The X-Men have always been one of my favorite comic books and Wolverine has been my favorite of that series. When Marvel announced a new Wolverine movie, I got excited. When Activision announced a game based on that movie, I got scared. When I got my hands on the game at a recent preview event, those fears went away.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a third person action game that will contain roughly 95% of the upcoming film. The game looks decent, but not that great. Some textures are off, but those could easily change before release. Animations were very fluid both running around and in combat, which is more important.

The combat system is easy to use and very fluid. Many of the attacks you’ve seen in the comics and movies are there at your disposal. Standard slashing, punching, and throwing is all there, but even cooler are the lunge moves. When targeting an enemy, you can lunge at them and sink your claws into their chest. Oddly, the enemies don’t always die from one shot. I’d think claws to the chest would be spell certain death, but maybe that’s just me. Building up your rage meter can allow you to unleash Fury attacks, where you throw up some utter domination on anything in your path.

According to the game’s PR reps, they’re looking to explore a different side of Wolverine than just him being a killer. Will they pull it off? I was told it’s “the best movie game and Wolverine game ever made.” Since movie games are generally shit, the bar is pretty low. But I think they very well could be right.

Look for X-Men Origins: Wolverine to drop May 1, 2009 from Activision, day and date with the movie release.