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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
Review
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
Guide
Windrose Max Level Cap: Hit 15 Faster With These Routes
Windrose max level is 15 in Early Access. This guide covers the two XP sources that matter, realistic solo timelines, and co-op shortcuts to cap faster.
· 9 min read
Guide
Subnautica 2 Vehicles Guide: Submersibles in Early Access
Subnautica 2 vehicles in Early Access — Tadpole submersible breakdown: cargo capacity, docking, co-op mechanics, and what heavier vehicles come next.
· 10 min read
Guide
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
Guides
Subnautica 2 Complete Guide: Early Access Hub (2026)
Subnautica 2 complete guide hub: covers oxygen, bases, all 6 biomes, Leviathans, DNA modification, co-op setup, and links to all 15 Early Access guides.
· 14 min read
Guide
Subnautica 2 Creature DNA Guide: Biosampler Tips 2026
Subnautica 2 alien eggs aren't in the EA build yet — DNA sampling is how you interact with fauna. Which creatures to target and what each ability costs you.
· 9 min read
Guide
Subnautica 2 Weapons Guide: No Knife, How to Defend Yourself
Subnautica 2 weapons in Early Access: no knife, no stasis rifle — here's every tool that exists, why creatures can't be killed, and how to survive anyway.
· 9 min read
Guide
Slay the Spire 2 Co-op Guide: All 5 Characters Ranked
Slay the Spire 2 co-op guide covering all 5 characters, 2-4 player team compositions, shared mechanics, and tips for early access runs in 2026.
· 10 min read
Guide
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
Review
Farever Review 2026: Good Bones, Rough Early Access
Farever review: Shiro Games' co-op RPG recovered to Mostly Positive after v0.1.3. Here's what the underlying game does well and what's still rough.
· 9 min read
Guide
MARINE.EXE Beginner Guide: Classes, Builds and Setup
MARINE.EXE beginner guide covers party setup, Standard vs Elite mode, Protocols, and the Starter Quest chain: $6.99 desktop RPG from Exopoint Initiative.
· 9 min read
Guide
Far Far West Endgame Guide: Challenge Contracts 2026
Far Far West endgame guide: Challenge Contracts, best max-level builds, Joker card meta, boss farming for legendary drops, and the EA 1.0 roadmap.
· 11 min read