When it comes to special powers, Wolverine isn't all claws and adamantium – he also has the ability to heal quickly. This is implemented in the game in an interesting way. You have two health bars, the first of which represents your basic health and the second your vital organs. The first health bar is drained as you take damage, but rest for a moment and Wolverine's healing powers take over and restore the bar to full strength. In a pretty cool touch, Wolverine shows visual signs of the damage he is taking and as the health bar is being restored you can watch him actually heal. Should the first health bar get drained, then Wolverine's vital organs have become exposed and will start to take damage. Drain this bar and that's the end of Wolverine.

Now the fighting is certainly repetitive in the game, but the fighting controls so well and is so visceral, that it doesn't get in the way of the fun. Plus, it is simply really cool to be Wolverine in a game that isn't shy about unleashing his fury. Unfortunately, though, the boss fights are disappointing in that they all require the same approach and go on for too long. The bosses all need to be defeated by repeated lunge attacks with some dodges and rolls in between to avoid their attacks. The boss fights are more about your endurance (is this thing still going on?) than they are about your skill, which is too bad since you'd expect a game with such bloody battles with the minions to put up something more memorable with the bosses.

There are a couple of other minor points about the game that are worth mentioning because they're kind of cool. The first is that the game gives you motivation to explore a bit and look for hidden paths and entrances. These lead to things like collectible dog tags for the finding and to little homages put in by the developers to other shows and games, the finding of each is ties to a trophy. For example, in one level you'll find the hatch from Lost and in another a sword from World of Warcraft. Another cool little touch is the ability to use Wolverine's feral senses. When you kick in the senses you're given a guide in the form of a hazy trail that lets you know where you should head next. Also, hidden and interactive objects in the environment will be highlighted to make them easy for you to find.

If you're not a big fan of attack button heavy action games, Wolverine is not enough of a departure from the mold to change your mind about these types of games. However, if you like Wolverine, X-Men Origins, or a big bloody mess of an action game, you should certainly give Wolverine a try.

In The End, This Game Hath Been Rated: 75%. A superhero game. A movie-based game. I can virtually guarantee that it's better than you expect it to be.

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