Based on its brief teaser trailer, Marvel's Wolverine appears to bear a lot of similarities to the 2010 film, Logan, but the game might do better to forget about Logan and take inspiration from a 2019 Marvel comics story instead. While very little is known about the game so far, apart from the information gleaned from Easter eggs in Marvel's Wolverine's trailer, it's not a huge stretch to wonder how influential the Hugh Jackman-starring film will be to the game's story and setting. Taking inspiration from the Old Man Logan comics run, Logan was one of the most well-reviewed and popular X-Men films and has proved very influential to many of the character's appearances.
As popular as the film is, however, Marvel's Wolverine would do best to separate itself from not only the film but also from Hugh Jackman's portrayal. Instead, the game should focus on bringing the Marvel Comics depiction of the character to life. Not only would this help to differentiate the character in Marvel's Wolverine from Jackman's popular version, but also delight fans of the version of Wolverine portrayed in the comics. While there are many great stories about Wolverine in Marvel Comics that could make for a great game, there are perhaps none more fitting than the Wolverine and Cyclops (Uncanny X-Men (2018) #11-22).
The story takes place after the mysterious disappearance of the X-Men (who are at the time believed to be dead). The recently resurrected Cyclops, seeing many of the atrocities that humans are committing against mutants in the absence of the X-Men, makes a public announcement to any remaining X-Men, asking them to join him and help recreate the team. Wolverine is the only one who shows up. In part, the story works so well because it focuses so heavily on the relationship between Wolverine and his foil, Cyclops. It would greatly benefit Marvel's Wolverine to include Cyclops, as the relationship between the two helps to spotlight each one's important characteristics that make them well-rounded and dynamic characters.
Wolverine And Cyclops' Dark Tale Is A Perfect Fit For Marvel's Wolverine
The Wolverine and Cyclops could be the perfect fit for Marvel's Wolverine's dark tone. The story focuses on the two characters trying to work together to rebuild the X-Men team, slowly recruiting younger members (made up of mostly New Mutants alumni). The game could feature several sections built around finding, rescuing, and ultimately recruiting these members. A potential reputation system could also feature in the game, with Wolverine having to work with the new members to build their confidence and strengthen morale.
The Wolverine and Cyclops storyline of Uncanny X-Men is also quite violent, which matches reports that Marvel's Wolverine emphasizes violence. Much of the storyline focuses on a prophecy from the mutant Blindfold, who vaguely tells Cyclops that everyone will die. Unfortunately for Cyclops and Wolverine, they end up losing most of their team violently, though the game could potentially retcon this by giving players the ability to save certain members by making the right choices. Ultimately, the Cyclops and Wolverine run is a story about two of the X-Men's most famous members, who have spent much of their time hating each other and disagreeing about everything, learning to work together and build trust and respect for their fellow teammate.
Focusing on a storyline where Wolverine, who is a notorious loner that prefers to do everything himself, learning to work with a team and bonding with his foil could help to differentiate Marvel's Wolverine from Marvel's Spider-Man, which focuses primarily on its main hero working alone. Marvel's Wolverine may not officially be an X-Men game, but the character of Wolverine will always be at his best when working with his fellow X-Men to some degree, and Wolverine and Cyclops tale of teamwork and trauma might be the best way to showcase that part of his character.