Marcus Vasquez
Senior Critic & Analyst
Marcus Vasquez spent four years as a game economy analyst before switching to criticism full-time. With 11 years covering indie and mid-tier titles, he brings a data-first lens to reviews — tracking playtime distributions, upgrade path efficiency, and value-per-hour benchmarks that most critics overlook. Based in Austin, Marcus specialises in roguelikes, strategy, and simulation games. His reviews are known for precise numerical claims, dry wit, and an unflinching willingness to say exactly when a game's numbers don't add up.
- 11 years games criticism
- Former game economy analyst
- Roguelike and strategy specialist
194 articles by Marcus Vasquez
Besmirch Complete Guide: Farming, Horror, and the Baron
Besmirch complete guide for 2026: Baron trust system, farming calendar, Three Days of Darkness survival, dungeon combat, and what's on the EA roadmap.
· 12 min read
Windrose Thomas Richards Boss Guide: How to Beat Richards
Windrose Thomas Richards: Copper-tier gear check, poise shield mechanic, all 4 attack patterns, and arena cover routing. Unlocks Foothills + Iron crafting.
· 7 min read
Gambonanza Boss Guide: All 9 Bosses and How to Beat Them
Gambonanza boss guide: 8 stage bosses plus The Grandmaster. Boss mechanics explained, when to expect each one, and how to spend the shop prep window.
· 8 min read
LumenTale Memories of Trey: 140 Animon Worth It in 2026?
LumenTale Memories of Trey launches May 26 with 140 Animon, 13 elemental types, and a surprise: real online PvP. Worth the $22 for creature collector fans.
· 9 min read
Outbound Guide 2026: Van Builds, Co-op, and Biomes
Outbound guide hub: Square Glade's van-life co-op reviewed and explained. Van builds, energy systems, co-op roles, base locations, and all biome guides.
· 11 min read
Subnautica 2 Creature Evasion: 4 Biomods That Actually Work
Subnautica 2 creature evasion uses Biomods, not weapons. Camouflage, Electric Discharge, Chum Cloud, and Dash explained. Which works on each Leviathan.
· 10 min read
Rune Dice Complete Guide 2026: Classes, Relics, and Builds
Rune Dice complete guide covering all 8 classes, relic priority, unlock order, dice synergies, NG+, and tips. Hub for every Rune Dice guide on the site.
· 12 min read
Farever Guide 2026: Classes, Co-op, and Dungeon Builds
Farever guide hub: four class roles, co-op party comp, dungeon depth mechanics, crafting job splits, and all build guides. Shiro Games 2026 EA.
· 15 min read
Alabaster Dawn Tips: Weapons, Elements, and Cabbage
Alabaster dawn tips: the 2-slot weapon system, element commitment order, when Cabbage saves time, and what CrossCode players get wrong first.
· 9 min read
Subnautica 2 Co-op Guide: Setup, Roles, and Strategy
Subnautica 2 co-op: how to join a friend's game, divide roles between builders and explorers, coordinate vehicles, and survive Leviathans as a group.
· 12 min read
Rune Dice Tier List: All 8 Classes Ranked for 2026
Rune Dice tier list ranking all 8 classes S to B: Mage, Rogue, and Archer lead for damage, Warrior is the safest first pick. Updated June 2026 with unlocks.
· 9 min read
Windrose Ship Combat Guide: Bar Shots, Raking & Sea Tips
Windrose ship combat guide: bar shots demast enemies, the Rake crits stern hits, Keelhold makes repairs easy. 9 verified tips for sea battles in 2026.
· 11 min read