X-Men Origins: Wolverine: Uncaged Edition can't hide its influences. Although Raven Software has declared the game "the ultimate Wolverine experience," a few minutes of play reveals a licensed title that smartly grafts a proven formula onto its Hollywood trappings. In this case, Hugh Jackman takes on the role of Kratos in an action game that offers plenty of great moments and fulfilling combat but falls flat in other departments. Yet for the missteps and disappointments that Origins contains it's also an endearingly fun experience.

Loosely based on the events of the film, Origins (the "Uncaged" subtitle refers to the M-rated 360/PS3/PC version) tells the story of Wolverine's background prior to joining the X-Men. Along the way, it jumps back and forth between his escape from the Weapon-X facility, battles with different Alpha Team soldiers, and fighting through several labs and corridors.

Based on what other critics have said it appears that most of us are in the same boat.

The Critics Agree

"...you're playing this game for one reason and it's not for a Dickensian retelling of Logan's history; it's to do what 'he does best': tear people in half with reckless, bloody abandon. And that's what Origins gets right." - Justin Haywald, 1Up

"The good thing about (lunging combat) is that it's intuitive, fast and ferocious." - Tom Bramwell, Eurogamer

"..the pieces (of combat) feel fairly common, but they fit together dynamically enough, and the bloody results are mighty satisfying. For the first few hours it doesn't take much finesse to swiftly and brutally murder your foes, thanks in part to Wolverine's regenerating health." - Ryan Davis, Giant Bomb

" Wolverine gets the one thing right that any brawler type beat-em-up game needs to be: It's fun." - Tom Price, Team Xbox

The Critics Disagree

"The little tactical variety available to you is quickly overwhelmed and forgotten by sheer and exhausting, if not nauseating repetition." - Tom Bramwell, Eurogamer

"The myriad moves and combos you can pull off come quite naturally, and you'll find yourself easily employing the more complex combos as you take on tougher enemies in greater volumes." - Tom Price, Team Xbox

"Origins incorporates a few adventure-like qualities (leveling up, equipping new powers, choosing which skills to power up). While it adds a sense of purpose to the slaughter, it's also a bit misleading. You can constantly upgrade your strength and stamina, but the enemies always seem to take the same amount of punishment." - Justin Haywald, 1Up

"Wolvie will get better as you go, leveling up by earning points as he kills, with more being earned for the flashier kill moves... You also automatically increase your reflexes against different types of enemies (i.e. machete wielders, specialized military units, etc.) by defeating them, giving you a small damage boost the next time you fight an enemy of that category." - Tom Price, Team Xbox