Additionally, Tomb Raider:  Anniversary's use of the Wii's control mechanisms makes the game even more enjoyable.  Running, jumping, and climbing are performed with ease and in a wholly natural way.  The use of the grappling hook requires a wrist flick in the air much in the way one might actually throw such a hook in reality (not that this reviewer has every had such an opportunity).  Swimming is somewhat less easy to get the hang of, which may be because Croft never swims as fast as one feels she should.  The game also provides an auto-lock onto enemies within range, which allows Croft to hit a locked enemy when facing in the enemy's general direction.

However, there are still some significant issues with the game as released.  The camera angle is a constant frustration, and the user's ability to change the viewing angle never seems to improve anything.  It is all too often impossible to perform a jump or other dangerous maneuver correctly on the first try simply because an appropriate camera angle is unattainable (thank goodness Croft's lives are infinite).

More upsetting is the fact that at more than one location it is possible to jump "through" a seam in a wall and into a no man's land from which it impossible to escape or die.  Happily, the game has no limit on the number of saves allowed and has checkpoints on a regular basis (all saved games start from the most recently accessed checkpoint).  Thus, when one does happen to jump through a wall the game can be restarted from a checkpoint with little loss of progress. 

While some of the mini-games feel foolish (is it really necessary to uncover hidden signs by use of a paintbrush?), and as noted above there are some other issues, Tomb Raider:  Anniversary is a wonderfully fun entry into the series.  Lara Croft is far more nimble than she once was, and I certainly look forward to her next leap onto the Wii.Tomb Raider Anniversary is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB for Mild Suggestive Themes and Violence.