Fil Zahnko

Lifelong gamer and U.S. Navy veteran, Fil brings passion and perspective to PlayRatedGames. With a love for everything from platformers to survival-horror, he blends thoughtful critique with heart and humor, drawing inspiration from gaming’s golden eras and the legends who shaped its media.

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Once Fil picked up a controller, the rest was history. A lifelong gamer and proud New Jersey native, his journey began at his cousin’s house, where he was handed a PlayStation controller and introduced to Crash Bandicoot. The vibrant colors, kooky characters, and catchy music hit instantly — and it was love at first sight.
From there, gaming wasn’t just a hobby. It was a passion.

Fil’s tastes span a wide range: platformers, survival-horror, side-scrollers, FPS titles, and classic fighting games. He's drawn to the entire spectrum — from the nostalgic pixel days to modern cinematic masterpieces. What truly fascinates him is how games have evolved from humble cartridges to billion-dollar blockbusters rivaling Hollywood.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Fil spent a full year at sea with no liberty ports — just him and his Nintendo Switch. In a time of isolation, gaming remained his anchor. That kind of dedication shows in his writing.

Inspired by early video game media like G4, and internet legends like the Angry Video Game Nerd and Nostalgia Critic, Fil fell in love with critical analysis blended with humor and heart. Now, as a contributor to PlayRatedGames, he's bringing that same energy to the community.

Whether it’s highlighting hidden gems or diving deep into the classics, Fil aims to spark meaningful conversations. With a thoughtful, forward approach and a deep respect for the medium, he’s here to recommend, review, and celebrate all things gaming — while keeping the conversation smart, passionate, and always open.

Articles By Author

PT Playable Teaser Retrospective

PT Playable Teaser Retrospective

21 of the Worst Games we’ve ever played

21 of the worst games we've ever played

The Sopranos Game Retrospective

The Sopranos Game - Whatever Happened There?

What a New Crash Game Needs in 2025

New Crash Game 2025

Oddworld: Abe’s Uncertain Future

Oddworld: Abe's Future

 5 Weak Aspects of Good Games

Weak Aspects of Good Games

PlayRatedGames Podcast Ep. 6 Now Live – Enjoy!

PlayRatedGames Podcast Episode 6

Medal of Honor (2010) – Retrospective

2010's Medal of Honor Retrospective

Does Nostalgia Help or Hinder?

Does Nostalgia Help or Hinder?

If Game Characters Had Day Jobs 🎮 – Episode #5 | PlayRatedGames (Podcast)

If Game Characters Had Day Jobs 🎮 – Episode #5 | PlayRatedGames (Podcast)

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