Here’s a pointless question I find worth asking (this is my space after all): What would gaming be like if Shigeru Miyamoto had never been born? Take the creator of Donkey Kong, Zelda, Mario, Star Fox, and Pikmin out of the picture and you basically have…no Nintendo. Gosh, whenever you wonder if one person can make a difference, think of Miyamoto. I hope Nintendo at least gives him free coffee—that guy’s worth it!

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is yet another feather in Miyamoto-san’s crowded cap. An epic story, amazing graphics, and just plain fun set the stage for another wonderful Zelda experience. Every GameCube owner should get this game. For that matter, every Xbox and PS2 owner should get this game (along with a GameCube). What the heck, everyone should get this game.

MAZUREK AND VALLAS DO IT AGAIN

I’m gushing a bit, aren’t I? Well, I’m not done yet. You’re holding in your hands an extraordinary issue of GameNOW. In it, you’ll find what can only be called a masterpiece of strategy: The venerable team of Jim Mazurek and Mike Vallas has delivered a stunningly complete Wind Waker walkthrough. Think of them as the Miyamoto of strategy guides. And be sure to tell your friends—heck, for a mere $4.99, we’re giving you something that would normally cost $14.99 or more.

Now, it’s fair to ask this question: What would gaming be like if GameNOW never existed? Hey, don’t answer that!

VICE CITY CHALLENGE WINNER

A special shout out to Greg Beaudreau for winning the GTA: Vice City challenge from our VC strategy guide in GameNOW #16. See how and what he won on page 104. Nice work, Greg!

Watch future issues for more ways to win. It seems you like to win things. And we like to see you win things. It’s sort of a win-win situation.

OK, until next month,

—Tom

Gamers rule; all others drool

Copyright © 2003 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Game Now.