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
255 articles by Marcus Vasquez
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
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 Co-op Tips
Subnautica 2 deep-sea base guide: plan Solar, Hydroelectric Turbines, Power Transmitters, storage, and co-op layouts for current Early Access systems.
· 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.
· 12 min read
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 review: 95% positive across 278k Steam reviews, $39.99 at 20% off, and still on Game Pass. Is it worth playing 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.
· 11 min read
Subnautica 2 Complete Guide: Early Access Hub (2026)
Subnautica 2 complete guide hub: Early Access survival, bases, biomes, creatures, DNA modification, co-op setup, and the latest Buddy System updates.
· 14 min read
Subnautica 2 Creature DNA: Bioscanner and Biomods Guide
Subnautica 2 creature DNA guide: how the Bioscanner, Biomods, Biolabs, and missing alien eggs work in the current Early Access build as of September 2026.
· 10 min read
Subnautica 2 Weapons: What You Use Instead of a Knife
Subnautica 2 weapons guide: current Early Access tools, Sonic Resonator stun, Multitool deterrence, evasive tactics, and the 2026 patch changes.
· 10 min read
Slay the Spire 2 Best Duo Characters: All 5 Ranked
Slay the Spire 2 best duo characters: a verified five-character roster, safe two-player picks, and co-op advice for the Early Access build now.
· 12 min read