Wolverine on the PS5 goes back to a simpler (and bloodier) style of action game

Marvel’s Wolverine places the X-Men antihero at the center of a fast, visceral action experience that emphasizes close combat and dramatic set-pieces over open-world freedom. Rather than casting Logan among classic X-Men teammates, the story follows him as part of Team X — a mercenary group — and sends him worldwide investigating mutant disappearances tied to a billionaire arms dealer. The plot introduces figures tied to Wolverine’s darker corners of the universe, including Sabretooth, Mystique, Nathaniel Essex, and eventually Jean Grey.

The core gameplay leans heavily on Wolverine’s brute strengths: healing and lethal claws. Combat is designed to reward aggression — players build a rage meter through fighting that unlocks brutal area-clearing attacks and a healing safety net when health is depleted. The result is a combat loop that discourages defensive play and frequently ends encounters with the protagonist soaked in blood, underlining the character’s ferocity.

Beyond the fights, the game delivers large, cinematic moments reminiscent of Uncharted, including rooftop chases, massive boss encounters, and other scripted sequences that heighten the blockbuster feel. That God of War–style emphasis on visceral single-character combat combined with Uncharted-like spectacle defines the experience, making the gameplay shine most when it’s intense and narrowly focused.

However, the title’s narrower scope brings trade-offs. Exploration off the main path is reportedly uninspired, turning collectibles into items for completionists rather than compelling rewards; Wolverine’s outfit options also feel tonally inconsistent with the grittier presentation. Reviewers found the narrative’s later beats forgettable and some non-combat missions and cutscenes standard or out of step with the rest of the game. Still, its compact length and emphasis on single-player action set it apart in a crowded release window of major titles.

Overall, Marvel’s Wolverine stands out for leaning into straightforward, bloody action and big set-pieces instead of sprawling systems. For players seeking a focused, cinematic, combat-forward Wolverine outing on PS5, the game delivers; for those hoping for deeper exploration or a surprising narrative, it may feel more conventional.