Added to the combat specifically for the Wii is the adrenaline rush, which occurs when you shoot an enemy repeatedly, and then they charge at you. Then, if you shake the Wii remote at just the right time, you'll accomplish instantly killing that enemy. You'll also be faced with the death defying quick reaction events that have become so popular nowadays, where in order to make your way through a scripted sequence, you'll have to time your button presses and controller motions with on-screen cues. The problem is that on the Wii version, the controller may not always register your movements correctly, forcing you to play through the sequence multiple times, despite getting it correct the first time. Some of the puzzles also make unique use of the game's capabilities, requiring you to trace certain objects, to place cogs on a machine yourself, and other various activities that aren't present in the other versions. It's nothing ground-breaking, but it does serve to add something unique to the Wii version to help set it apart from the others.

Graphically the game is brilliant despite it's flaws. The various areas you explore feel unique and vibrant, and Lara is modeled perfectly, appearing lifelike and agile. When she performs her feats, you'll believe them to be possible, despite the fact that many of them probably wouldn't go so well in a real-world situation. Enemies are equally well done, and overall the whole experience just takes you in in a way not many others can. Even the little touches of sound that Lara makes while scaling a wall or leaping between ledges help bring the experience to life. Enemy motions are convincing, and their sound effects are generally a step below Lara's, but still well-done. There are some occasional issues ranging from occasional slowdown to areas where things simply look awkward, but more often than not they'll go unnoticed due to the sheer beauty present elsewhere on your screen.

Tomb Raider: Anniversary is the perfect way to revisit Lara Croft. Instead of a remake, we've been given a remade version of her original adventure, bringing with it all the improvements that have been made to her character over the years, yet retaining the qualities that made us fall in love with her games in the first place. The title has its flaws, and the Wii version is not the definitive version, but that doesn't mean it's inferior either. The motion controls are enjoyable, and do add a level of interactivity not present in the other versions. A second analog stick could have done wonders for the title, but as it stands the title is both competent, and a joy to experience once again. This one may be lost in the rush of Holiday titles, but Wii owners are doing themselves a disservice if they skip out on this one in favor of another mini game collection.

By Justin Conte
CCC Freelance Writer

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