The wait for Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Wolverine is almost over, but the first reviews have already answered one question PS5 owners have been asking: is this the Wolverine game fans have been waiting for? Early criticism is broadly positive, although the verdict comes with some important caveats — particularly around combat, exploration and how the game compares with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
What are critics saying about Marvel’s Wolverine?
The first reviews for Marvel’s Wolverine began appearing ahead of its 15 September 2026 release, giving players a much clearer idea of what to expect.
The overall response is positive, but it has not reached the same critical heights as Insomniac’s Spider-Man games. Early review averages have generally placed Wolverine in the high-70s to low-80s range, although those figures can change as more reviews are published.
That is an important distinction. The early reviews do not suggest that Wolverine is a bad game. Instead, critics appear to agree that it delivers a strong Wolverine experience while falling short in some areas of the broader gameplay.
The character himself is one of the biggest strengths. Reviewers have praised the darker tone, performances and the way Logan’s abilities translate into combat. His claws, healing factor and brutal close-range attacks are central to the experience.
The criticism is more about what happens around those encounters.
The biggest question: is it another Spider-Man?
Probably not — and that could be either a good or bad thing depending on what you want.
One of the easiest mistakes prospective players can make is assuming Marvel’s Wolverine will essentially be Spider-Man with a different Marvel character.
It isn’t.
PlayStation describes Wolverine as a single-player, narrative-driven action adventure, and it is not an open-world game. Instead of giving players a huge city to explore, the campaign takes Logan through a more focused series of locations and story sequences.
That gives the game a different rhythm from Insomniac’s Spider-Man titles.
For players who enjoy tightly directed campaigns, the approach could be welcome. But critics have raised concerns about repetitive combat and a lack of the same sense of freedom and variety found in the Spider-Man games.
Why the reviews are more divided
The central criticism appears to be repetition.
Wolverine’s combat is designed to feel aggressive and physical, with Logan able to slash through enemies using his claws and take considerable punishment thanks to his mutant healing abilities.
The problem is that impressive combat can become less exciting when similar encounters are repeated too often.
Some reviews have also questioned the depth and variety of the gameplay outside the main action. That means players expecting a constantly changing experience may find parts of the campaign less surprising than they hoped.
The story and presentation, meanwhile, have generally received stronger reactions.
That creates an interesting split in the early verdict: the Wolverine fantasy works, but the game surrounding it may not always be as inventive.
Does a lower score mean PS5 owners should skip it?
Not necessarily.
Review scores are particularly easy to misinterpret with a game such as this. A critic looking for a highly varied action system may be frustrated by repetition, while a player primarily interested in experiencing Logan’s story may be much more satisfied.
It is also worth remembering that Wolverine is not trying to reproduce exactly what made Spider-Man 2 successful.
The game has a darker identity and a more focused structure. Comparing the two purely through review scores risks missing that distinction.
For Wolverine fans, the more relevant question may be whether the game’s combat, story and atmosphere deliver the character they have been waiting to play.
What should PS5 players do before buying?
If you have already decided that you want a new single-player Marvel adventure centred on Wolverine, the early reviews provide plenty of reasons to remain interested.
If you’re undecided, pay particular attention to the criticisms before spending your money. Combat repetition and limited exploration are the main areas to consider, while Logan’s character, presentation and brutal action are among the game’s more frequently praised elements.
It may also be sensible to wait for additional reviews and early player reactions. Review averages can change after launch, and player impressions can provide useful context that a short professional review cannot.
The game is scheduled to launch on 15 September 2026 for PS5, with PlayStation also confirming PS5 Pro enhancements.
The verdict so far
Marvel’s Wolverine does not appear to be the unquestionable next masterpiece from Insomniac — but the early reviews also don’t point to a disappointment.
The emerging picture is of a strong, cinematic and character-focused Wolverine game that gets many of the important things right while struggling with repetition and a more restricted structure.
For anyone expecting another Spider-Man 2, that may be a warning. For players who simply want to step into Logan’s shoes and experience a darker Marvel adventure, the early verdict is considerably more encouraging.
Key takeaway: Marvel’s Wolverine looks worth watching, but buyers should go in expecting a focused single-player action game rather than an open-world Spider-Man-style experience.
