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
Abiotic Factor Beginner Guide: Tips and First Steps 2026
Abiotic Factor beginner guide: first steps in the Cascade Research Facility, co-op setup for 1-6 players, and the progression milestones that matter most.
· 8 min read
ARC Raiders Riven Tides Guide: Shockwave, Loot, and Secrets
ARC Raiders Riven Tides guide: Shockwave clears the coastal mist, the Panorama Azzurro hotel loot is deceptively light, and room 404 is still a mystery.
· 7 min read
Rune Dice Mage Build: Adjacency Chains and 3x Amplify
Rune Dice Mage build guide covering adjacency chains, burn vs freeze focus, and the 3x Amplify plus Gravity combo that one-shots floor bosses from full HP.
· 9 min read
Windrose Naval Tactics Guide: All 5 Tactics Ranked 2026
Windrose naval tactics guide: all 5 options ranked, when to use Broadside vs Storm Rider, cannon rotation technique, and fleet engagement strategy by biome.
· 9 min read
Shapez 2 Blueprints: Save, Share & Import to the Library
Shapez 2 blueprints guide: save factories to the library, copy and paste with blueprint codes, import .spz2bp files, and where to share builds in 2026.
· 9 min read
Kristala Lophi Boss Guide: Parry Timing & How to Win
Kristala Lophi boss guide: why his yellow attacks should be parried not dodged, when to dodge the jump attack, and how to bank mana for spells.
· 8 min read
Romestead Denarius Guide: How to Make Money Fast 2026
Romestead denarius is one currency with Quadrans, not a separate coin. Here is how the tiers mint into each other and how to make money fast.
· 9 min read
ARC Raiders Augments Guide: Best Frames Ranked 2026
ARC Raiders augments guide: Combat, Looting, and Tactical frames explained, the best Mark III picks, and how backpack, weight, and shield trade off.
· 9 min read
Besmirch Baron Trust System: How It Actually Works
Besmirch baron trust: what builds it, what drains it, which NPCs matter, how corruption works, and what recovering from a failure actually requires.
· 10 min read
CALX Review 2026: Moebius Aesthetics, Metroid Bones
CALX review: True Colors' debut action-adventure on PC, June 4. 10-15 hours on planet Syro with four AFX weapons and Moebius-inspired visuals.
· 10 min read
Rune Dice Relics Guide: Best Builds and Relic Priority 2026
Rune Dice relics guide covering best relic picks, build priority by class, and the Amplify plus Gravity combo that one-shots floor bosses. Updated 2026.
· 8 min read
ARC Raiders Vendor Leveling Guide: Fastest Route 2026
ARC Raiders vendor leveling guide: five vendors, one priority order. Tian Wen 2 for the Ferro, Lance 2 for armor, Apollo 2 for sensors. Fastest route.
· 10 min read