Robert Zak
Robert is a freelance writer and chronic game tinkerer who spends many hours modding games then not playing them, and hiding behind doors with a shotgun in Hunt: Showdown. Wishes to spend his dying moments on Earth scrolling through his games library on a TV-friendly frontend that unifies all PC game launchers.
Latest articles by Robert Zak
![Besieging a city in Renaissance Kingdom Wars](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FkUuzcBZmX7mDeK24mSLzE-320-80.jpg)
Renaissance Kingdom Wars is a pleasingly simple hybrid of Crusader Kings, Total War, and Age of Empires
By Robert Zak published
Art of War The fusion strategy game set in 16th century Europe has just marched into Early Access.
![TESO Gold Road](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GViSJgKwsu2jQ3EEmmB6TC-320-80.jpg)
A beginner's guide to The Elder Scrolls Online in 2024
By Robert Zak published
adventure time The Gold Road beckons Elder Scrolls Online players old and new, but it helps if you know what you're doing.
![Soulmask](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2paqKLhM5Zqk4hLBQ67F6a-320-80.jpg)
Soulmask is a survival sandbox where you run a jungle tribe
By Robert Zak published
Soul Survivor The Mesoamerican-themed survival game launches in early access today.
![Senua's Saga art](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i8Cd3tq793WkFUkCrnPPAi-320-80.jpg)
The tail end of May sees multiple Day One games hitting PC Game Pass: Here are our picks
By Robert Zak published
It's all magic and mythology this month.
![Star Wars Jedi: Survivor — a mugshot-like screenshot of Cal Kestis as he appears in the upcoming Jedi sequel, with droid companion BD-1 looking over his shoulder.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EahbUPbHHPySaux3RxgEkD-320-80.jpg)
Get a superb Star Wars game and multiple Day One releases on PC Game Pass this April
By Robert Zak published
Jedi, dinosaurs, and a spiritual successor to one of the most ambitious JRPGs of all time are hitting Microsoft's subscription service.
![Garrett reaching out to the viewer in Thief (2014).](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gkgby4MAqSjXZjyaUZiCW8-320-80.jpg)
The black sheep of the Thief series is free on Epic Games Store, and at that price, it deserves a second chance
By Robert Zak published
It's a steal 2014's Thief reboot certainly wasn't well-received on launch, but there's still a lot to like about it.
![Diablo 4's Lilith](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6LuR3zpqXvHXvJcEmC9FBF-320-80.jpg)
Diablo 4 and plenty more are hitting PC Game Pass in March
By Robert Zak published
Diabolical Value The value of Microsoft's gaming service remains unrivalled, as the first Blizzard game makes its debut.
![The heroes of Classified: France '44.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cdwTXfdsbU62UuBKmPt9Rg-320-80.jpg)
Classified: France '44 review: A suspenseful yet forgiving turn-based tactics game that lets you play a part in shaping history
By Robert Zak published
Vive La Resistance! Cause chaos for the Nazis in an XCOM-like campaign behind enemy lines.
![Like a Dragon Gaiden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7tzzuuyhfT9LStgyUPEDMT-320-80.jpg)
Looking for a new game to binge post-Starfield? Here's the best of what PC Game Pass has to offer
By Robert Zak published
Beautiful Games From claustrophobic spaceships, to neon-lit Japanese city-ships.
![A large battle in Total War: Pharaoh.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mD5vpvmTVx9C9Xe63qaC2A-320-80.jpg)
Diving into bronze age battle in Total War: Pharaoh
By Robert Zak published
Chariots on fire War has changed.
![Trees burning in Total War: Pharaoh](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ATn6xprdCKCepyZvFXNjZN-320-80.jpg)
Total War: Pharaoh lets you seek favour from three pantheons of gods in an ancient world on the brink of collapse
By Robert Zak published
Pillar Talk Egypt is on the edge in Creative Assembly's latest grand strategy. Can the gods help?
![Screenshot from Like a Dragon: Ishin!](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wakveDqGG698gQPvDnWazY-320-80.jpg)
Cities: Skylines 2 and Like a Dragon: Ishin! lead the charge in another strong month for PC Game Pass
By Robert Zak published
Pass Notes Whether you're in the mood to get spooked this Halloween or not, PC Game Pass is well stocked for October.
![Pharaoh](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/J59HBaXke6tkyBTusWNhmF-320-80.jpg)
Meet the leaders of Egypt, Canaan, and Hattusa in Total War: Pharaoh
By Robert Zak published
Pyramid Scheme Three factions, and a lot of big leaders with big egos.
![A duel between a spearman and an archer in Total War: Pharaoh.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zR26HDuTaTSUxLMgzMNtem-320-80.jpg)
7 things I wish I knew before playing Total War: Pharaoh
By Robert Zak published
General Advice Make your first run for the Egyptian throne a strong one.
![Soldiers charging in front of a pyramid.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yNEtMzZbh8brYSdyzdEBMS-320-80.jpg)
Total War: Pharaoh's dynamic weather system lets you feel the heat of battle
By Robert Zak published
Shifting sands Creative Assembly's latest has several new features that affect the flow of battle.
![A pharaoh with a beetle on his finger.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RcKCYAUE3jDFQHeVdCRC96-320-80.png)
Use schemes, intrigue, and even civil war to master Total War: Pharaoh's Royal Court
By Robert Zak published
Court Order Ascending the pyramid of power.
![Ramesses](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cmezL6G7QKAioU9LcivVeE-320-80.jpg)
Total War: Pharaoh will let you emulate the great deeds of ancient kings
By Robert Zak published
History in the making Will you be a conqueror, builder, or heretic?
![Starfield screenshot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/baNhCC5BkhtVP49HoaTMzf-320-80.jpg)
Starfield is the standout in the strongest PC Game Pass lineup of the year so far
By Robert Zak published
STELLAR SELECTION In what's been a big year for games, September is the biggest month of the lot. Just make sure you schedule some breaks.
![Shooting another ship in Everspace 2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PwbVqdUKJkRMX6MYSss6fP-320-80.jpg)
The best space games to play on PC Game Pass ahead of Starfield's arrival
By Robert Zak published
Starry Eyes Our August Game Pass showcase shoots for the stars.
![Jagged Alliance 3 keyart](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fvKu4irg8N2e9ZZ5kGXSrM-320-80.jpg)
How to become a master of combat in Jagged Alliance 3
By Robert Zak published
Aim True You're always outnumbered in Jagged Alliance 3, and we're here to make sure you don't get outgunned.
![Jagged Alliance 3 key art](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s5btX5ZejbZDb4JrHZDLkn-320-80.png)
5 tips for getting started in the Jagged Alliance 3 campaign
By Robert Zak published
Big Dog The campaign to reclaim Grand Chien can be unforgiving to the ill-informed.
![Grand Theft Auto 5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Z5TQSorCDd2aTrphwehJzf-320-80.jpg)
Take-Two CEO doesn't want GTA 6 to stay stuck in the past
By Robert Zak last updated
news … but does that mean great new GTA games, or NFTs, or both?
![distant shot two point campus](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dD7LopwKtGas8jvuuaqSH-320-80.jpg)
Making the perfect campus in Two Point Campus
By Robert Zak published
Staff Life Staff training, exercise, and Dragon Towers make for a strong school system.