This week's Steam Deck Weekly features reviews and impressions of several games, alongside news on Verified and Playable titles, and current sales. Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review? Find it here!
Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review
NBA 2K25 marks a significant milestone: the PC version finally matches the "Next Gen" experience of PS5 and Xbox Series X. Officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve), it delivers a satisfying portable basketball experience. While the usual 2K quirks persist, the inclusion of ProPLAY technology and the WNBA debut are major pluses for PC gamers.
The Steam Deck port boasts 16:10 and 800p support, alongside AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for sharper visuals). Extensive graphics settings allow for customization, though I found a 60fps cap at 60hz provided the best balance of clarity and stability. The default Steam Deck preset appeared overly blurry.
Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online access, although quick play and eras function offline. Load times are slower than on consoles, and cross-play isn't supported. Microtransactions remain a concern, particularly for certain modes. Despite these drawbacks, the overall experience is excellent.
Technically, console versions are superior, but the portability factor makes the Steam Deck a preferred platform for me.
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5
Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions
(See Shaun's Switch review here). Gimmick! 2 runs smoothly on Steam Deck, even boasting Steam Deck and Linux fixes in its latest patch. Capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended), it offers 16:10 menu support (though gameplay remains 16:9). No graphics options are present, but its excellent performance suggests imminent Steam Deck Verified status.
Arco Steam Deck Mini Review
Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, is Steam Deck Verified and performs flawlessly. Capped at 60fps (16:9 support only), it includes a beta assist mode for skipping combat and other conveniences. The game's blend of real-time and turn-based elements, along with its compelling story and visuals, makes it a standout title. A free demo is available.
Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5
Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review
Newly available on Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" by Valve. While the Ubisoft Connect login process is slow, the game runs well at 30fps, 16:10, and 800p with FSR 2 quality upscaling. Performance is more stable using the performance upscaling preset. Early impressions are positive, but further updates are needed to fully realize its potential. It's an online-only experience.
Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA
ODDADA Steam Deck Review
ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs perfectly at 90fps with touch controls. While lacking controller support (currently under development), its visuals and intuitive interface make it highly enjoyable. Graphics options are minimal, though the menu text is small on the Steam Deck.
ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5
Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review
Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While not deeply engaging in either genre, it offers a unique experience. The game runs well on Proton Experimental, with adjustable graphics settings allowing for performance optimization. Controls require adjustment.
Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, a visual novel, runs perfectly on Steam Deck at 720p with 16:9 support. It's a recommended follow-up to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation, offering a lighthearted narrative and excellent art.
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Review Score: 4/5
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, an enhanced re-release, is playable on Steam Deck but lacks controller support (using trackpad and touch controls is necessary). Initial impressions are positive, particularly for those who enjoyed the original but felt it needed improvements.
Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions
Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with extensive graphics options, including HDR support on Steam Deck. Gameplay is enjoyable, and the free-to-play version allows for sampling before purchasing DLC.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games
Notable additions include Hookah Haze, OneShot: World Machine Edition, and several others. Black Myth: Wukong, surprisingly, remains Unsupported despite playable performance.
Steam Deck Game Sales
The Games from Croatia sale features discounts on the Talos Principle series and more.
That's this week's Steam Deck Weekly! Feedback is welcome. Enjoy!
