X-Men 2 : Wolverine's Revenge

X-Men 2: Wolverine's Revenge for PlayStation 2 is a third-person action adventure starring Marvel's Wolverine. Developed by GenePool Software and published by Activision, this PS2 edition reached Europe in April 2003, while North America used the title X2: Wolverine's Revenge. It arrived alongside the X2 film period, but its story is an original comic-book adventure written by Larry Hama rather than a retelling of the movie. Logan faces a personal deadline: a lethal dormant virus is now active in his body, and he has 48 hours to uncover a cure.

The investigation leads him back toward the shadowy Weapon X program, the part of his past tied to the adamantium bonded to his skeleton and claws. Professor Charles Xavier remains in psychic contact to offer guidance, while Beast helps from the X-Mansion. The mission moves through hostile wilderness, installations, laboratories and mutant detention facilities as Wolverine searches for information and an antidote. Familiar allies and adversaries from the wider X-Men world appear along the way, giving the journey a comic-book scope while keeping the focus firmly on Logan.

On PlayStation 2, Wolverine fights with retractable claws, punches, kicks and special Strike attacks. Encounters are not limited to direct brawling: guards, traps and armed opposition also call for careful movement and the use of cover. Wolverine can press himself against walls, approach enemies from behind, and use his heightened senses to pick out threats and routes in darker or more heavily protected areas. His senses can reveal useful details such as enemy positions, trails and hazards, making stealth an important complement to close-quarters action.

Combat is built around the contrast between Wolverine's violence and his survival abilities. The rage meter rises during a fight and can be used to make him more dangerous for a short time. Retracting the claws enables his healing power, providing a tactical chance to recover but leaving him without their cutting strength until they are extended again. Dog tags and other hidden items reward exploration, while successful Strikes build combat progression. Collectible comic books unlock alternate Wolverine costumes, and Cerebro files open character material narrated by Professor X.

The campaign includes major confrontations with characters such as Sabretooth, Wendigo, Juggernaut, Magneto and Lady Deathstrike. These encounters give the action a more focused challenge than ordinary patrols, often requiring Wolverine to wait for an opening and use the right kind of attack. The story also features Colossus and Rogue, with Xavier's telepathic guidance linking the missions together. Mark Hamill voices Wolverine, while Patrick Stewart returns as Professor X, an unusual combination that joins a comic-inspired Logan with a familiar film voice.

X-Men 2: Wolverine's Revenge is one version of a wider 2003 release that also appeared on GameCube, Xbox, Windows and Game Boy Advance, though the portable game was developed separately. The PS2 release is part of the era's run of Marvel action games that combined licensed characters with original stories and console-focused 3D play. Its European name places X-Men ahead of the title, but the game remains Wolverine's solo race against the Shiva virus and the secrets of Weapon X.