While Insomniac Games may have made a name for itself with the likes ofRatchet and ClankandSpyro the Dragon, the studio has also cemented itself as the premier Marvel Comics studio withMarvel’s Spider-Man. Not only did it delivera fantastic adventure following the web-slinger, but it further expanded that world with a spin-off and fully-fledged sequel. Now, all eyes are on whether it can do it again withMarvel’s Wolverine. If it is able to nail that character, then it would be positioned to delve even further into the Marvel universe.
UnlikeMarvel’s Spider-Man,Marvel’s Wolverineshould be telling a far more mature story. If Insomniac is able to deliver on that, then the next character it should explore should be the Punisher. Combining the studio’s mastery of gunplay from previous titles, its skills at crafting a Marvel adventure, and its quality writing could lead to an unforgettable experience.
Insomniac Games Could Do Wonders With a Punisher Title
Insomniac Already Has Experience in the Shooter Realm
One of the biggest reasons that Insomniac Games feels perfect for the Punisher is that it has already shown it knows how to make guns feel great in a video game. Specifically,theRatchet and Clankfranchisehas given players access to a plethora of unique and exciting weapons throughout the years. These guns have defined much of the experience, and with each entry, Insomniac has made them feel even better. With 2021’sRatchet and Clank: Rift Apart, the series' latest entry, they may be the best they have ever been.
Of course,Ratchet and Clankis far sillierand more colorful than a Punisher game would be. However, the character is well known for using a wide assortment of weaponry to take out his enemies. ThroughRatchet and Clank, Insomniac has not only made guns feel great, but it has also shown that it knows how to craft a wide variety of unique weapons. These weapons are far more than aesthetic changes too, as they each feel extremely unique from each other, which has helped make for some excitingly varied combat encounters. If the studio could do that with some of the weirdest weapons imaginable, then it could likely do the same thing for a far more realistic arsenal.
Marvel’s Wolverine’s Writing Team Could Craft an Exciting Punisher Story
Nailing the gunplay is vital todelivering a Punisher story. However, the studio also has to show that it can deliver a more mature tone. ThroughMarvel’s Spider-Man, it showed that it knows how to tell an exciting superhero story. But, even though there are many dramatic moments, the character himself is far more comedic than the Punisher. And so far, Insomniac has not really delivered a game as mature as a Punisher-led title would be. Yet, that could all change withMarvel’s Wolverine.
WithMarvel’s Wolverine, Insomniac will be exploring a much more mature character than Peter Parker. It remains to be seen if it can deliver that, but based on its writing team, there is a strong chance it can. Specifically, Narrative Director Walt Williams is also known for 2012’sSpec Ops: The Line. That game’s dark story is still often considered one of the best that gaming has to offer, especially within the realm of military shooters. So, if Williams is able to take that expertise to Wolverine, and deliver a similarly mature and powerful tale, then players will likely be very satisfied.
IfMarvel’s Wolverinedoes indeed deliver on a mature tone, then hopefully, Insomniac will delve further into the Marvel universe by exploring an even darker character like Frank Castle. Combining the writing talents of writers such as Williams with the gunplay ofRatchet and Clankcould lead to a fantastic Punisher-led project, and after that, there is no telling where Insomniac could take its Marvel universe next.
