Marvel’s Wolverine should avoid this one major pitfall

Almost nothing is known about Marvel’s WolverineThe upcoming title from Insomniac Games. Since revealing the game in 2021, Insomniac has remained radio silent on the progress of development. Naturally, this has caused the anticipation to skyrocket as speculation grows about how the final product will turn out, but it also comes with worries about what could go wrong for Logan. In particular, there is one popular point of discussion among Marvel games in general, Which can serve as a main pit for Wolverine.

It’s no secret that Marvel’s Wolverine Has a lot to live for. Not only does the game have to deliver a faithful adaptation of Weapon X, but it has to compete against Insomniac’s critically acclaimed. Spider-Man Trilogy. One popular idea circulating, likely inspired by Marvel’s film counterparts, would be for Insomniac to use the characters at his disposal to create an ambitious shared gaming universe. However, this very ambition may prove to be Wolverines fall

A shared Marvel Gaming Universe is a bad idea

Focus gets taken away from the game itself

The concept of a shared universe in media has become oversaturated to almost the point of tiring. Whether it is the DC Universe, Universal’s Monsters Universe or Sony’s Spider-Man Film Universe, such a consistent result has made the concept feel exhausted. Even the Marvel Cinematic Universe, arguably the most famous example, faced it Fatigue in recent years with a lot of films that have received a mixed reception and dwindling box office returns.

The primary issue of a shared universe comes in the rapid expansion that can leave focus on the individual components that make up the universe. In video games, This is no more evident than in Marvel’s Avengers. Almost immediately after the game’s release in 2020, developer Crystal Dynamics rapidly expanded the world they created with multiple story packs and new playable characters, from Kate Bishop’s Hawkeye to Black Panther. A clear attempt was made by the team to create an expansive universe in Avengers. The failure and delisting of the game, however, came not with the constant expansions, but with the base game itself.

The reception Avengers Received upon release proved the game left a lot to be desired. From the countless bugs that plagued the experience, to the repetitive gameplay and environments, Crystal Dynamics somehow took the fun out of a major crossover. The developer’s biggest mistake when building his universe came in his attempt to build it on a game that was arguably dead on arrival. The 96% drop in active players in the first two months of release proved that there was limited interest in the core components of the game.

The idea of ​​playing with and alongside multiple Marvel characters can be a great premise for some players, and it works for many games. This is especially true for competitive titles like Marvel Snap And Wonder vs. Capcom, Which don’t require a lot of narrative focus or depth of character. But for titles like Marvel’s AvengersThe multitude of characters and additional content led to a shallow and superficial quality for almost all of them, with little to like or enjoy playing as them.

Spider-Man works because it’s a standalone series

Insomniac keeps his focus on what is important

The approach that Crystal Dynamics took with Marvel’s Avengers Contrasted greatly with Insomniac’s trilogy of Spider-Man Games. Everyone’s story Spider-Man Entry continues to focus on the characters of Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they balance their own personal struggles – from relationships to employment to school – with their duties as crime-fighting heroes. Whether at odds with Doc Ock, the Prowler or Venom, there’s always something personal at stake for the Spider-Men, Maintain an emotional heart that is consistent throughout the games.

This is also complemented with tight and focused gameplay. The mission structure and character movesets are crafted in a way that fully immerses the player in the world. Controlling both Miles and Peter is a blast thanks to the well-crafted web-swinging that makes movement so fluid. Although the objectives range from high-speed car chases to catching pigeons, the variety is still consistent with Insomniac’s goal of replicating the friendly neighborhood charm that makes Spider-Man so beloved.

By forgoing any potential to expand his world, and instead keeping a primary focus on Spider-Man himself, Insomniac demonstrates an understanding of the characters on a fundamental level. People’s connection to Peter and Miles comes through the relatability of the characters, their qualities and the flaws that make them human. This type of connection cannot be achieved if it is lost in an ever-expanding universe.

Insomniac must get Wolverine right

Logan’s Journey is just as important

Likewise, the adoration that Wolverine often receives is precisely because of people’s connection to him. His tragic backstory as part of the Weapon X program influenced his signature rage and lack of trust Makes for a character that can be deeply empathized with. This is the heart of what makes a Wolverine Adaptation good. Sure, his mutant abilities are certainly fun, and Insomniac should ensure that the same chaotic energy that Logan gives off is replicated in the upcoming title. But above all else, the focus must be placed on showcase the understanding of the developer of why the character is so beloved.

There is no doubt that a shared universe may appear in the future. Marvel has its hands full of upcoming video games, from a Blade Adaptation to a real crossover between Captain America And Black Panther. One of these games could certainly be a starting point for an expansive universe of interconnecting titles. Marvel’s Wolverine Is not that game. If Insomniac is to maintain its stellar track record with Marvel, priority must be placed on Give Logan the deep and focused single-player experience he deservesWithout having to share the limelight with other characters.