Why Marvel’s Wolverine should be different: Insomniac Games changes tone after Spider-Man
By ForGeeks
At September’s State of Play presentation, studio Insomniac Games first revealed Marvel’s Wolverine — an exclusive for PlayStation 5 that will be released in the fall of 2026. After a high-profile leak revealed the developers’ plans years in advance, fans expected the premiere to be delayed. But the debut was unexpected — and made it immediately clear: the new game will be much darker and more aggressive than the Spider-Man series.
From light superhero to scarred hero
Anyone familiar with Marvel Comics knows that Wolverine —s not your typical hero. He’s not as charming as Spider-Man, nor does he shine with the bombast of Iron Man. Logan — is a rough, war-weary man-beast who relies more often on instincts than code. That’s why Insomniac’s decision to show bloody scenes and ruthless combat in the trailer was the right move: it’s not just a change of character, but a change of tone for the entire game.
It’s not just a change of character, it’s a change of tone for the entire game.
In contrast to the sunny New York in Spider-Man, where even in the chaos there is a sense of hope, the world of Wolverine — is cold, brutal, without gloss. In the video, the hero clenches his fists, unleashes his adamantium claws and does not hesitate to kill his enemies. This approach emphasizes the difference between the two Marvel characters — both save lives, but they do it in different ways: one joking, the other snarling.
A different heroes — a different rhythm
Insomniac Games has shown it can subtly recreate characters. Spider-Man on PS4 and PS5 was light, human and dynamic. Peter Parker smiled even in the face of danger, and the city around him remained alive and vibrant. That optimism — part of the character’s DNA, and it’s why millions of players embraced his story.
But Wolverine — is the antipode. Years of battle and loss have made him brutal and withdrawn. The trailer shows him tearing through his foes with his claws without a shadow of a doubt, and it makes sense: Logan has always been a fighter willing to get his hands dirty for a cause. Insomniac will keep the familiar Spider-Man fighting dynamics, but replace them with heavy, weighty punches and bloody kills.
Yes, it’s the same developers, but the game promises to be «different universe» — in spirit and feel. Marvel’s characters coexist in the comics, but their games can feel like different worlds.
They’re the same Marvel characters, but their games can feel like different worlds.
Killer instinct instead of friendliness
The difference is especially apparent in the combat system. In Spider-Man, battles emphasize agility and stunts: the hero jumps, throws webs, and makes jokes. Wolverine, on the other hand —is a fighter who rushes into the melee, takes down the enemy and doesn’t hold back. He doesn’t think about «proper» methods — he just does his job.
The State of Play trailer shows Logan fighting battles where blood flies sideways and enemies are left on the floor. And it’s not for shock value — it’s just not possible for him to do otherwise. In the comics, he’s known as «the best at what he does» and his cause is far from peaceful.
In Spider-Man, the player could push an enemy off a rooftop but not feel like the hero had killed him — Insomniac has always kept the tone light. Here it’s the opposite: Wolverine is unceremonious, and rightly so. It’s important for players to see Logan as he’s always been — brutal, bloody and yet fair.
Dark Places and Hard Roads
Insomniac has already confirmed three key locations: Canada, Tokyo and Madripur Island. These locations are familiar to fans from the comic books and are perfect for a story about a man who knows no rest.
The trailer features footage of a Japanese bar where Logan is looking for trouble and snowy scenes in northern Canada — visually and emotionally, it’s the opposite of New York City from Spider-Man. There is no sunshine or joie de vivre here, only anxiety and loneliness. Every place feels like a threat in itself.
Even the episodes with the Sentinels — giant mutant-hunting robots — look less like superhero action than a war of survival. The locations emphasize that wherever Wolverine appears, there will always be pain, rage, and steel.
Why Insomniac chose a darker path
The creators realized that to repeat the Spider-Man formula — was to lose. After the success of the two Peter and Miles Morales games, the studio needed to show it could do something different. And picking Wolverine — the perfect way to prove it.
In tone, Marvel’s Wolverine is closer to adult mutant comics, where morality isn’t black-and-white and the hero is capable of doing terrible things in the name of good. Instincts, blood, loneliness — in these themes, Insomniac found something that wasn’t there in Spider-Man.
Exit and Expectations
Insomniac is promising a fall 2026 release for Marvel’s Wolverine on PlayStation 5. Judging by the trailer, players will be treated to a dark, cinematic action game with an adult rating and without the usual limitations of superhero stories.
It’s as if the developers are saying, Wolverine — is not the new Peter Parker. This is a hero who has no mask, only scars. And that’s exactly why it should feel different.
