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
DRG Rogue Core Upgrade Guide: Expenite, Tiers, Best Picks
DRG Rogue Core upgrade guide: Expenite economy, all 6 tiers explained, best Artifact picks, and per-class Enhancement priorities for solo and co-op.
· 11 min read
Subnautica 2 Deep-Sea Base Guide: Power and Hull Depth
Subnautica 2 deep-sea base guide: thermal power management, hull depth ratings for Root Canyon, multi-base networks, and co-op power load planning.
· 10 min read
Outbound Energy Guide: Solar, Wind, and Battery Setup
Outbound energy guide: which two sources to pair, when to swap, and the sequencing rule that prevents most early battery crises in co-op runs.
· 9 min read
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 review: worth it a year later
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 review: 95% positive across 266k Steam reviews, on Game Pass, now 20% off. What holds up, what doesn't, and whether to buy now.
· 8 min read
Windrose Max Level 15: Fastest XP Paths in Early Access
Windrose max level is 15 in Early Access. Pirate camp loops are fastest; journal quests stack on top. Exact hourly rates, solo timeline, co-op shortcuts.
· 9 min read
Subnautica 2 Vehicles: All Submersibles in Early Access 2026
Subnautica 2 vehicles: Tadpole with Haul and Scout Ray chassis in EA. Depth limits at 250m (450m with Mk.1), five upgrade modules, PRAWN Suit not yet out.
· 16 min read
Black Jacket Guide: Blackjack Roguelite Tips for 2026
Black Jacket guide: suit selection, deck building, Soul coin economy, and how to progress through all 21 Journeys in this hell-themed roguelite.
· 9 min read
Subnautica 2 Complete Guide: Early Access Hub (2026)
Subnautica 2 complete guide hub: covers oxygen, bases, all 13 biomes, Leviathans, DNA modification, co-op setup, and links to every EA guide on the site.
· 14 min read
Subnautica 2 Creature DNA Guide: Biosampler Tips 2026
Subnautica 2 creature DNA: alien eggs aren't in the EA build. Biosampler targets, ability trade-offs, and how to sample the Collector Leviathan safely.
· 9 min read
Subnautica 2 Weapons: What You Use Instead of a Knife
Subnautica 2 weapons: none in EA by design. Utility tools, Seaglide escapes, how the Hammerhead disengages, and which DNA mods extend your escape range.
· 11 min read
Slay the Spire 2 Best Duo Characters: All 5 Ranked
Slay the Spire 2 best duo characters: Ironclad plus Silent is the top 2-player pairing. Full breakdown of all 5 characters and 3-4 player team comps.
· 13 min read
Murim Survival Builds Guide: Best Archetypes (2026)
Murim Survival builds guide: the three core archetypes that hold up in Ascension mode, which equipment items matter, and how mastery directs each path.
· 9 min read