Marvel’s Wolverine (PS5) review: familiar combat, strong visuals

Marvel’s Wolverine for PlayStation 5 follows James “Logan” Howlett as he rejoins mutant strike force Team X to investigate billionaire scientist Bolivar Trask’s campaign of mutant kidnappings. Team X includes Sabretooth, Mystique and Nathaniel Essex. Jean Grey appears during the campaign. The review gave the game a score of 7.

The story addresses prejudice against mutants, Logan’s fractured identity and found-family dynamics. The narrative resolves several built-up mysteries and leaves other plot threads that could continue in a sequel. The campaign unfolds across linear levels tied to the central investigation rather than an open world.

Combat centers on Wolverine’s adamantium claws, regenerative healing and a three-tier rage meter. At Tier 1, health regeneration functions when the player is not under attack. Reaching Tier 2 increases damage and grants Last Stand, a one-time self-revive that fully drains the rage meter. Tier 3 activates Berserker Frenzy, which raises damage output and enables instant executions while the meter remains charged. Encounters typically pit Wolverine against large groups of cybernetically armed enemies, with design favoring chaotic, aggressive fights over isolated one-on-one duels.

The review documents recurring combat elements that resemble mechanics used in the studio’s Spider-Man games. Examples include color-coded unblockable attacks, special moves on separate cooldowns, gold-tinted “reckless” enemy attacks that can be parried for bonus effects, gap-closing leaps and familiar button patterns for chained moves. The review notes the combat system is polished and that players can reach a consistent rhythm once they adapt to the mechanics.

Stealth sections are limited and often reduce to high-ground takedowns or jumping from cover. The review reports the game rarely punishes detection and that long executions can break stealth reliably. Collectibles such as material caches and whiskey bottles unlock costumes and passive bonuses; their placement in linear levels can require mission replays to collect missed items. Optional Nightmare Cabin challenges pair combat gauntlets with traversal sequences that rely on on-rails movement and simple inputs.

The review records strong technical performance on PS5, including real-time graphics, motion capture, voice acting, choreography and animations. The review also identifies pacing issues: several narrative turns are signaled early in the campaign, producing predictable beats, while the third act provides answers to multiple earlier plot points.

The review was conducted on version 1.000.001 for PS5. Sony Interactive Entertainment provided a digital copy for evaluation.