Fil Zahnko

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.

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