Tomb Raider: Anniversary

Tomb Raider: Anniversary also came out on Wii, but it wasn't a straightforward port of the Xbox 360 and PC game – this version was developed by the American studio Buzz Monkey Software, which specialized in ports for Nintendo consoles. The graphics had to give way to Wii's weaker hardware – textures are less detailed, draw distance shorter, and frame rate lower – but the crucial difference lies elsewhere: in the control scheme for the entire game, which was designed from the ground up.

The Wii version uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuk for motion controls: the pointer is used for aiming and shooting pistols and the bow, controller gestures handle jumping across gaps, swinging an axe while climbing, and close-range combat with enemies. This system turns classic sections into a completely different experience compared to a standard gamepad – the player physically mimics Lara's movements, which slows the game down but adds a physicality that versions on other consoles lack. Buzz Monkey also simplified some of the more complex acrobatic sequences due to Wii's technical limitations, adjusted the camera for motion controls, and added its own tutorial screens explaining the gestures.

Movement control during regular exploration remained on the Nunchuk's analog stick, while precise actions like casting the grappling hook rope or reloading the bow with arrows require a hand gesture, creating a hybrid system different from the purely button-based scheme of other versions. The Wii version also ran only in standard resolution, without the HD output offered by the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, and loading screens between areas are somewhat longer due to Wii's slower optical drive. Even so, Buzz Monkey kept most of the side collectibles and bonus costumes from the main version.

Why play it: This version makes sense for players who own a Wii and want to control the archaeological adventure with gestures instead of buttons – it's a different, motion-based take on the same story, not just a weaker port.