Cube Engineers

We are back on the rails again for another exciting episode of Cube Engineers!In this episode, TrainmasterGT reviews the new By God Alone expansion for Crusader Kings III from a game-design standpoint, through the lens of two full campaigns he completed. By God Alone reworks the religion system in CK3, allowing faiths to evolve dynamically over time. Characters can also cultivate a personal relationship with their respective faiths through the new personal tenets system, creating new opportunities for roleplay and historically inspired gameplay. Learn how this expansion successfully executes the new religion system, and what lessons game designers can learn from its implementation!All Aboard!Did you know First Class ticket holders on Patreon can now get a signed card from TrainmasterGT on their birthday? Follow this link to find out more and support the show!Show NotesCrusader Kings III on SteamBy God Alone DLC on SteamCrusader Kings III Chapter V Expansion PassSpecial thanks to Paradox Interactive for providing an advance review copy of By God Alone for this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

We are back on the rails again for another exciting episode of Cube Engineers!In this episode, TrainmasterGT once again invites the legendary Usman Jamil to review the Reality Fracture Set for Cube! Together, the pair traverse the planar chaos brought about by the creation of Jace’s echoverse. Find out what mirror-universe cards are hot, and which are not! Will this new reality empower Jace and fracture the way we view Cube, or will we fail to overwrite the multiverse in favor of more enlightened pursuits? These questions and more, answered today!All Aboard!Did you know First Class ticket holders on Patreon can now get a signed card from TrainmasterGT on their birthday? Follow this link to find out more and support the show!Show Notes Off the Rails: Reality Fracture Live ReviewUsmantherad.comUsman’s Reality Fracture ReviewSt. Louis Cube Event: STL3!Abdul El-Sayed for SenatePeggy Flannagan for SenateExpunge ArticleAmerican Movie The Mendoza LineDum dum dee dee songTunak Tunak Tun Song (1998)Tunak Tunak Tun HistoryKaizen Cube Article All Tomorrows Lore Video by Alt Shift XAll Tomorrows CubeFear and Hunger Cards DiscussedVraska’s Final Mercy Grim Bauble Virtue of Persistence ExpungeBitter Triumph Lich’s Relic Way of the Pyromancer Thundertrap Trainer Orcish Bowmasters Sheoldred, the Apocalypse Mind Stone Avatar of Burgeoning No Admittance Sinister Sabotage Stingcaster Mage Snapcaster Mage Counterspell Fiery ConfluenceLava Axe Samut, Hazoret’s Champion Marwyn, the Clearcutter Marwyn, the Preserver Groundskeeper Kellan, Planar Trailblazer Carnivorous Cultivator Deeproot Wayfinder Jund Landscape Wooded Foothills Taiga Geist of Saint Thalia Storm Crow Baral, Chief of Compliance Goblin Electromancer Retrofitter Foundry Squire Sanctum Lurker Liliana of the Veil Elspeth, Sun’s Nemesis Garruk, Curse Breaker Overrun Uldaros Theorix Ultros, Obnoxious OctopusAerid Konstrari North Wind Avatar Denzilore Fatehold Witherbloom Charm Prismari Charm Sphinx of False Conclusions Stoic Sphinx High Fae Trickster Pompous Battlemage Pyre Rhymer Ajani Unrelenting Garruk, Veiled Butcher Liliana the Faultless Mother of Runes Giver of Runes Variable Chaser Extrapolate the Impossible Assemble the Team Demonic Tutor Vampiric Tutor Worldly Tutor Restoration Angel Flametongue Kavu Sneak Attack Griselbrand Archon of Cruelty Apex AltisaurXander’s Wake Living Wish Guiding Hydra Mikaeus, the Lunarch This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

We are back on the rails again with the season 2 finale of Cube Engineers!What if we could combine science and game design theory to build a scientifically proven ultimate Cube? It’s more achievable than you might think! In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites the creator of the Data Generated Vintage Cube, Daniel Smith (also known as l0gr1thm1k), to attempt to build the ultimate Cube using data science. The pair discuss the origins and function of the Cube generation algorithm, then use it to create a Cube using designs previously discussed on Cube Engineers! Finally, TrainmasterGT takes the data-generated artifact and updates the list in an attempt to create something which could truly be considered The Ultimate Cube. Will this attempt at science-driven Cube design succeed, or will it be relegated to the dustbins of failed experiments? All Aboard! Cube Engineers is now on Patreon! Follow this link to support the show!Show NotesThe Data Generated Vintage CubeScientifically Generated Cube Engineers Cube (2026)The Scientifically Proven Ultimate CubeThe Little Red BookCube Dataset Cubecobra IDsHighball4KunstablecubicornsLittleRedBookD%26TMirrorMicrocubecampoutcubeUsmanCubeUsmanPremiere2010100dollarcube75281992-cbb7-43e4-92e2-901790678bfeplusoneheritageandymangoldneoclassicaldegenerate-micro-cube​​sacred-geometryturboregularthepaupercubestickerv3pulpnouveaufairnuffgoblingameModularCorecompanionatomic131313dastrojoescubebourbonalthistoryvintageAugurOfBolasBarCubepenroseho4k1t3q2ABQBoompilesd4PartyAtTheOwlHouseBoudicaDMC420Joe Cubes44f3de0c-a5bc-4e85-b59f-4153a24932cbScrapyardCardsILike.cubeSagasCubeGoldBorderCube0f52912c-38e3-4f9a-9f3c-96edb33732e2DSK%20ExpandedStarFieldDepthsFoodChain4f45acfd-d750-4563-8a19-f1bc02363352Kamigawa-TSPKamiWarIPARemasteredCards DiscussedThe Power 9Sol RingMana CryptForce of NegationLightning BoltSkredGuttersnipeShockReckless ChargeOutnumberMuggingChain LightningFireboltFlame SlashLush PorticoTemple GardenWindswept HeathMother of RunesGiver of RunesSylvan SafekeeperMarang River RegentStock UpMardu SiegebreakerTaigaStomping GroundCommercial DistrictGruul TurfBriberyOrcish BowmastersCraterhoof BehemothAtraxa, Grand UnifierGrave TitanTime VaultManifold KeyVoltaic KeyThoughtseizeWoodfall PrimusWhisper SquadronVault SkirgeCarrion FeederBloodghastBloodsoaked ChampionBloodbraid ElfMerfolk LooterMan o’ WarSteel OverseerWheel of FortuneFireblastMagmatic SinkholeGoblin GuideMolten GatekeeperMulldrifterDig Through TimeEntombNecromancyArchon of CrueltyThe Rail LinesGolos, Tireless PilgrimSkirmish RhinoBalanceStaff of the StorytellerCecil, Dark KnightMyr RetrieverPerilous MyrHallowed FountainThe Wandering EmperorPhlage, Titan of Fire’s FuryBalduvian Trading PostSephiroth, Fabled SOLDIERMantis RiderMantis Engine This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

We are back on the rails again with another exciting episode of Cube Engineers!In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Nico Heini, Publishing Manager for Urban Games, to discuss the upcoming title Transport Fever 3. This game promises to offer more player agency than practically any other game in the genre and can serve as a tool for teaching game designers how to build higher-agency games. Learn how the new Node-Based Map Generation, Traffic Management, Light Rail, and Cargo Distribution Systems all provide players with a wealth of interesting gameplay decisions without overloading comprehension complexity. Additionally, discover how the Curated Mods Program allows community members to customize to a greater extent than previous titles in the Transport Fever series. All Aboard! Cube Engineers is now on Patreon! Follow this link to support the show!Show Notes Transport Fever 3 Official WebsiteTransport Fever 3 on SteamTransport Fever 3 on Epic Games This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

We are back on the rails again with another exciting episode of Cube Engineers! In the episode, TrainmasterGT invites Lincoln (aka Kapernaumov), the creator of the world-famous Penrose Cube, to discuss the intricacies of designing Cubes without Counters or Tokens. Together, they explore the design constraints, power balancing, and mechanical workarounds necessary to build a compelling Cube without relying on external game objects. How does eschewing counters and tokens impact Cube design? Stay tuned to find out!All Aboard! REMINDER: Today is the final day to have your Cube included in the Ultimate Cube Project! If you are interested in being included in the project, please become a member on Patreon today! Free members will be able to have their Cubes included in the project! Show NotesPenrose CubeUnstable Cubicorns Little Red BookCapitol Cube ChampsThe Ultimate Masters Plus Cube (The Cubecobra Link doesn’t seem to exist for this one, so please enjoy this article instead!) Derek’s Bar Cube VideoSacred GeometryCards MentionedThird Path IconoclastNettlecystTrumpet BlastGoblin BombardmentFlametongue KavuGlistener ElfVanguard SeraphHaliya, Guided by LightAdanto VanguardDimir SpybugKrenko’s CommandJudith, the Scourge DivaCranial PlatingTeshar, Ancestor’s ApostleVarloz, the Scar-StripedCultivate Kodama’s ReachInspiring OverseerPardic ArsonistCentaur ChieftainGoblin Tomb RaiderArdent RecruitBomat CourierRabbit BatteryGoldhound Reinforced RoninQueen Kayla Bin-KroogGoblin EngineerKor SkyfisherStonecloakerSpirited Companion Circuit MenderAnthem of ChampionsSiege WurmThranduil, Sindarin Liege This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

We are back on the rails again for another exciting episode of Cube Engineers!In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Dr. Nick Longrich, Visiting Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Bath and founder of the Deep Time Foundation to discuss the philosophy of scientific discourse and evolutionary biology. Dr. Longrich has made many cool discoveries and played a role in resolving major controversies in the field of paleontology, including the description of Titanoceratops and the confirmation of Nanotyrannus as a distinct species. Find out how newly uncovered species of extinct animals are described and when unique creatures can be hiding in plain sight. Learn why clear communication and intellectual humility are essential for thinking like a true scientist.All Aboard! Show NotesNick Longrich Evolution and Paleontology on YouTubeDr. Longrich’s WebsiteThe Deep Time FoundationHatchling Tyrannosaurs VideoNanotyrannus Lives! Taxonomic Status of Nanotyrannus lancensis PaperThe Great Nanotyrannus Mystery VideoTyrannosaurus mcraeensis: A giant tyrannosaur from the Campanian–Maastrichtian of southern North America and the evolution of tyrannosaurid gigantism PaperTyrannosaurus mcraeensis VideoSierraceratops PaperThe Giant Horned Dinosaur Titanoceratops ouranos, or, How to Hide a Dinosaur in Plain Sight VideoTitanoceratops ouranos, a giant horned dinosaur from the late Campanian of New MexicoA new dromaeosaurid dinosaur from the Wessex Formation (Lower Cretaceous, Barremian) of the Isle of Wight, and implications for European palaeobiogeography PaperThe Vicious Vectiraptor Blog PostCool Video about Hatzegopteryx by ExtinctZooSpecial thanks to Dr. Nick Longrich for being the guest for this episode! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

We are back on the rails again for another exciting episode of Cube Engineers!In the episode, TrainmasterGT once again invites the legendary Usman Jamil to review the new Hobbit Magic: The Gathering Set for Cube! Together, the pair go there and back again to discuss all of the coolest cards in The Hobbit. Are there any new cards that we can call our precious, or will this set be relegated to the dustbins of history like the lost cities of the Second Age? Can Middle-earth manage to draw our attention away from Minnesota and Clacton? These questions and more, answered today!All Aboard!Cube Engineers is now on Patreon! Follow this link to support the show!TimestampsNightly Phone Call: 00:00:10Introduction to your Mom’s Favorite Cube Podcast: 00:01:18Set Overview: 00:02:51The Queen of Dale: 00:16:55Smaug the Magnificent: 00:27:30Bilbo, Thief in the Night: 00:34:44Most Decrepit Old Bird: 00:40:53Bard, Heir of Girion: 00:50:41Dwarven Mauler: 00:55:07Necklace of Girion: 01:03:55Gandalf, Goblin’s Bane: 01:08:14Bothersome Noisemaker: 01:15:50My Precious: 01:22:34Final Takeaways: 01:27:22Clacton, Sigma 9, and the Minnesota Senate Primaries: 01:33:34Show NotesPeggy Flannagan for SenateUsmantherad.comFolding Ideas Ralph BakshiDesire Paths ArticleSt. Louis Cube Event: STL3!Count BinfaceBinface ShopAbdul El-Sayed for SenateCards DiscussedThe Queen of DaleLittle BearLarge BearGigantic Big BearFact or FictionRiddles in the DarkSauron’s RansomOrcish BowmasterBard’s CompanyGreat Gilded BoatAjani, Nacatl PariahYoung PyromancerThird Path IconoclastSmaug the MagnificentThunderbreak RegentDecadent DragonChandra, FlamecallerChandra, Awakened InfernoChandra, Hope’s BeaconLightning BoltSmuggler’s CopterHellriderRampaging RaptorOketra’s MonumentCurrency ConverterBilbo, Thief in the NightDreadhorde ArcanistReckless ChargeMisthollow GriffinBilbo, LuckwearerSwitcharooLooter Il-KorMost Decrepit Old BirdDelver of SecretsPicklock PranksterBrazen BorrowerVendillion CliqueGrim BaubleVirtue of PersistenceDebtor’s KnellDisfigureFlow StateLonely MountainBard, Heir of GirionTeferi, Time RavelerAang, Swift SaviorKing T’ChallaFable of the Mirror-BreakerRemandMana LeakDwarven MaulerWarship ScoutFoot ChopperJackal PupDain IronfootAstrologian’s PlanisphereBlue Mage’s CaneStoneforge MysticBladehold CleaverSamurai’s BladeNecklace of GirionBristly Bill, Spine SowerCursed ScythecatGandalf, Friend of the ShireGandalf the GreyGandalf, Goblin’s BaneFirebrand ArcherDark ConfidantTersa LightshatterSylvan SafekeeperVivi OrnitierNadu, Winged WisdomFlame of AnorArchmage’s CharmBroadside BombardiersGut, True-Soul ZealotDeath Greeter ChampionSlickshot ShowoffBothersome NoisemakerEnsoul ArtifactDiamond PickaxeYoung PyromancerThird Path IconoclastMy PreciousThe ArkenstoneGlamdringGoblin BombardmentSephiroph, One-Winged AngelGreater GargadonDragon’s Rage ChannelerDeadly DisputeFront-Porch SentriesSpecial thanks to Usman for being the guest on this episode and for putting up with my antics for another set review this year! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

We are back on the rails again with another exciting episode of Cube Engineers! In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites the legendary Dr. Karl Self from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry to discuss his contributions to the field of dentistry and dental education in the state of Minnesota. As the former Director of the Division of Dental Therapy and Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Dr. Self has helped educate thousands of dentists who now practice around the world! Learn about Dr. Self’s role in the introduction of Dental Therapy in the state of Minnesota, and how his leadership helped to set the standard to which dental therapists are educated nationwide. Likewise, discover the University of Minnesota’s new Dental Career Tracks Program, and the positive impact it is set to have on students!All Aboard!Cube Engineers is now on Patreon! Follow this link to support the show!Show NotesDr. Karl Self at the University of MinnesotaUniversity of Minnesota School of Dentistry Dental Career Tracks ProgramApply to be a Dental Career Tracks Mentor!Special thanks to Dr. Karl Self for being the guest for this episode! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

We are back on the rails again with another exciting episode of Cube Engineers! Grab a seat at the bar and order another round of your favorite deck; we’re in for a real treat! In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Derek Gallen to discuss the origins and evolution of Bar Cube! Discover how one man’s quest to design a Cube that could fit in his pocket sparked a community movement that popularized an entire subgenre of Cubes. See what lessons Derek learned in order to facilitate his design goals and desired play patterns, and how it impacted his views on Magic as a social experience. All Aboard! Show NotesDerek’s Bar CubeDerek’s Hipsters of the Coast ArticlesDerek’s YouTube Bar Cube VideoChill MTG on Bar CubeThe Penrose CubeProhibition CubeA Study in HarmonyCards MentionedCataclysmEmpyrial ArmorNecropotenceSurvival of the FittestSavage VentmawSavage KnucklebladeSiege RhinoDivine GambitMark of the VampireFierce WitchstalkerProfessor of SymbologyWurmcoil EngineThreefold ThunderhulkSwords to PlowsharesLightning BoltCounterspellTinkerMana DrainGravedigger This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com

Priiiiiiide and Glor-ay!We are back on the rails again with another exciting episode of Cube Engineers! In this edition, TrainmasterGT invites Trevor Lombardi, Railroad Operations Manager at the Colorado Railroad Museum and co-author of Pride and Glory: The Cimarron and Northwestern Railway Company, to discuss railway preservation and historiography. We discuss how Trevor’s origins as a camp director at Philmont Scout Ranch led to a career as a real railroader! Learn how railroad preservationists and historians conduct research, maintain track, and even restore locomotives! All Aboard!Cube Engineers is now on Patreon! Follow this link to support the show!Show NotesPride and Glory: The Cimmaron and Northwestern Railway Company BookColorado Railroad MuseumTrevor Lombardi (@Trevlom) on InstagramCentury of Steam GameMoffat Road SandwichesLocomotives DiscussedFull Colorado Railroad Museum RosterDenver and Rio Grande Western 315 Denver and Rio Grande Western 5771Galloping Goose RailcarsRio Grande Southern #20 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cubeengineers.substack.com