Insomniac's upcoming Wolverine game has received an M for Mature rating from the ESRB, citing 'Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, [and] Strong Language.' The detailed listing reveals that 'a handful of sequences briefly depict a character's exposed buttocks,' sparking curiosity about which character is involved.
Violence and Gore Take Center Stage
Sony and Insomniac have been vocal about the game's increased violence compared to the Spider-Man series. Wolverine's gameplay features Mortal Kombat-level gore, including dismembering enemy limbs and slicing through faces. This level of brutality justifies the 18 rating in the UK, but the partial nudity adds an unexpected twist.
Fans are speculating about the exposed buttocks. The most obvious candidate is Wolverine himself, potentially during a flashback to his Weapon X origin, where he was depicted naked in the comics. Alternatively, it could be a female character like Psylocke, known for her revealing costume, though she hasn't been confirmed for the game. Jean Grey and Mystique, who are set to appear, are typically more modestly dressed.
Insomniac's Balancing Act
There's a humorous contrast in Insomniac's approach: they're comfortable with gratuitous violence but conservative with nudity. This restraint might make Wolverine a harder sell than Spider-Man, but the character's popularity should ensure strong sales. However, timing could be better, as no Wolverine movie is imminent. Instead, Marvel's 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is dominating the box office, boosting sales of Insomniac's Spider-Man games on Steam, with Spider-Man 2 at seventh and Spider-Man Remastered at tenth best-selling.
According to Michael Beckwith, games news reporter, the release schedule might have been better if Spider-Man 3 came out now and Wolverine later, but scheduling is complex. Spider-Man 2's ending practically guarantees a sequel, planned for autumn 2028 per a 2023 Insomniac hack. That hack also slated Wolverine for autumn 2026, which the studio is meeting. A 2028 release for Spider-Man 3 could make it a PlayStation 6 exclusive, but given the console's expected high price (potentially over £1,000), a cross-gen release like Miles Morales might be wiser.
What This Means for the Game's Future
While the nudity is minimal, the game's violent content is a key selling point. The ESRB's detailed description confirms the game's mature themes, appealing to fans of the character and action games. As the release approaches, more details are likely to emerge, but for now, the question remains: whose buttocks will be on show?
