Hobbies And Interests
Video Games
Early Wolverine video games featured animated depictions of the superhero. Games issued in the 1990s include 1991's LJN "Wolverine" game, made for the Nintendo Entertainment System platform, and Acclaim's 1994 "Wolverine: Adamantium Rage," made for the Sega Genesis platform ( LJN published a Super NES version). In Game Cube Color's 2001 "X-Men: Wolverine's Rage," Wolverine tries to halt development of a weapon that can turn his full adamantium skeleton into liquid metal, battling enemies Lady Deathstrike, Cyber and Sabretooth in his quest to demolish the weapon before it demolishes him. Recent Wolverine video games took their cue from the live-action "X-Men" films, which star Hugh Jackman in the role. Released to coincide with 2003's "X2: X-Men United" film, Activision's "X2: Wolverine's Revenge" gives Wolverine 48 hours to find out why a deadly virus invaded his body and find the cure. Players make their way through eight levels, battling a number or enemies and trying to build up the Rage Meter, which makes them unstoppable. Available for various platforms, Game Boy Advance offers the most kid-friendly version, recommended for ages 6 and up. Players uncover Wolverine's past and the origins of his powers when playing Activision's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," based on the 2009 movie of the same name and available in various platforms. Nintendo DS offers the most kid-friendly edition of the game, recommended for ages 10 and up.
Online Games
Marvel Kids offers two Wolverine games at its official site. When playing "Wolverine: Search and Destroy," players must defeat Magneto's robots in combat as they seek ways to free Genosha from Magneto's possession. Players use the directional arrow keys to move, and press the space bar to attack, access information panels and open doors. Pressing "Control" toggles Wolverine's rage mode, which allows him to do double damage to enemies. Along the way, players collect dog tags to unlock battle moves for Wolverine to use on enemies, and find key cards that unlock doors and exits. A red vile supplies Wolverine with his mighty rage, while a red-cross symbol returns Wolverine to full health. For "Wolverine: M.R.D. Escape," players help Wolverine escape from the Mutant Response Division, a government- supported entity that detains mutants. Players must avoid cameras and laser wires, collect access passes and destroy guards without setting off the main alarm. Players use the space bar to access information panels, attack enemies and open doors, and have the ability to climb and hide on the ceiling, as well as to jump up and down to different floors of a building.
Educational Games
Not only can Wolverine games provide entertainment for kids, but they also may serve as an educational tool. Leapfrog's handheld console games feature players reuniting the X-Men and rescuing mutants, while simultaneously practicing various skills that enhance their learning. Recommended for ages 5 to 9, Leapfrog's "Leapster Learning Game: Wolverine" teaches geography, map skills, sequencing, shapes and word sounds. The game features extended play for the Leapster2 system, which lets users connect online for additional activities, games and rewards. Another Leapfrog product, "Didj Custom Learning Game: Wolverine," focuses on spelling, letter names and sounds, long and short vowels, and prefixes and suffixes.