Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

X2: Wolverine’s Revenge places players directly in the claws of Logan, tasking them with a race against time to find a cure for a deadly virus targeting his own regenerative powers. The core loop revolves around exploring multi-tiered levels, using Wolverine’s adamantium claws for both brutal melee attacks and deft environmental interactions. Encounters range from head-on brawls with classic X-Men villains to tense stealth sequences where you must stalk guards using heightened senses.

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The combat system is satisfying and visceral, featuring a variety of attacks, combos, and environmental takedowns. You can slash and maim foes in cinematic slow motion, juggle them midair, or send them flying into spikes and girders. Although some encounters can feel repetitive after extended play, the inclusion of boss battles—like face-offs with Sabretooth and Magneto—breaks up standard fights and ramps up the challenge.

Stealth plays a crucial supporting role: you’ll sneak through ventilation shafts, cling to shadows, and perform silent takedowns from above. Wolverine’s “enhanced smell” mechanic occasionally kicks in, highlighting hidden paths or letting you detect enemies through walls. This blend of stealth and action keeps the pacing dynamic, although the stealth sections can feel a bit forgiving at times, letting players brute-force their way through if they prefer.

Graphics

For its time, X2: Wolverine’s Revenge delivers impressive visuals that capture the gritty atmosphere of Marvel’s darker X-Men era. Character models—especially Wolverine himself—are rendered with intricate muscle definition, torn clothing textures, and convincing facial animations during cutscenes. While polygon counts feel dated by modern standards, the game’s art direction lends a comic-book flair that still stands out.

Environments range from clinical laboratories and shadowy corridors to demolished city streets and abandoned weapon development facilities. Lighting effects—particularly in underground labs—convey a sense of tension and urgency, with flickering fluorescent bulbs and ominous red warning lights. However, some levels reuse textures and straight-line corridors, which can undercut the overall immersion after prolonged play.

Cutscenes integrate in-engine graphics with full-motion video to bridge narrative beats, though lip-sync occasionally falls out of sync. Voice performances are solid across the board, lending authenticity to Logan’s growling delivery and the menacing barbs of Magneto and Sabretooth. Particle effects—like splattering blood and sparks from metal impacts—add a visceral punch to every clash.

Story

At the heart of Wolverine’s Revenge is a ticking-clock narrative: Logan has only hours to find a retrovirus that will save him from a fatal degeneration of his healing factor. This premise injects tension from the first loading screen and keeps the stakes high throughout each mission. Along the way, Wolverine uncovers buried memories from his Weapon X origin, allowing for emotional flashbacks that enrich the character.

The plot weaves in familiar X-Men faces—Magneto, Sabretooth, and other franchise icons—while maintaining focus on Logan’s tortured past. Encounters with these antagonists feel personal: Magneto taunts Logan about playing God with his metal skeleton, and Sabretooth revels in the promise of tearing his old foe limb from limb. These moments ground the action in a classic hero-versus-villain dynamic that fans will appreciate.

Side objectives, such as locating hidden comic covers and dog tags, offer lore nuggets that expand on Wolverine’s history and the larger X-Men universe. Unlocking these collectibles not only rewards your curiosity with new costumes and abilities but also encourages a deeper exploration of levels you might otherwise breeze through. The narrative pacing never lags, driven by tight mission objectives and the ever-present threat of the virus.

Overall Experience

X2: Wolverine’s Revenge delivers a robust package for fans of melee combat and stealth action. Its combination of visceral combat, atmospheric level design, and a story that delves into Wolverine’s traumatic past makes for a memorable journey. While some level layouts and stealth sequences can feel repetitive, the constant rollout of new abilities and boss encounters keeps players invested.

The game’s production values—strong voice acting, moody environments, and gritty visuals—immerse you in Logan’s world from start to finish. Mission variety, from stealth infiltrations to all-out brawls and puzzle-style device hacking, ensures that the gameplay never stagnates. Collectible side quests reward thorough exploration and give completionists a reason to revisit levels to unlock all the extras.

Whether you’re a die-hard Wolverine aficionado or just an action-adventure enthusiast seeking a challenging, story-driven experience, X2: Wolverine’s Revenge stands out as a high‐energy, character‐focused title. Its blend of stealth, action, and narrative depth makes it a worthwhile addition to any X-Men or superhero game library.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10