Raven Software Brings Wolverine Origin Graphics To a New Level

Listed as #1 of the Top 200 comic book characters, according to Wizard Magazine, Wolverine is lauded as a highly celebrated character in comic history. Before the movie was actually produce, Raven Software, the game development company responsible for the development of the video game, started development before actual movie production. Thus, if you play the game and also watch the movie, there isn’t a systematic tie-in, however, there are things that are similar. Compared to Spider-Man & the Inredible Hulk, the movie and game aren’t tightly integrated, but that does not make it a bad game.
The video game showcases Logan after he is infused with adamantium, and goes into Africa for a special mission. In the flahforwards, he turns from his childhood brother, Victor and becomes Wolverine. The question that needs to be solved is what made Logan turn away from his life to do the experiments with the Weapon X program, and lose his memory?
Uncaged utilizes the Unreal 3 Graphics engine. The technology allows for shading & gradient style looks, environmental effects, large scale environments and landscapes, and a deconstruction application that can be applied. There are 3 basic damage modes: 1.) Skin and clothes, 2.) Muscle damage, and 3.) skeletal damage. The graphics based on this model is in high detail.
The game also portrays Wolverine’s animal-like senses, whereas, the system allows you to view scents, allowing him to sense and track down enemies. So, now you get the feel of being “in-character”, whereas, your gameplay showcases all the skills of Wolverine as in the comic book.
Overall, the graphics by themselves are nothing without the action game play that brings the flavor and essence of out of the graphics. Raven software did a great job with Blur and the CGI work. Overall, there are some basic negatives, such as frame rate issues due to heavy smoke and blurring, also graphical tears, or pop-ups where there shouldn’t be. But overall, it midly distracts from the gaming experience. Uncaged gets an grad of B for graphics for this game play.

Uncaged: Wolverine Gets Unleashed

The game world has now unleashed “Uncaged Edition”, the game for XBOX 360, PS3, and even your PC, that uncovers the inside scoop to Wolverine & the origin of his super powers. This is a great addition to the X-Men movie franchise, as big business aims to capitalize on the brand. Uncaged complements the summer blockbuster movie, X-Men Origins.

Overall, “Uncaged” features on Wolverine, one of the mutant X-men. The game was created by Raven Software, and they have done a great job bringing out the essence of the character, staying not only true to the movie, but also the Marvel comics. The game has an M-rating (compared to the film which is PG-13), offers an interweaving storyline and high quality cinematic game play.

The game story last from 10 -12 hours, and has 5 chapters which expands the storyline and follows up the film. The developers provided a 3^rd person action gamer experience, similar to the God of War series. The action sequences & experience get stronger as you progress, as well as you will battle large enemy numbers. You will also come fact-to-face with Marvel villains and have to solve environmental puzzles. One of the interesting points is Wolverines regeneration abilities in the game. You have two bars which signify Wolverines health system. If you deplete the first bar, the 2^nd bar will kick in & actually cause more damage to you and you will regenerate at a slower rate. So, the more you avoid damage, the faster you are able to regenerate.

Overall, the game gives you the experience that makes you feel like you are really Wolverine. You are given the ability to apply fury attacks, combinations, and the ability to do stunts all while utilizing Wolverines premier ability, adamantium claws. As you progress through the game, it’s almost like the game takes your previous attack strategies & provides for a more difficult game experience from level to level. This means, that the same attack strategies you had in your previous levels, won’t be as effective against tougher and future opponents. Also, you are not just able to use your claws and battle skills to fight enemies. One of the great things about this game is that you can use the actual surrounding environment as part of the action. Throw your enemy into spike walls, or drop an enemy onto an electrically charged box. Break limbs & skulls with your claws, or rip apart bodies and heads is just some of the gruesome level gaming experience you are offered. You get just enough violence in the game to not be too disruptive, but stay true to the comics, as well as the movie.