This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into recent gameplay experiences and reviews, highlighting several titles and current sales. If you missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck review, you can find it here.

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Despite the usual yearly sports game skepticism, I've always enjoyed 2K's NBA titles. NBA 2K25 stands out; it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to feature the "Next Gen" experience, mirroring the latest consoles. The official PC FAQ confirmed Steam Deck optimization, a welcome surprise. Having played it on Steam Deck, both consoles (via review codes and purchase), I'm highly satisfied, though some familiar 2K quirks remain.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) for enhanced gameplay and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA mode. If you've held off on recent PC 2K releases, NBA 2K25 delivers the complete package. Here's hoping its success ensures continued "Next Gen" PC releases and ongoing Steam Deck support from 2K.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. It also includes AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these – more on that later). Adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90fps during gameplay, 45fps otherwise), HDR (Steam Deck compatible!), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. I recommend caching shaders on initial boot for optimal performance. NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a quick shader cache on each launch, a minor but noticeable detail.

The advanced graphics menu offers extensive customization: shader detail, shadow detail, player detail, crowd detail, NPC density, volumetric effects, reflections, era filters, global illumination, ambient occlusion, TAA, motion blur, depth of field, bloom, and max anisotropy. It's a remarkably comprehensive PC port. I opted for low or medium settings on most, disabling upscaling for better clarity, and kept player level and shader detail at medium. Capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu yielded the most stable and clearest experience.

The default Steam Deck visual preset works adequately, but I found it overly blurry. This prompted my settings adjustments.

Offline play is limited. While some modes require online access, quick play and eras function offline. I also observed faster load times in offline mode. MyCAREER and MyTEAM were inaccessible offline.

Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience. However, after years on Switch and recent Steam Deck use, I find myself playing more on Valve's handheld. Load times are noticeably slower on Steam Deck, even with the OLED's internal SSD, though not drastically so. There's also no cross-play between PC and consoles.

Microtransactions remain a persistent issue, significantly impacting certain modes. If you prioritize pure basketball gameplay, they're less of a concern, but remember the $69.99 price point.

NBA 2K25 provides a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching the PS5 and Xbox Series X feature set. With minor tweaks, it looks and performs excellently. 2K has finally brought the full experience to PC after years of waiting. Steam Deck owners hoping for a great NBA 2K25 experience will be pleased. Just be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

For those unfamiliar, check out Shaun's Switch review of Gimmick! 2 here. I was eager to see its Steam Deck performance. While not yet Valve-tested, it runs flawlessly. The latest patch even includes Steam Deck and Linux fixes.

Gimmick! 2 is capped at 60fps on Steam Deck; forcing your Steam Deck screen to 60hz (especially on OLED) prevents jitter. No graphical options are available, but 16:10 menu support is present. At 1080p, the game maintains proper 16:10 aspect ratio in menus (gameplay remains 16:9).

While I hoped for higher framerates, it's not a significant drawback. Steam Deck Verification seems likely given its smooth out-of-the-box performance. I concur with Shaun's positive review. Gimmick! 2's excellent Steam Deck performance is a major plus.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

I've always appreciated Arco, though it felt like a few updates from perfection. The pixel art RPG launched on PC and Switch, receiving a major Steam update addressing my prior concerns (not yet live on Switch). This review focuses on the updated Steam Deck version.

Arco's trailers might suggest a simple tactical game, but it's far more. The combat system is unique, and the audio and story truly impressed. The narrative unfolds through diverse characters with distinct gameplay styles. It's a turn-based game with real-time elements; "Superhot meets pixel art tactical RPG" is a partial description.

Arco launches as Steam Deck Verified, functioning perfectly on both my devices. It's capped at 60fps and offers 16:9 support. The Steam Deck build includes a beta assist mode (skip combat, infinite dynamite, etc.), and a welcome option to skip the first act on replays.

Arco exceeded expectations; its dynamic gameplay, visuals, music, and story are superb. It's a highly recommended tactical RPG with a memorable narrative. A free demo is available on Steam.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones is a fascinating case. Released earlier this year on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC (Steam release a week prior to this writing), my expectations were moderate. Ubisoft's statement regarding Steam Deck playability was encouraging. This review prioritizes the Steam Deck port.

Officially rated "Playable" by Valve, Skull and Bones requires Ubisoft Connect login (a slightly cumbersome process). The tutorial runs smoothly, but for better performance, I set a 30fps limit at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). Settings were mostly low, except for high textures. This configuration provided a satisfying experience.

My impressions of the game itself are still forming (played for just over a week), but I see potential. Continued Ubisoft support will improve its recommendation. Recent updates have already enhanced the experience.

Skull and Bones is difficult to recommend at full price, but the free trial is worthwhile. I enjoy naval combat and open-world Ubisoft games; Skull and Bones shows promise, but further improvement is possible. Note that it's online-only. I plan to play the console version as well, utilizing cross-progression.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

I appreciate interactive toys like Townscaper. ODDADA felt like the next great one, and it largely delivered, with a minor control caveat.

ODDADA is less a game and more a music-making tool with a game-like feel. Its aesthetic resembles Windosill; it's a beautiful and versatile creation tool. Interaction is via mouse or Steam Deck touch controls, progressing through levels and instruments. The random elements ensure unique creations.

ODDADA runs perfectly at 90fps on Steam Deck (no controller support yet). Graphical options include resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. Settings require minimal adjustment, but the menu text is small on Steam Deck.

Beyond the lack of controller support (which may not be detrimental given touch/mouse suitability), ODDADA is excellent.

ODDADA is recommended for music and art enthusiasts or anyone wanting to create their own music within a charming game. While currently lacking controller support, touch controls work perfectly. The team is pursuing Steam Deck Verification.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Genre blends sometimes fail to satisfy either fanbase, but occasionally they create something new. Star Trucker attempts to combine automobile simulation and space exploration without fully committing to either. It's unrated by Valve but runs well on Proton Experimental.

The goal is space exploration, job completion, earning money, and unlocking galactic map content. Difficulty options and pre-game customization are available. The gameplay loop is enjoyable, but the visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

PC and Steam Deck versions offer adjustments for video mode, resolution (16:10 supported), refresh rate, v-sync, graphics quality, render scale, shadow quality, temporal anti-aliasing, ambient occlusion, mesh detail, and light shafts. My custom preset used low shadows, normal settings otherwise, and disabled temporal anti-aliasing, targeting ~40fps. Further optimization is possible.

The controls are a major drawback, requiring significant adjustment.

Star Trucker surprisingly blends truck simulation and its setting effectively. It caters to my preferences in automobile simulation and exploration games. While not universally appealing, I've enjoyed it. Further Steam Deck optimization is hoped for.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

Initially a 2020 PS4 exclusive in Japan, Sting and Idea Factory's DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia's Western release is on Steam, a strong sequel to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation. For those unfamiliar, it's based on Koshi Tachibana's light novels with Tsunako's illustrations. Fans of Rio Reincarnation should play Ren Dystopia.

Players are Shido, dreaming of Ren, launching a narrative with multiple paths and returning characters. Numerous choices await, complemented by excellent art. Ren Dystopia is lighter in tone, a perfect complement to Rio Reincarnation. Its delayed English release is surprising.

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs flawlessly on Steam Deck (no adjustments needed). It supports 16:9 at 720p, handling cutscenes perfectly. Check system settings to ensure the confirm button is A (not B) and that 16:9 isn't stretched to 16:10 in fullscreen mode.

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is highly recommended for Rio Reincarnation fans; its art, music, and characters are memorable. However, playing it before Rio Reincarnation is not advised.

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Review Score: 4/5

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

It's rare to see a free game update/re-launch get a new Steam page, but that's what happened with Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES. SEGA's early access offer revealed a new Steam app, not just an update. Total War: PHARAOH showed promise but wasn't launch-ready. Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES is what the original should have been; highly recommended on PC, but the Steam Deck version has limitations.

PHARAOH DYNASTIES nearly doubles the campaign content, adding four factions, the Dynasty system, and numerous improvements. For PHARAOH owners, it feels like both a sequel and enhanced re-release. It's an excellent game.

On Steam Deck, controller support is absent, but trackpad and touch controls work. Initial impressions are positive, especially for those who enjoyed the original but felt it needed more.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Shaun's enthusiasm for Zen Studios' Pinball FX series inspired me to try it on a handheld. I'd played some Switch tables, but the new Steam version (Pinball FX) intrigued me.

After downloading the game and new DLC tables, I was impressed by the PC port features and Steam Deck performance. While I haven't played every table, the PC graphics options (including HDR on Steam Deck) make it worthwhile to download the free client.

I've played about seven tables and love it. Pinball FX feels like a pinball love letter. Even without purchases, the free version offers several tables, allowing you to assess performance and visuals on Steam Deck.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Black Myth: Wukong's "Unsupported" rating is surprising given its performance. Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition's Verification is welcome.

Black Myth: Wukong – Unsupported (playable, see my review)F1 Manager 2024 – PlayableHidden Through Time 2: Discovery – PlayableHookah Haze – VerifiedMETAL SLUG ATTACK RELOADED – VerifiedOneShot: World Machine Edition – VerifiedSlash Quest – VerifiedSyberia – VerifiedToree’s Panic Pack – VerifiedVolgarr the Viking II – Playable

Steam Deck Game Sales

The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on the Talos Principle series and more (until Monday).

This concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Past and future coverage can be found here. Feedback is welcome. Thanks for reading!