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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
roguelikesstrategysimulationgame-economyindie gamesmid-tier games
108 articles by Marcus Vasquez
Guide
Black Jacket Deck Building Guide: Best Suits and Combos 2026
Black Jacket deck building guide: best suit combinations, how card removal works, when to buy vs. remove, and the builds that clear Journey 12 and beyond.
· 11 min read
Pillar
Shapez 2 Complete Guide 2026: Automation, Belts, Manufacture
Shapez 2 complete guide: belt routing, shape stacking, Manufacture Mode, mods, and every guide on the site. Hub for 1.0 players and returning veterans.
· 14 min read
Guides
Black Jacket Soul Coins Guide: Economy & Coin Management
Black Jacket Soul Coins guide: how you earn and spend coins, the in-run sinks that bleed you dry, and how to bank enough to bribe the ferryman.
· 9 min read
Guides
Shapez 2 Manufacture Mode Guide: How It Works in 1.0
Shapez 2 manufacture mode: Dimensional Waste, Trade Stations, and the path to the Grand Vortex Assembler. The 1.0 endgame chain explained step by step.
· 9 min read
Guide
Sunderfolk Berserker Guide: Protector's Fury and Best Builds
Sunderfolk Berserker guide: Protector's Fury cuts damage and boosts output simultaneously. Best solo class, best beginner class, S tier in any group size.
· 8 min read
Guide
Windrose Best Ship Build Tier List: Brig and Frigate 2026
Windrose best ship build in 2026: Blackbeard Frigate is S tier for combat. Variant stats, gear slot picks, and which Naval Tactic wins the meta debate.
· 9 min read
Guide
DRG Rogue Core Team Compositions: Best Co-op Squads 2026
DRG Rogue Core team compositions: which Reclaimers to bring, how pick order affects Enhancement pools, and why Falconer is in every squad worth running.
· 9 min read
Guide
DRG Rogue Core Classes: All 5 Reclaimers Explained 2026
DRG Rogue Core classes: 5 Reclaimers, each with a unique signature and upgrade path. Guardian, Slicer, Falconer, Spotter, and Retcon with stat breakdowns.
· 11 min read
Guide
Romestead God System Guide: All 7 Roman Gods Explained
Romestead god system explained: all 7 Roman gods, two worship mechanics, what each deity unlocks, and which god to invest in first in EA 2026.
· 9 min read
Pillar
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
Guides
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
Guides
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