tone that is required to make a Wolverine game truly special may be negatively affected should this be the case. Opting to forgo the yellow in favor of something more rustic would be wise, as Logan is often the most interesting when he's not presented as the unwavering hero.
Insomniac Needs its Own Take on Wolverine
Wolverine has been adapted in a handful of ways to great effect, from X-Men: Evolution to 2017's Logan. Like Spider-Man before it, Insomniac will have to add its own spin to the character while staying faithful to his core values. Peter Parker in 2018's Spider-Man was familiar to fans, but the flashes of white in his suit and his fractured relationship with MJ made the end product feel like it added to the character's mythos without taking too much inspiration from it.
The same has to be achieved with Wolverine, and while there can be subtle changes to his suit, it would be best to stay away from it entirely, to not conflict with the other X-Men-centric tales in which he wears it. The PS5 game has the opportunity to do something new with a character who is so steeped in history, and that outfit would be a clear indicator that Insomniac is more committed to adhering to the past instead of adding to his future.
Wolverine's Comic Suit is Iconic, but Cheesy
Wolverine has been drawn in many different ways by a plethora of artists, but there are usually two schools of thought. One is having him as a hairy, rundown, aging character who dons a tank top, lumberjack shirt, and jeans, and the other has him dressed in the iconic yellow suit. Both are regularly associated with the character, and as time has passed, both feel like they capture his spirit well. However, there's a reason why Hugh Jackman's wonderful live action take on Wolverine is yet to suit up in yellow, as it works for the comics, but runs the risk of looking cheesy and too in-keeping with the rest of the family-friendly superhero offerings on the big screen.
Insomniac's Wolverine hasn't given fans much promotional footage, but the trailer that debuted at a 2021 PlayStation showcase implied it would have a mature tone. To uphold this, the story would perhaps be best served steering away from Wolverine's history with the X-Men and his heroism. Instead it can present a hardened, jaded man whose moral compass is strong, but his enthusiasm is wavering. Exploring this tone while Wolverine is draped in his iconic threads would feel like a strange juxtaposition to the story that unfolds. Having it as a potential alternate costume could give repeat playthroughs an added flavor, but making it mandatory could be a mistake.
Marvel's Wolverine is in development for PS5.
