Unlike the console versions, there is no upgrade mechanic or moves to unlock, so you’re stuck with the same moves from start to finish. You have to wait for the “O” option to appear over an enemies head to initiate the lunge, and it’s much easier to simply run in for the kill while taking damage. The lunge mechanic that was a selling point in the Uncaged edition makes an appearance here, but it’s ineffective in most fights.

The combat itself feels loose and unsatisfying and it seemingly takes forever to take down some of the larger foes. You have strong and fierce attacks, as well as a block and dodge roll.

Though it differs from all the other versions, the PSP version of Origins tries its best to emulate a character action game similar to the home console versions on the Wii/PS2 and PS3/Xbox 360. It’s an interesting way to tell the story, as it allows the game to go places the other versions couldn’t, the only problem is that this also makes the game feel terribly disjointed without any real narrative flow. Each of the games levels are taken from the personal files of William Stryker, and show missions that Wolverine was running while working for Team X. The game uses a narrative framing device where Wolverine is in the Alkali Lake facility trying to eliminate the memories of his past that are haunting him.

Origins on the PSP ties itself the loosest to the source material it’s based on compared to the versions on other platforms. Now, the game didn’t turn out good, but I’ll give credit where it’s due. I give credit to Activision for not shoehorning one of the other versions on the handheld only to not have it work. In Griptonite’s case, they developed not one, but two different versions of this IP and hammered out two completely different experiences. To but it bluntly, X-Men Origins: Wolverine on the PSP is not very good, but I do have to give credit to both developer Griptonite and publisher Activision. NOTE: ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON COMICBOOKMOVIE.COM

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