Set directly after the events of the film, Wanted: Weapons of Fate invites players to step back into the shoes of Wesley Gibson in this third-person shooter and action-adventure title. Released on March 24, 2009, for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, the game offers a story-driven single-player experience that expands on the lore of the graphic novel and movie. As Wesley continues his transformation into a full-fledged assassin and heir to a legacy of a secret fraternity, players can engage in stylish combat and explore a narrative that sticks closer to the source material than the film adaptation.

Story and Setting

The narrative picks up immediately after the movie's conclusion, with Wesley continuing his quest to infiltrate the French chapter of The Fraternity. His mission drives him to hunt down The Immortal and finally discover the truth about his family. The game features intermittent perspectives between Wesley and Cross, maintaining a focus on the characters from the graphic novel. Wesley is portrayed as an annoying character true to the book, while the film cast is largely absent, with the exception of a very brief appearance by Morgan Freeman whose likeness is described as resembling Nelson Mandela. The plot avoids the Loom of Fate device found in the movie, offering a more grounded assassin storyline.

Gameplay Mechanics in Wanted: Weapons of Fate

At the heart of the experience is a unique twist on traditional third-person shooter mechanics. Players can bend bullet trajectories around objects by holding a button to mark a curved path, consuming adrenaline to execute shots. This mechanic allows for creative kills, such as firing around pillars or through narrow gaps. The game also features time-slowing abilities, chain movement in cover, and gory melee takedowns. Mastering the controls allows players to calculate complex orders of killing, resulting in visually impressive slow-motion executions. The environment plays a crucial role, with levels designed to challenge player positioning, such as a sequence on a plane where gravity shifts during free-fall.

Notable Features and Unlockables

The game consists of nine lengthy acts across three difficulty settings, with the hardest option requiring unlock. While there are no multiplayer modes, the single-player campaign is packed with content. Players can unlock concept art, team sayings, and art from the comic book series. Owners of the Wanted DVD can find hidden binary codes in the menus to unlock additional costumes and bonus modes, including a Headshot Mode. The game also supports Achievements on Xbox 360 and Trophies on PlayStation 3.

Platform Availability

  • Xbox 360: Features Trophies and a standard price point of $59.99.
  • PlayStation 3: Offers identical content to Xbox 360 with no motion controls required.
  • PC: Available at a lower price point of $49.99.

Core content remains identical across the console versions, offering the same story, mechanics, and unlockables. The game controls rely on analog sticks for movement and aiming, with face buttons handling reloads and melee attacks. Comparisons between the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions highlight minor visual and performance differences, but both provide a solid foundation for the bullet-bending action.

Who It Appeals To

Wanted: Weapons of Fate appeals primarily to fans of the graphic novel and the original film who want to explore Wesley's journey further. It is also suitable for players who enjoy action-shooters with a focus on stylish combat and environmental interaction. The unique bullet-bending mechanic sets it apart from standard run-and-gun games, offering a distinct power fantasy. While the story is better received than the film, players looking for deep gameplay mechanics beyond the bullet-bending gimmick may find the experience limited. It serves as a worthy expansion for those who appreciate the lore of The Fraternity and wish to see Wesley's path to becoming a master assassin unfold.