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X-Men Origins: Wolverine

(2009, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated M, Play it on: Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 17.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    M-rated video game is far more violent than the movie.

Why We Rated This not for kids

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Wolverine is a character who solves his problems by using extreme violence.
  • Violence:

    Unlike the movie, the game is very violent. Using his metal claws, Wolverine lops off heads, arms, and legs.  During one scene, he takes a helicopter pilot and shoves his head into the moving propeller.  Blood spews after every kill. Wolverine has "beserker" moves which allow him to kill many enemies in a short time. Also, when Wolverine is injured, players can see skin burning off when on fire or see his skeleton.  When his regeneration kicks in, the wounds slowly close up.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    The worst words used were "s--t" and "ass."
  • Consumerism:

    This video game is based on the movie: X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine was written by Brett Molina

Parents need to know that this is a review of the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC version of the video game adaptation of the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which is much more violent than the PG-13 movie and has earned an "M" rating from the ESRB. Using his metal claws, Wolverine brutally kills enemies in a variety of ways, from chopping their heads off to decapitating them at the waist. During one scene, Wolverine takes a helicopter pilot and pushes his head up into a moving propeller. Blood splatters across the screen, and limbs are often seen flying. Players will hear some cursing. Families looking for less violence in a Wolverine video game should consider the versions of X-Men Origins: Wolverine created for the Wii, PS2, and PSP which are "T"-rated. There is also a X-Men Origins: Wolverine for the DS which is rated E+10.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about Wolverine's portrayal in the game against his appearances in film and comic books?  Does he seem more or less violent in the video game?
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More on X-Men Origins: Wolverine

What’s the Story?

While the movie can be enjoyed by audiences age 13 and over, don't assume the same for the video game release of X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, an extremely violent action game. Similar to the film, the game focuses on how Wolverine turned into the ultimate human weapon, including where he inherited his metal skeleton. It also delves a bit into the relationship between the X-Men member and rival Victor Creed, better known as Sabretooth.

Of course, Wolverine's signature feature are his razor-sharp metal claws, which he uses to brutally kill enemies. Players can string together attacks using a series of button presses, or deliver special moves such as a Claw Spin or Claw Drill. Wolverine also uses feral senses, during which the screen blurs and a blue line points players to the right path. Harmful and helpful items in the environments are also highlighted with reds and greens respectively. Wolverine's health is represented by a life gauge -- a heart inside a red circle -- and a red regeneration meter. When the meter empties, Wolverine's regeneration is ineffective, and foes can chip away at his life gauge. Damage dealt to Wolverine involves some gore. Flesh burns off his body when set on fire, often showing parts of his skeleton. When he heals, players can see the wounds close up.

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Is It Any Good?

For mature players, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a simple yet satisfying action game. While the game focuses heavily on combat, there is a solid mix of platforming and some light puzzle-solving. Wolverine can use a variety of attacks and combos to defeat opponents, and his Lunge strike is perhaps one of the best. Enemies are not only diverse, but require a unique strategy of attack, from sword-wielding assassins to the larger, beastly Wendigo prototypes. Combat is quite vicious as well. Wolverine routinely cuts off limbs and decapitates foes with very bloody results.

Unfortunately, the overall presentation is pretty drab. Graphics don't look polished, particularly cut scenes in between the action. The story is incredibly confusing, as it jumps to battles Wolverine encountered in Africa and how that ties to current events within the game. Also, because Wolverine is so powerful, storming through enemies can feel easy. Even the strongest bosses can be conquered on the first attempt. Even with these weaknesses, mature players may discover this game featuring the ultimate weapon makes for the ultimate weekend rental.
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Publisher’s Details

Released on 5/1/2009, price $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: M (for Blood and gore, intense violence, language)

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See all 12 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    come on

    ARE YOU KIDING ME!?! THIS IS SO NOT BAD I AM 16 AND ALL THERE IS IS LITTle bloody.

  2. I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    good game very violent and very bloody!!!

    Very bloody game never palyed it but i know this is not a kid game it is the adult version for wolverine.but most movie games are bad but this one is probely fun

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    FUN but also GORY!!

    I personaly love this game and is fun to play!!! And it is also very brutal and gory! So parents, dont let your kids play this game if they are under the age of 13!

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    Wolverine has anger management

    It's basicly Prototype but with a superhero. You slash people until you can't slash anymore, resulting in beheadings, dismemberments and disembowlments. Also, when you are hurt your skin is ripped apart creating huge, bloody wounds.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

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