X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a typical movie adaptation game with its pros and cons. The story is almost unrecognizable due to the reworking. The combat, where you kill a large number of enemies every two steps, becomes tiresome by the middle of the game. The controls are not the best but not the worst either. The graphics, for its time, look decent.
The game is based on the plot of the movie of the same name, but this is not always done successfully. There's little left from the original movie storyline - it's been reworked, which might seem like a positive thing to some players, but it can be a big disappointment for fans of the original. The game introduces its original twists, which could have made it more interesting, but it affects the recognition of the story's events.
The main issue you notice almost immediately is the monotony of the fights. The vast number of enemies that you encounter every two steps quickly becomes tiring. At first, the battles look spectacular, as Logan, or Wolverine, has powerful attacks and impressive moves. But over time, this dynamic loses its charm, as the combat scenes don't offer much variety. The enemies become repetitive, and the fights feel routine. By the middle of the game, you can already feel tired of the endless battles that differ little from one another.
As for the controls, they are average. You can't say they are terrible, but they're far from ideal. Some actions require quick reflexes, but the controls can be tricky at times, making it seem like the character doesn't always respond to the player's commands. This can cause some frustration, especially during dynamic battles or challenging situations. On the other hand, there are far worse examples of controls in games, so this aspect of X-Men Origins: Wolverine can be called acceptable, though not the best.
The graphics deserve special attention. For its time, the game looks decent. The levels are well-designed, the environmental details add atmosphere, and Logan himself looks impressive in combat. The visual effects during Wolverine's attacks leave a positive impression, as each strike is accompanied by an effective visual display. However, while the graphics are good, they've somewhat aged compared to modern standards. Nonetheless, for players who evaluate the game in the context of its time, the visual component will seem entirely satisfactory.
But it's important to note that playing X-Men Origins: Wolverine is particularly enjoyable for those who love the character's story. While the game doesn't boast a deep narrative or exceptionally engaging gameplay, it gives you the chance to feel like one of Marvel's most iconic superheroes. For many players, this is the main reason to pick up the game.
Additionally, the game allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of battles and superhuman strength. Logan's regenerative abilities are well-executed - every time he takes damage, you can see his body heal, which looks quite impressive. This adds some originality to the game and sets it apart from other action games of that time.
Overall, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a typical example of a movie-based game that tries to make the most of the character's popularity. It has its strengths, like graphics and spectacular combat, but at the same time, its shortcomings, such as repetitive gameplay and not-so-great controls, may discourage players from engaging with it for too long. However, for fans of Wolverine and superhero games in general, this project could be a good opportunity to once again meet their favorite hero in a new role.
