Gaming Target - PlayStation 2: X2: Wolverine's Revenge

Written by Tony Kennetz on March 11, 2003

Final Glimpse: Well, they've done it again. Releasing a game right next to its movie counterpart to reap the impulse purchases. Really Activision, do you really think you need the help?

Lately, going to the movies has been a Marvel experience. Spider-Man broke all kinds of crazy box-office records; Daredevil lit things up as well. But the craze really started with one film. X-Men. Games, on the other hand, haven't exactly been their strong point. But Activision (publisher of the good game, great movie-game Spider-Man, and the not so great Minority Report) are taking yet another stab at the movie-game genre. And this time, it looks as though they have a game that could surpass Spider-Man: The Movie Game as one of the best movie-game on the next generation systems with X2: Wolverine's Revenge.

The game's story will feature Wolverine (yeah, I know, who would've thought?) on a search for the truth of his mutation and the cure for a deadly disease he has been infected with by, presumably, by the same people. Logan will have 48 hours to find the truth, or the virus will over take him, and he will die. To find the answers and the antidote, he'll have to travel back to Weapon-x, the same people who gave him his adamantium skeleton. How is that for pressure? Well, if you know anything about the X-Men, this may just seem like a little bump in the road, but for good ol' Wolverine, it's a matter of life and death.

And its true, this sounds like a major pitfall, stories like this always seemed to be handled wrong in entertainment media, and especially in games. Lucky us, Activision scored a seriously talented comic genius by the name of Larry Hama to write the entire twisted tale specifically for the game. So hopefully gamers will be able to complete the game without thinking УWhat the hell just happened?Ф when it's all said and done.

However, the story really doesn't matter at all if the gameplay is terrible, and it looks like Warthog and Gene Pool (collaborating on the PS2 version of the game) are taking note of what and what not to do with an action game. Taking elements and inspiration from games like Spider-Man: The Movie Game, and studying what went wrong with most other failed movie-action titles. What comes out can't yet be judged, but it looks promising.

Everything we know and love Wolverine for is here in X2:WR. Clearly, his most infamous ability is to whip 3 metal spikes out of each of his hands and use them to slash the crap out of everything and everyone that stands in his way. These will not only play a key part of battle, but how you choose to use them will also play a factor. As most comic fans know, Wolvie also has the ability to heal, and it has been implemented here as well. However, it will only work when his claws are retracted. So if you decide to just drive straight through a level and full force hacking away with the choppers, you're going to die. It's going to be almost required to take the time to heal, unless you find an instant power-up when you really need it.

Another key ability is Logan's heightened senses. They're presented here in full force as well. You'll be able to track footprints, hear conversations, and even track people by their scent (or, the green clouds people leave as they walk by)! The downside? Using all these extras really taxes on your energy, slowing your movements greatly. So, again its important to decide when you want to use these features, as it would be a terrible thing to get caught in the Senses Mode by a large group of enemies.

As for voice talent, one thing is for sure - It's going to be professional. Mark Hammill (Luke Skywalker - Star Wars) will voice the anti-hero Wolverine. With this bold move, it's a foregone conclusion that other worthy talents are likely to be added to the cast, but only time will tell. The only question is whether or not Hugh Jackman was approached to play the part, as his image has been used in the media blitz for Wolverine's Revenge. Either way, Activision banked a quality actor here.

Graphically, Wolverine, his enemies and compatriots, and these surroundings are looking spectacular. With a style that leans a little towards the comic but doesn't betray the movie, things are looking right on track. Wolverine, as the lead character, clearly got the first-class treatment, and it shows. Not to say that there's anything that looks shabby, backgrounds are sharp and character models are as close to perfect as you can come in an action game.