Quick Impressions: 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'

I don't know how they did it, but Raven Software has created one of the most enticing (if not brief) gaming experiences I've had in a long time.

It's hard for my brain to even register the idea that I liked the Xbox 360 version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. But here's the thing - I loved it. It was amazing. Granted I only played one level in a hurried scenario, but it made me want to play the entire thing.



On one hand, it's unfortunate to see the otherwise fairly chivalrous and good Wolverine hack up hundreds of men, creatures and robots. On the other hand, it's so fun. The guy's got those claws for a reason. Usually, he just brandishes them, gives a mean look and then runs at the enemy right before the camera/frame cuts to another mutant fighting another bad guy. But here? Blood a-plenty.

The game utilizes everything awesome about the Wolverine character: his healing powers, his feral senses and his ever-awesome adamantium skeleton and claws. The first level of the game is one of the best modern beat-em-ups I've played since God of War.

And the lunge ability in the game? Incredible. While red shirts across the way shoot at you with their do-nothing bullets, you can lunge over at them and stab them in one fell swoop. Great stuff.

If you can rent it today, do it now. I, in the meantime, will be finding a way to scrounge the money and buy it.