Author Profile

Robert (or Rob if you're lazy) is an assistant editor of Push Square, and has been a fan of PlayStation since the 90s, when Tekken 2 introduced him to the incredible world of video games. He still takes his fighting games seriously, but RPGs are his true passion. The Witcher, Persona, Dragon Quest, Mass Effect, Final Fantasy, Trails, Tales — he's played 'em all. A little too much, some might say.

I grew up reading gaming magazines, and always wanted to write my own reviews about the games I loved. I got a chance to do just that while I was a college student, writing for several small gaming blogs in my spare time. I was also an avid reader of Push Square back when it was just Sammy. When the site came looking for new writers, I jumped at the chance. The rest is (ancient) history.

Experience

Robert began his games journalism career in 2012 as a freelance reviewer. In 2013 he joined Push Square as a Staff Writer, before moving into his current role as Deputy Editor in 2016.

In this role, Robert continues to write across the website covering news, reviews, guides and features.

More than anything, I just enjoy writing about games that resonate with me. There’s great satisfaction to be found in sharing your passion with a willing audience.

Timeline

  • 2012: Begins his career as a freelance reviewer
  • 2013: Joins Push Square as a Staff Writer
  • 2016: Becomes Deputy Editor of Push Square

Expertise

The first console Robert ever owned was the PlayStation 1, followed by a suitably long list of PlayStations! He’s also owned all of the main Nintendo handheld and home consoles from the mid 1990s onwards.

He chose the PlayStation 4 as his favourite console of all time, simply because so many of its games went on to become some of his absolute favourites.

RPGs are my favourite genre, because they tend to focus on characters and world building, which immerse me more than anything.

Robert’s Favourite Games

From the Archive

We asked Robert to pick out his three favourite pieces of work from across his personal archive, and tell us why he picked them!

The Witcher 3: Best Character Builds

My most-read article ever is a character builds guide for The Witcher 3, which I slaved over back when the game was brand new. I thoroughly enjoyed putting it together, and it was amazing to see it perform so well over the years.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Review

Mass Effect is my favourite trilogy in gaming, and I like to think I did the games justice by writing an in-depth review of the Legendary Edition, which basically encapsulated a decade's worth of my thoughts and feelings.

Interview: Falcom Boss Talks Everything Trails, Reverie, Importance of Western Fans, and More

As a big fan of the Trails series, interviewing Falcom's president was a big deal for me. This interview from 2023 is my favourite to date, thanks to some fantastic answers.

Username
ShogunRok
Articles
12,222 (488 reviews)
First Article
Wed 21st, November 2012
Avg. Review Score
7.2
Find Them On
Muck Rack
  • News Dragon's Crown Is Questing to Europe Later This Year

    Worldwide looting

    A European release for Atlus' highly anticipated action RPG Dragon's Crown was beginning to look quite sketchy, but today the title was confirmed to be making the journey by publisher NIS America. Although no solid release date was given, Europe is to expect the game sometime in the Autumn. Sporting a fantastic art style, chaotic...

  • News Johnny Gat Is Back with a Vengeance in Saints Row IV

    Here's Johnny

    Much to the disappointment and rage of many, Volition decided to kill off fan favourite character Johnny Gat during the opening hour of Saints Row: The Third. Despite reappearing as a zombie later in the game, and as a giant mutant in the 'The Trouble with Clones' DLC, these cameos weren't really enough to appease the disgruntled...

  • Review Dynasty Warriors 8 (PlayStation 3)

    Xiahou done

    There comes a time when you begin to ask yourself why you’re still playing a series of games that has somehow spawned eight main iterations and countless spin-offs while retelling the same old story over and over again. What could possibly be keeping your interest in a franchise that has done almost nothing but stick to its guns for...

  • News Get Tactical with Eight Minutes of Killzone: Shadow Fall

    OWL power

    Killzone: Shadow Fall just keeps looking better and better every time that we see it – and this newly published gameplay trailer is no exception. Originally shown at E3, this Helghast-infested video has blasted its way online, eager to show off the OWL drone which will accompany you throughout the game. And it's certainly a helpful...

  • News Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Plunders a Giant Map in New Trailer

    Holiday by the sea

    Hot off the heels of yesterday's lengthy Grand Theft Auto V gameplay trailer, Ubisoft have gone one step further, bringing us an even longer video that details the swashbuckling, adventurous life that comes with being a pirate. At over seven minutes long, there's plenty to point your spyglass at over the duration. From treasure...

  • Review Kung Fu Rabbit (PlayStation Vita)

    Carrot-y chop

    Adding to the slew of mobile-developed indie games that are finding their way onto Sony’s portable console, Kung Fu Rabbit brings basic yet addictive platforming to the table. It’s a title that won’t win any awards for originality, but its neat presentation and simple charm ensure that it’s a difficult game to put down. As you...

  • News Get your Daily Dose of Nonsense with Another Lightning Returns Trailer

    Here we go again

    Just when you thought that Lightning couldn't get any more melodramatic this week, Square Enix has released yet another trailer – this time in an attempt to detail some of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII's spiralling story arc. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll see cameos from some of your favourite – or not so favourite...

  • News One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 Weighs Anchor with New Story Trailer

    Gum-Gum get hype

    Namco Bandai released a rather rousing trailer for its upcoming seafaring brawler earlier today, complete with cheesy rock music and a surprising amount of explosions. We also get a quick glimpse of newly introduced playable characters and the game's original plot. If nothing else, the title looks to be a nice chunk of mayhem for...

  • News Saints Row IV Declares Its Independence with Ridiculous New Trailer

    "Welcome to Earth!"

    As if we needed any further convincing that the Saints Row franchise has gone completely insane, this new Independence Day trailer for Saints Row IV is probably the most ridiculous promotion that we've seen for the upcoming release thus far. Characteristically full of swearing, stupid dialogue, and explosions, our latest glimpse...

  • News This Cloud Strife Costume Makes Lightning Even Moodier

    Power of the cloud

    Final Fantasy VII is finally entering the HD era – well, sort of. By pre-ordering Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, you'll snag a SOLDIER uniform that's more than a little reminiscent of Cloud Strife's original attire, along with his iconic Buster Sword. The final chapter in Lightning's tale was recently delayed until next...

  • Reaction E3 2013 Uncovers the Trends That Are Poised to Define PS4

    Onwards and upwards

    E3 2013 has come and gone, and while the stage has been once again dominated by the usual corporate chest puffing, there were also a number of new gaming trends on display. Accelerated by the introduction of new hardware, this year's show played host to a slew of fresh technological advancements, all of which look poised to...

  • E3 2013 The Elder Scrolls Online Scribes a New Chapter on PS4

    Tamriel beckons

    The Elder Scrolls Online, the series' first foray into the MMO market, is heading to the PlayStation 4, Sony revealed during its E3 2013 keynote. The game, which sees you questing, journeying, and battling with friends and strangers alike, is set for a Spring 2014 release. The firm was also eager to announce a partnership with...

  • E3 2013 inFAMOUS: Second Son Trailer Fumes on PS4

    Super power nirvana

    We fully expected inFAMOUS: Second Son to feature during Sony's E3 2013 presser as a live demonstration, but instead we were treated to this brilliantly paced, action-packed trailer. Protagonist Delsin Rowe – played by the ever brilliant Troy Baker – is shown skipping between cracking combat and brotherly narrative. It's...

  • E3 2013 Sony Rubs Salt into the Xbox One's Used Games Dilemma

    Ouch, that stings

    Following Sony's momentous E3 showing – in which the firm delivered the revelation that the PlayStation 4 will play used games – a video has surfaced on the Japanese giant's official YouTube channel, mocking the somewhat more complicated procedure of pre-owned content on its competitor's platform. At just 22 seconds long, it's...

  • E3 2013 Killzone: Shadow Fall on PS4 Looks Lovely

    Phwoar

    Despite not demonstrating the next instalment of Guerrilla Games' franchise live on stage as many predicted that it would, Sony opted to show a new gameplay trailer for Killzone: Shadow Fall – and it sure looks good. We got a decent look at some of the new and improved brutal melee kills, high-tech weaponry, a very helpful-looking sentry...

  • E3 2013 Bungie Give Us Our First Glimpse of Destiny on PS4

    Together we're stronger

    The last game shown at Sony's E3 2013 keynote, Destiny was demonstrated live on stage by Bungie, and is on course for a PlayStation 4 release next year. Strange and often creepy developer commentary aside, the title certainly looks to carry on the talented studio's knack for crafting great releases. The demo itself saw two...

  • E3 2013 Let's Play PlayStation Press Conference Bingo

    Full house

    PlayStation's E3 2013 press conference is mere moments away, and to celebrate this momentous gaming occasion, we've thrown together a couple of bingo cards designed to enhance your enjoyment of the event. Every year, the firm's most important executives and developers take to the stage to talk tech, show games, and drop big announcements...

  • E3 2013 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Cuts Deep with Two New Trailers

    Dual wielding

    Showing off not one, but two trailers for the upcoming seafaring adventure, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, at its E3 conference earlier this evening, Ubisoft hopes to have sated both CG lovers and gameplay addicts. Both videos give us a further look at protagonist Edward Kenway, as we watch him stab, shoot, and bottle his way through...

  • Feature The Highs and Lows of PlayStation 3 at E3

    Third time lucky

    With the PlayStation 4 set to dominate the industry's attention over the coming week, we thought that this would be a perfect opportunity to look back on some of the highest highs and cringe-inducing lows from the PlayStation 3's time at E3. We’ve been astounded by gameplay demonstrations, shocked by surprise announcements, and...

  • Review Remember Me (PlayStation 3)

    Who are you again?

    A game that has ironically slipped under the radar for many, Remember Me is something of a risk for Capcom, a brand new IP that borrows gameplay elements from numerous popular titles, and weaves them together within a futuristic world that’s perhaps not too far from our own reality. It’s a linear title that does things mostly...

  • Review Terraria (PlayStation 3)

    Building blocks

    Terraria is a strange title. Its 2D world suggests simple fun when compared to the gritty realism that most games portray, while its quirky styling and audio lead to an often comedic atmosphere. Don’t be fooled by the aesthetics, though – this is a release that demands your time and effort if you want to get the most out of it...

  • News Bungie Lays Down the Law in New Destiny Trailer, First PS4 Footage at E3

    King of the jungle

    With publishing giant Activision providing the marketing push behind Bungie's upcoming Destiny, it comes as no surprise that every piece of exposure from here on in is going to have some considerable clout behind it. The game's latest trailer is a mix of live action and CGI, starting off with a father telling his son about "the...

  • Guide How to Hit the Ground Running in Terraria

    2D world problems

    From getting mauled by zombies to falling awkwardly to your death, there are plenty of ways to bite the dust if you’re a delicate newcomer to the world of Terraria. With the game’s recent arrival on the PlayStation Network, we thought it might be a good idea to jot down some tips that may help if you’re fresh to this...

  • Review Persona 4 Arena (PlayStation 3)

    Velvet boom

    Atlus has had to bear the brunt of much criticism from gamers due to its decision to region lock Persona 4 Arena, giving eager European fans no option but to wait a frankly preposterous length of time for the game to release. There’s no denying, however, the quality and brilliance of Arc System Works' take on the fantastic Japanese RPG...