Marvel’s Wolverine preview leak suggests a brutal PS5 action game that may not reach Spider-Man heights
Insomniac has built enormous trust with PlayStation fans thanks to the success of its Spider-Man games, so expectations for Marvel’s Wolverine have been sky-high from the moment it was announced. Now, an early preview that appeared online ahead of schedule has given players a clearer idea of what may be waiting when the PS5 exclusive arrives on September 15.
According to the leaked impressions, Marvel’s Wolverine is shaping up to be a solid, violent, action-heavy adventure, but it may not be the next major masterpiece some fans were hoping for. The preview describes the game as a capable action title with plenty of intensity, while also pointing to concerns about combat variety, enemy encounters, and a story that may feel too familiar for longtime Marvel fans.
The biggest difference between Marvel’s Wolverine and Insomniac’s Spider-Man series is structure. This is not an open-world game built around swinging through a massive city, chasing side activities, and exploring at your own pace. Instead, Wolverine appears to take a more focused and linear approach, pushing players from one action sequence to the next.
That design choice could work well for Logan as a character. Wolverine is not known for graceful movement across rooftops or playful exploration. He is direct, aggressive, and built for close-range combat. The preview suggests the game leans heavily into that identity, throwing players into brutal fights almost immediately. Cutscenes reportedly flow smoothly into third-person gameplay, keeping the pace fast as Logan tears through enemies with his claws.
For players who want a more concentrated superhero game without the distractions of an open world, this could be a welcome change. However, the more limited structure may also make the game’s weaknesses harder to ignore. Without the freedom and variety that helped Spider-Man feel fresh, Marvel’s Wolverine will need its combat and story to carry much of the experience.
Combat seems to be the main focus, and early impressions suggest it delivers satisfying moments, especially when Wolverine is facing smaller groups of enemies. Logan’s fighting style is described as powerful and destructive, which fits the character perfectly. He is not a defensive or tactical hero in the traditional sense. He gets close, takes damage, and keeps fighting until everything in front of him is down.
The concern is how the system handles larger groups. The preview indicates that battles can become messy when too many enemies surround the player. Targeting specific opponents may also feel awkward early in the game, which could make some encounters more frustrating than intended.
There is hope that progression will solve part of this issue. As Logan unlocks more abilities, upgrades, and combat options, crowd control may become smoother and more enjoyable. Many action games start with a limited moveset before gradually opening up, so the early combat complaints may not reflect the full experience. Still, first impressions suggest that Marvel’s Wolverine may need time before its fighting system fully clicks.
The story is another area raising questions. The preview describes the narrative as predictable, especially for players already familiar with Marvel films and comics. Once again, Logan appears to be searching for answers about his mysterious and painful past, a theme that has been central to the character for decades.
That does not mean the story cannot work. Wolverine’s past is a major part of what makes him compelling, and a darker, more personal journey could be a strong fit for a single-player PS5 game. However, if the dialogue and plot beats feel too familiar, some fans may find it harder to stay invested. Character development was also described as uncertain in the early preview, though that could improve as the full game unfolds.
Despite these concerns, the overall tone of the leaked preview is not negative. Marvel’s Wolverine still sounds like a polished and entertaining action game with strong production values, intense combat, and a version of Logan that fans will likely enjoy controlling. It may simply be a different kind of Insomniac project than some players expected.
The key question is whether fans will judge it on its own terms or compare it directly to Spider-Man. If players go in expecting a massive open-world superhero playground, they may be disappointed. If they want a focused, violent Wolverine adventure with fast pacing and cinematic presentation, the game could still satisfy.
Full impressions are expected to arrive soon, and final reviews will determine whether Marvel’s Wolverine becomes another major PlayStation success. For now, the leaked preview suggests a game that should perform well commercially, even if it may not stand as Insomniac’s most celebrated achievement.
