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
Romestead Wiki 2026: All Biomes, Gods, Raids and Co-op Guide
Romestead wiki: Roman survival builder for 1-8 players where your god choice gates the tech tree. Hub: 4 biomes, 5 bosses, buildings, raids, co-op.
· 14 min read
Blood West Scavengers DLC: Is the Roguelite Worth $5?
Blood West Scavengers DLC launches June 3 for $4.99: roguelite mode, 10 new weapons, 31 figurines, and a Demonic Sun mechanic that hunts you.
· 7 min read
Shapez 2 Automation Guide: Belt Routing and Advanced Tips
Shapez 2 automation guide: how belt routing and splitters work, the overflow fixes that scale, and layouts that hold throughput through late research tiers.
· 11 min read
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
· 14 min read
Romestead Gods: All 7 Deities & Who to Worship First
Romestead gods explained: all 7 deities, what each one unlocks, the two worship mechanics, and which god to worship first in Early Access 2026.
· 9 min read