Common Sense Media Review
By Brett Molina
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
M-rated video game is far more violent than the movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say the game is highly entertaining and better than its movie counterpart, but there’s a significant divide in its content based on the console version; the original one is suitable for younger audiences, while the "Uncaged Edition" is exceedingly violent and contains strong language, making it appropriate only for older teens. Players appreciate the fun and gory gameplay, but many caution that it is not suitable for young children due to its explicit content.
- fun gameplay
- high violence
- age restrictions
- console differences
- not for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
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.
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Game Details
- Platforms : Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 , Windows
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Activision
- Release date : May 1, 2009
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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