Marvel’s Wolverine finally got its big gameplay reveal during Sony’s latest State of Play showcase, alongside first looks at a variety of new characters from the wider X-Men universe. With mutants being rounded up by Trask Industries and other factions, it begs the question: where are the other X-Men? It turns out, they don’t exist in this version of Wolverine’s universe.
That’s according to creative director Marcus Smith, who confirmed that the mutant-defending team would not feature in Insomniac’s Wolverine. Instead, the game will feature Team X, which is described as a globe-trotting group of mercenary mutants who are protecting other mutants in danger. In this universe, most mutants are still living in secret, so the idea of Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters seems a while away.
“In our world, mutants aren’t really that well known throughout the world, so they’re mostly in hiding because they’re pretty vulnerable,” Smith explained to Variety. “In our trailer that we set up, Logan is hunting down some mutants who’ve been kidnapped by cybernetically enhanced mercenaries called the Reavers, and that’s when he discovers there’s yet another mutant who is also trying to save them, and that’s where he and Jean cross paths.”
That would explain why Logan doesn’t seem to recognize Jean Grey in the trailer, but might also give some hints as to why other characters also appear. Mystique is seen fighting Reavers near the end of the trailer, suggesting that she might be another member of Team X. While Omega Red and Sabretooth have also been associated with the group in the past, it’s clear here that they’re villains you’ll have to deal with as Wolverine, and likely not aligned with saving other mutants.
One associate of Team X in the comics has been Lady Deathstrike, who has not featured in a trailer yet. She has also lead the Reavers in the past, who are pominently featured (and torn up) in this latest gameplay trailer. So it’s possible Insomniac could be reserving her introduction as a surprise later down the line.
There are many Marvel characters that are making an appearance in Wolverine, in large and small roles alike. Check out our list of everyone you might have missed from the latest trailer before Wolverine launches exclusively on PS5 on September 15.
