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 Notes

Crusader Kings III on Steam

By God Alone DLC on Steam

Crusader Kings III Chapter V Expansion Pass

Special 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 Review

Usmantherad.com

Usman’s Reality Fracture Review

St. Louis Cube Event: STL3!

Abdul El-Sayed for Senate

Peggy Flannagan for Senate

Expunge Article

American Movie

The Mendoza Line

Dum dum dee dee song

Tunak Tunak Tun Song (1998)

Tunak Tunak Tun History

Kaizen Cube Article

All Tomorrows Lore Video by Alt Shift X

All Tomorrows Cube

Fear and Hunger

Cards Discussed

Vraska’s Final Mercy

Grim Bauble

Virtue of Persistence

Expunge

Bitter 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 Confluence

Lava 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 Octopus

Aerid 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 Altisaur

Xander’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 Notes

The Data Generated Vintage Cube

Scientifically Generated Cube Engineers Cube (2026)

The Scientifically Proven Ultimate Cube

The Little Red Book

Cube Dataset Cubecobra IDs

Highball4K

unstablecubicorns

LittleRedBook

D%26TMirrorMicrocube

campoutcube

UsmanCube

UsmanPremiere

2010

100dollarcube

75281992-cbb7-43e4-92e2-901790678bfe

plusone

heritage

andymangold

neoclassical

degenerate-micro-cube

​​sacred-geometry

turbo

regular

thepaupercube

stickerv3

pulpnouveau

fairnuff

goblingame

ModularCore

companion

atomic

131313

dastro

joescube

bourbon

althistoryvintage

AugurOfBolas

BarCube

penrose

ho4k

1t3q2

ABQ

Boompile

sd4

PartyAtTheOwlHouse

Boudica

DMC420

Joe Cubes

44f3de0c-a5bc-4e85-b59f-4153a24932cbScrapyard

CardsILike.cube

SagasCubeGoldBorderCube0f52912c-38e3-4f9a-9f3c-96edb33732e2

DSK%20Expanded

StarField

Depths

FoodChain

4f45acfd-d750-4563-8a19-f1bc02363352

Kamigawa-TSPKamiWar

IPARemastered

Cards Discussed

The Power 9

Sol Ring

Mana Crypt

Force of Negation

Lightning Bolt

Skred

Guttersnipe

Shock

Reckless Charge

Outnumber

Mugging

Chain Lightning

Firebolt

Flame Slash

Lush Portico

Temple Garden

Windswept Heath

Mother of Runes

Giver of Runes

Sylvan Safekeeper

Marang River Regent

Stock Up

Mardu Siegebreaker

Taiga

Stomping Ground

Commercial District

Gruul Turf

Bribery

Orcish Bowmasters

Craterhoof Behemoth

Atraxa, Grand Unifier

Grave Titan

Time Vault

Manifold Key

Voltaic Key

Thoughtseize

Woodfall Primus

Whisper Squadron

Vault Skirge

Carrion Feeder

Bloodghast

Bloodsoaked Champion

Bloodbraid Elf

Merfolk Looter

Man o’ War

Steel Overseer

Wheel of Fortune

Fireblast

Magmatic Sinkhole

Goblin Guide

Molten Gatekeeper

Mulldrifter

Dig Through Time

Entomb

Necromancy

Archon of Cruelty

The Rail Lines

Golos, Tireless Pilgrim

Skirmish Rhino

Balance

Staff of the Storyteller

Cecil, Dark Knight

Myr Retriever

Perilous Myr

Hallowed Fountain

The Wandering Emperor

Phlage, Titan of Fire’s Fury

Balduvian Trading Post

Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER

Mantis Rider

Mantis 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 Website

Transport Fever 3 on Steam

Transport 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 Notes

Penrose Cube

Unstable Cubicorns

Little Red Book

Capitol Cube Champs

The 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 Video

Sacred Geometry

Cards Mentioned

Third Path Iconoclast

Nettlecyst

Trumpet Blast

Goblin Bombardment

Flametongue Kavu

Glistener Elf

Vanguard Seraph

Haliya, Guided by Light

Adanto Vanguard

Dimir Spybug

Krenko’s Command

Judith, the Scourge Diva

Cranial Plating

Teshar, Ancestor’s Apostle

Varloz, the Scar-Striped

Cultivate

Kodama’s Reach

Inspiring Overseer

Pardic Arsonist

Centaur Chieftain

Goblin Tomb Raider

Ardent Recruit

Bomat Courier

Rabbit Battery

Goldhound

Reinforced Ronin

Queen Kayla Bin-Kroog

Goblin Engineer

Kor Skyfisher

Stonecloaker

Spirited Companion

Circuit Mender

Anthem of Champions

Siege Wurm

Thranduil, 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 Notes

Nick Longrich Evolution and Paleontology on YouTube

Dr. Longrich’s Website

The Deep Time Foundation

Hatchling Tyrannosaurs Video

Nanotyrannus Lives! Taxonomic Status of Nanotyrannus lancensis Paper

The Great Nanotyrannus Mystery Video

Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis: A giant tyrannosaur from the Campanian–Maastrichtian of southern North America and the evolution of tyrannosaurid gigantism Paper

Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis Video

Sierraceratops Paper

The Giant Horned Dinosaur Titanoceratops ouranos, or, How to Hide a Dinosaur in Plain Sight Video

Titanoceratops ouranos, a giant horned dinosaur from the late Campanian of New Mexico

A new dromaeosaurid dinosaur from the Wessex Formation (Lower Cretaceous, Barremian) of the Isle of Wight, and implications for European palaeobiogeography Paper

The Vicious Vectiraptor Blog Post

Cool Video about Hatzegopteryx by ExtinctZoo

Special 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!

Timestamps

Nightly Phone Call: 00:00:10

Introduction to your Mom’s Favorite Cube Podcast: 00:01:18

Set Overview: 00:02:51

The Queen of Dale: 00:16:55

Smaug the Magnificent: 00:27:30

Bilbo, Thief in the Night: 00:34:44

Most Decrepit Old Bird: 00:40:53

Bard, Heir of Girion: 00:50:41

Dwarven Mauler: 00:55:07

Necklace of Girion: 01:03:55

Gandalf, Goblin’s Bane: 01:08:14

Bothersome Noisemaker: 01:15:50

My Precious: 01:22:34

Final Takeaways: 01:27:22

Clacton, Sigma 9, and the Minnesota Senate Primaries: 01:33:34

Show Notes

Peggy Flannagan for Senate

Usmantherad.com

Folding Ideas Ralph Bakshi

Desire Paths Article

St. Louis Cube Event: STL3!

Count Binface

Binface Shop

Abdul El-Sayed for Senate

Cards Discussed

The Queen of Dale

Little Bear

Large Bear

Gigantic Big Bear

Fact or Fiction

Riddles in the DarkSauron’s Ransom

Orcish Bowmaster

Bard’s Company

Great Gilded Boat

Ajani, Nacatl Pariah

Young Pyromancer

Third Path Iconoclast

Smaug the Magnificent

Thunderbreak Regent

Decadent Dragon

Chandra, Flamecaller

Chandra, Awakened Inferno

Chandra, Hope’s Beacon

Lightning Bolt

Smuggler’s Copter

Hellrider

Rampaging Raptor

Oketra’s Monument

Currency Converter

Bilbo, Thief in the Night

Dreadhorde Arcanist

Reckless Charge

Misthollow Griffin

Bilbo, Luckwearer

Switcharoo

Looter Il-Kor

Most Decrepit Old Bird

Delver of Secrets

Picklock Prankster

Brazen Borrower

Vendillion Clique

Grim Bauble

Virtue of Persistence

Debtor’s Knell

Disfigure

Flow State

Lonely Mountain

Bard, Heir of Girion

Teferi, Time Raveler

Aang, Swift Savior

King T’Challa

Fable of the Mirror-Breaker

Remand

Mana Leak

Dwarven Mauler

Warship Scout

Foot Chopper

Jackal Pup

Dain Ironfoot

Astrologian’s Planisphere

Blue Mage’s Cane

Stoneforge Mystic

Bladehold Cleaver

Samurai’s Blade

Necklace of Girion

Bristly Bill, Spine Sower

Cursed Scythecat

Gandalf, Friend of the Shire

Gandalf the Grey

Gandalf, Goblin’s Bane

Firebrand Archer

Dark Confidant

Tersa Lightshatter

Sylvan Safekeeper

Vivi Ornitier

Nadu, Winged Wisdom

Flame of Anor

Archmage’s Charm

Broadside Bombardiers

Gut, True-Soul Zealot

Death Greeter Champion

Slickshot Showoff

Bothersome Noisemaker

Ensoul Artifact

Diamond Pickaxe

Young Pyromancer

Third Path Iconoclast

My Precious

The Arkenstone

Glamdring

Goblin Bombardment

Sephiroph, One-Winged Angel

Greater Gargadon

Dragon’s Rage Channeler

Deadly Dispute

Front-Porch Sentries

Special 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 Notes

Dr. Karl Self at the University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Dental Career Tracks Program

Apply 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 Notes

Derek’s Bar Cube

Derek’s Hipsters of the Coast Articles

Derek’s YouTube Bar Cube Video

Chill MTG on Bar Cube

The Penrose Cube

Prohibition Cube

A Study in Harmony

Cards Mentioned

Cataclysm

Empyrial Armor

Necropotence

Survival of the Fittest

Savage Ventmaw

Savage Knuckleblade

Siege Rhino

Divine Gambit

Mark of the Vampire

Fierce Witchstalker

Professor of Symbology

Wurmcoil Engine

Threefold Thunderhulk

Swords to Plowshares

Lightning Bolt

Counterspell

Tinker

Mana Drain

Gravedigger

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 Notes

Pride and Glory: The Cimmaron and Northwestern Railway Company Book

Colorado Railroad Museum

Trevor Lombardi (@Trevlom) on Instagram

Century of Steam Game

Moffat Road Sandwiches

Locomotives Discussed

Full Colorado Railroad Museum Roster

Denver and Rio Grande Western 315

Denver and Rio Grande Western 5771

Galloping Goose Railcars

Rio 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