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VIRTUALISATION Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine
VIRTUALISATION Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine | Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine |
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| by Mike Bantick | ||||||||||||||||
| Tuesday, 05 May 2009 | ||||||||||||||||
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So whilst the recent spate of X-Men popular culture has not gelled with me, I have played a number of X-Men related video games. Based on these experiences my expectations of the latest Marvel universe title, X-Men Origins: Wolverine were not high. As a reviewer these are the best moments, when a game exceeds expectations. Talking with art director from Raven Software, Doug Smith last month , it is evident the team wanted to craft an experience for X-Men fans, beyond that given in the movies. ”You will see little art elements, we have looked at some of the Wolverine comics that everybody that everybody loves. There might be a really good take on a weapon that we try to put in our game for instance,” Smith said, “So if anybody knows the comics, the Barry Windsor Smith style in particular, they are going to see that, and say: ‘Holy Cow I know that, that is the helmet from the comic’”. Having not seen the movie or read the comic, should I expect to glean Wolverine’s origin story from the game? I expect I should, and the result is quite complex as the action bounces between a three year old marine jungle expedition to the present day and in between sequences. The relationships that Logan (Wolverine) has with Raven, William Stryker, Victor Creed and others is fleshed out over the game using techniques such as data logs and radio contact. In fact much of this is in game, with cut scenes kept to a minimum, this worked well. Loading screens give other information, Wolverine was born James Howlett in the 1800’s and was once ripped in half by the Hulk! Hmmmm, ripped in half, that reminds me. XO:W will be one of the most blood thirsty games in recent memory. Given the nature of Wolverines combat abilities, all the action is up close and very personal. Blood and limbs fly in copious and imaginative ways, much of it focussed upon with the occasional slow-motion 360 degree Matrix like camera shots that enhance the violence further. And once an opponent hits the deck, perhaps minus a cranium, the blood will pool around the victim as it twitches away for some time. Great stuff, and despite parental or censor ship concerns, the visceral nature of the combat is in keeping with the subject matter and gives a great sense of weight to game. CONTINUED on page 2 |
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