Author Profile

As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.

I've been passionate about video games since I was at primary school, printing off Nintendo-themed newsletters to share with my pals on the playground. I love the escapism that only video games can provide, and I enjoy sharing my passion for the industry with anyone and everyone who will listen!

Experience

Sammy founded Push Square as a personal project while studying Business and Computing at Birmingham City University in 2009. Although he’d made several websites in the past, he wanted to create something more contemporary to demonstrate his abilities to future employers.

He enjoyed working on Push Square so much that he was able to turn it into a full-time job after graduating, and when the site was eventually integrated into Hookshot Media in 2012! As Editor, Sammy is responsible for the day-to-day running of Push Square, and he continues to contribute news, reviews, guides and features to the site.

I love sharing my passion for video games, and specifically PlayStation, with the rest of the world. There's no other entertainment medium that gives me butterflies of excitement quite like gaming does, and it's a dream come true to be able to engage others and share my enthusiasm with like-minded fans.

Timeline

  • 2009: Launches Push Square as a personal project while studying for a Business and Computing degree.
  • 2012: Begins working with Nintendo Life’s Editor as Associate Editor, helping to transition Push Square from a personal project to a fully-fledged professional website.
  • 2013: Becomes full-time Editor of Push Square, responsible for growing the profile of the website and increasing the footprint of its team.

Qualifications & Awards

  • 2011 - BSc 1st Class Hons Business Information Technology with Multimedia (Birmingham City University)

Expertise

Sammy’s gaming journey began with the Super Nintendo and SEGA Mega Drive consoles, both of which his family owned during his younger years. The first console he personally owned was the Game Boy, followed by a long line of systems from the Nintendo 64 right through to the PlayStation 5.

Sammy’s favourite console of all-time is the Dreamcast, thanks largely to its timeless games. The PS1 remains his favourite PlayStation though, due to its expansive library and the path it plotted from the 2D to the 3D eras through iconic games like Resident Evil and Crash Bandicoot.

I have many favourite game genres, but I'd say I enjoy the Action RPG above all others! I like the sense of progression that RPGs provide, and I enjoy action-based gameplay with fun combat systems that feel satisfying to play.

Sammy’s Favourite Games

Shenmue 1 & 2 (PS4):

I played these games first on Dreamcast, of course, but was delighted to revisit them in high definition on the PS4. These two titles proved to me that games can have engaging narratives, and I remain obsessed with its life simulation elements - the fact that you can explore the world, go where you want, and use your time in any way you like.

Resident Evil 4 (PS2):

I’m listing the original PS2 release here, but of course the PS4 remake is excellent as well. This Capcom masterpiece changed the third-person shooter forever with its taut gunplay and great controls. It’s also just a fantastic adventure, with tons of iconic moments and set-pieces.

Shadow of the Colossus (PS2):

Again, I’m listing the PS2 original, but the PS3 re-release and PS4 remakes are also outstanding. While Shenmue proved to me that games can compete with movies when it comes to engaging narratives, this game showed me it’s possible to tell stories in a different way. Team ICO’s classic conveys emotion through interaction, and it’s a unique experience for that.

From the Archive

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

Feature: Exploring Taiwan's Underground Gaming Scene:

I'm obsessed with video games and find ways to incorporate them into everything I do. Writing this piece about Taiwan's very unique underground gaming scene was a joy, and I was so overwhelmed by the feedback I received.

Feature: Tokyo Game Show Was Everything I Expected, And Somehow More:

I'd read about Tokyo Game Show in magazines, but actually getting to physically attend was a career highlight. I was really proud of how I was able to sum up the sights and sounds of the event in this article.

GTA Online Guide: Your Ultimate Wiki and Walkthrough Resource:

I spent hundreds of hours learning the ins-and-outs of one of the PS5 and PS4's most popular games in order to produce this GTA Online guide. I think it provides a great starting point for anyone looking to get into the multiplayer sandbox mode.

Username
get2sammyb
Articles
33,599 (847 reviews)
First Article
Thu 10th, July 2008
Avg. Review Score
6.7
Find Them On
LinkedInMuck RackBlueskyInstagramThreads
  • News Looks Like PS5, PS4 Is Getting More Retro Survival Horror

    Alone in the dark

    It’s been a good year for survival horror fans, whether you’re playing remakes like Silent Hill 2 or all-new adventures inspired by the 32-bit era, like Crow Country. There’s also been a steady stream of retro goodness added to Sony’s flagship subscription service PS Plus Premium, with Dino Crisis added just days ago. And...

  • News This Is How You Play PS Plus' New Anime Game

    Killer within

    Make yourself a cup of coffee and strap yourself in, because this is complicated. Bandai Namco has released a five minute trailer attempting to explain how the gameplay loop for its new Death Note adaptation – free with PS Plus Essential this week – works. It’s complicated, so you’ll need to pay attention, and maybe even watch...

  • News PS5 Dominates UK Black Ops 6 Sales, As Game Pass Causes Xbox Share to Collapse

    Up 30% on PS5, down 66% on Xbox

    The sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 were always going to be absolutely fascinating because Microsoft has tampered with the franchise’s tried-and-trusted business model. Traditionally, the series has relied on strong full-price sales, and then has enjoyed long-tail success through microtransactions released...

  • Guide All PS Plus Games

    All PS5, PS4 games lists for PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium

    What are all PS Plus games? Sony's PS5 and PS4 subscription service, PlayStation Plus, is jam-packed with hundreds of games available to members. On this page, we're going to tell you everything you need to know about PS Plus, including a full list of all PS Plus games across all...

  • Guide Is There a PS5 Pro?

    Supercharged

    Sony changed the traditional generation game when it introduced the PS4 Pro in 2016, and many had been wondering if it would repeat the same feat with the PS5. Well, it's taken a year longer to arrive, but the PS5 Pro has been officially announced, and will release on 7th November, 2024. As part of our PS5 guide, we're going to share a...

  • Review Slitterhead (PS5) - Inventive Horror Is Essential for Japan Studio Fans

    Smells like Shibito spirit

    Slitterhead – directed by Japan Studio veteran Keiichiro Toyama – feels like a spiritual successor to Siren, Gravity Rush, and Soul Sacrifice all at the same time. This inventive, unusual survival horror is far from perfect, with inconsistent visuals, repetition, and some unrefined gameplay systems. But if you’ve...

  • News More People Are Playing the Original Horizon Zero Dawn Than Its Remaster on PC

    A not-so new dawn

    The novelty is definitely waning for Sony’s strategy of porting PlayStation games to PC. While the company is still seeing some success converting its titles to Steam, it’s clear its latest releases generally aren’t selling anywhere near as well as its initial wave – with Helldivers 2 being the obvious exception. Case in...

  • News Bloodborne PS5 Pro Comparison Appears As Consumers Receive Console Early

    The old and new blood

    As we reported earlier this weekend, customers in some countries have received their PS5 Pro consoles early, and are beginning to share some details about the device. We noted that in the supercharged system’s settings, there’s an option to enhance PS4 games – and it hasn’t taken long for a comparison image of...

  • News PS5 Pro Could Seriously Improve the Quality of Your PS4 Games

    Toggle emerges from retail unit

    A leaked image from the PS5 Pro’s settings – which we won’t republish here but you can view on the ResetEra forums – appears to imply that Sony’s supercharged system could make dramatic enhancements to your PS4 library. The toggle, named ‘Enhance Image Quality for PS4 Games’, claims it can “improve...

  • News PS5 Goes for the Kill with Fortnite Console Bundle This Christmas

    Will have its price slashed for Black Friday

    Sony is lining up a Fortnite console bundle just in time for Christmas. The package – due out on 22nd November – includes a console, 1,000 V-Bucks, and a download code for eight in-game cosmetics, featuring the following: Cobalt Snowfoot Outfit (with LEGO Fortnite alternative) Cobalt Crash...

  • Guide All EA Play Games on PS5, PS4

    Every EA Play game in the PS5, PS4 Vault

    What are all EA Play games on PS5, PS4? EA Play's subscription – formerly known as EA Access – offers a catalogue of downloadable PS5 and PS4 titles to members, as well as various in-game perks, including in-game content. On this page, we're going to list all EA Play Games on PS5, PS4, as well as answer...

  • Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 553

    You're a firework

    It’ll be a noisy weekend here in the UK, as we celebrate Guy Fawkes’ failed attempted attack on parliament – for some reason. Anyway, the fireworks will be flying, rekindling fond memories of PS2 launch title, FantaVision. What a game! Khayl Adam: I’m not reviewing anything at the moment, but I am 40 hours into Metaphor:...

  • Guide How to Pre-Order PS5 Pro

    Update: Launches this week!

    Looking for how to pre-order PS5 Pro? Sony's new supercharged PS5 console, the PS5 Pro, launches on 7th November 2024. It boasts an upgraded GPU, advanced raytracing, and an AI-based upscaling solution named PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. Originally exclusive to the PS Direct store, more pre-orders for the system...

  • News Fortnite's About to Make a Fortune by Flogging Freakin' Footwear

    Run it back

    FFS Fortnite, you’re just too good at this. It had been rumoured, but now it’s officially announced: Kicks are coming to the biggest Battle Royale on the planet. Beginning with the new Chapter 2 Remix – read more about that through here – you’ll be able to equip your characters with shoes. These will be compatible with 500 of...

  • News Fortnite Mixing It Up with Hip-Hop Chapter 2 Reboot

    Snoop Dogg! Eminem! Ice Spice! Juice WRLD!

    Fortnite will be banking on another unbeatable month, as its long-awaited Chapter 2 Remix season arrives. This remix of the classic map will have a hip-hop flavour, fronted by artists like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Ice Spice. There’ll also be a free skin based on the late Juice WRLD to celebrate his legacy...

  • Interview Metal Gear Would Be 'Too Much Pressure' for Vampire Survivors Maker

    "I'd rather do something very obscure"

    Vampire Survivors needs no introduction. The bullet hell-esque roguelike RPG is a phenomenon, and extended its unstoppable run to PS5 and PS4 earlier this year, where it’s inevitably proven an enormous success. Earlier this week, developer Poncle released its Ode to Castlevania expansion, an add-on which...

  • Guide New PS5, PS4 Games This Week (4th November to 10th November)

    An unknown awakening

    What new PS5 and PS4 games are releasing in physical retailers and as part of the PS Store update this week? A slightly slower week is perhaps headlined by Slitterhead, the latest from Gravity Rush maker Keiichiro Toyama. Click through the links for a full list of all new PS5 games release dates in 2024, all new PSVR2 games

  • News PS5 Pro Packaging Flaunts Its Disc-Free Nature

    Adorably all-digital

    PS5 Pro is beginning to appear in the wild, with some sections of media and even customers receiving their consoles. While the package has very few surprises about it, one amusing feature is in the top-right corner, as the device proudly declares itself “disc-free”. There’s a picture of a Blu-ray with a line through it...

  • News Farmagia Fuses Pokémon, Fairy Tail, and Farming Sim into One Colourful PS5 Cocktail

    Gotta grow 'em all

    Farming games are dime a dozen on consoles these days, from twee Harvest Moon-style outings all the way through to serious sims. Farmagia is fusing a variety of different ideas to make something original: you grow planets to recruit monsters which then assist you in combat. Here’s the official overview: “In the world of...

  • News Ready Your Rizz for PS5, PS4 Dead or Alive Dating Game on 6th March

    But you'll need to import it

    How’s that tongue of yours? It’s going to be working extra time from 6th March, as you use it to… Talk your way into romancing one of six buxom beauties from the Dead or Alive franchise in Venus Vacation Prism. Koei Tecmo’s attached a 6th March release date to the “immersive dating” sim, but it’ll only be...

  • News Labour Union Blasts Sony for Looking to Further Monopoly with Studio Closures

    Eh?

    Labour union the Communication Workers of America (CWA) claim that Sony’s recent closures of Concord developer Firewalk and mobile studio Neon Koi are evidence of it looking to further its “monopoly position in the video game industry”. It’s also warned that it’ll be sharing its concerns with regulators and policymakers. Firewalk was...

  • News Crummy Classic Sports Games Compiled in Accolade Sports Collection on PS5, PS4

    On the whistle

    While we do have an appreciation for some classic sports games, like Everybody’s Tennis on PSP and NFL Street on PS2, it’s a genre that generally doesn’t age well. That’s not stopping QUByte from partnering with Atari to bring back a selection of Accolade outings on PS5 and PS4. For those of you who just want to know what’s...

  • Guide New PS5 Games Release Dates in 2024

    All 2024's upcoming PlayStation 5 launch dates

    What new PS5 games release dates in 2024 are coming up? If you're after a full list of 2024 PlayStation 5 release dates, you've come to the right place. With the PS5 now in its third year, the number of games heading its way is growing larger and the quality is getting better. We'll be keeping you...

  • Guide New PS4 Games Release Dates in 2024

    All 2024's upcoming PlayStation 4 launch dates

    What new PS4 games release dates in 2024 are coming up? If it's a full list of 2024 PlayStation 4 release dates you need, look no further. As usual, we'll be updating this article throughout the year, refreshing it with new titles and release dates so you can be clear which new PS4 games are on the...