Game Review - 'Wolverine's Revenge'

"Decades ago, a secret organization brainwashed you and implanted a virtually unbreakable adamantium skeleton into your body. Now, as Wolverine, the X-Men's most dangerous weapon, you've discovered you were also implanted with a deadly virus that will kill you within the next 48 hours unless the antidote is found. Your future at risk you must return to confront your past at the sinister Weapon X facility. Time is running out. And so is your life."

Wolverine has always been depicted as a no-holds-barred fighting machine. X2 Wolverine's Revenge shows that there is more depth to everyone's favorite X-Man. Unfortunately, that's about the extent of what it does. Wolverine's Revenge is a companion to X2: X-Men United, but that doesn't mean it's a rehash of the movies plot. The game starts in 1968 with Wolverine escaping the Weapon X program. Years later he learns that all "volunteers" of the program were infected with the Shiva virus. Previously held at a stand still by Wolverine's healing factor, the virus has adapted and will kill him within 48 hours. Wolverine's only hope is to return to the facility and recover the antidote. Fans of X-men will love the appearances of some of the recognizable characters in the Marvel Universe. One of the best aspects of the game is the voice-overs, especially by Mark Hamil as Wolverine and Patrick Stewart as, of course, Charles Xavier, Professor X.

Wolverine's revenge has several things going for it. Such as a solid main character with a built-in fan base, an excellent idea for a plotline, ands some first class exploration into the X-Men mythos. (Although the more hardcore out there might bemoan the deviations from established X-Men protocol and timelines. Maybe even character development. But then you know who you are.) Even the execution on Wolverine's senses and stealth are excellently done. Then the problems begin. Gameplay falls flat.

Wolverine's Revenge has many issues to deal with. The first of which are the sluggishness of the controls. With time and play this becomes less of an issue but it's painfully aware that the control system is not as fluid as it could be. The other major setback is camera control. At times it will freak out, or it will be not go far enough in the direction Wolverine is looking in. For a game based on stealth and where sheath kills not only counted but are necessary to advance the character this is an unforgivable mistake.

The game is further unbalanced by the A.I. At times they are just annoying, but it also has the side-effect of making some low level opponents almost invincible. Certain levels require just the right combination of moves to complete or it's back to the beginning to start again.

All in all Wolverine's revenge is a mediocre game. It has its problems but it also has is achievements. The best of which is its two styles of play. You can plow through opponents with claws of adamantium, pulling them in only when you need to heal up a bit for the next go. Or you cab engage Wolverine's senses in order to sneak attack most foes. This mode alters the hues of the landscaped, much like a predator's thermal vision, as Wolverine can see, heal, and smell more. Even the pheromones of the sentries carry on the night air. But that's not enough to carry the game. If you're at all interested by all means, rent X2: Wolverine's revenge. It's entertaining enough for a night or two and may even be worth a late fee. Maybe.