This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into recent gameplay experiences, reviews, and noteworthy sales. Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review? Catch it here!
Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review
Yearly sports titles often face skepticism, but I've always appreciated 2K's NBA series despite its flaws. NBA 2K25 stands out for two key reasons: it's the first "Next Gen" PC version since the PS5 launch, and it's officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve). My experience across Steam Deck, PS5, and Xbox Series X (via review codes and personal purchase) is overwhelmingly positive, though some familiar issues persist.
Longtime PC players will appreciate the inclusion of ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) for enhanced gameplay, and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA modes. If you've held off on recent PC versions hoping for the complete experience, NBA 2K25 delivers. I hope its success ensures continued "Next Gen" PC releases and ongoing Steam Deck optimization.
The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support, along with 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. Allowing the initial shader cache is recommended. NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a brief shader cache on each boot, a minor but noticeable detail.
Extensive graphics options are available, including shader detail, shadow detail, player detail, crowd detail, NPC density, and more. I opted for mostly low or medium settings, disabling upscaling for improved clarity. Capping the framerate at 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu provided the best stability and visual clarity.
The default Steam Deck preset, while functional, appeared too blurry for my preference, prompting my manual adjustments.
Offline play is partially supported. While some modes require an internet connection (MyCAREER and MyTEAM), quick play and eras are accessible offline, with noticeably faster load times.
Technically, the console versions offer a superior experience, but the Steam Deck's portability makes it my preferred platform. Load times are slower on the Steam Deck (even with an OLED's internal SSD), but not excessively so. Note that there's no crossplay between PC and consoles.
Microtransactions remain a concern, especially for modes heavily reliant on them. If you prioritize gameplay and visuals, their impact is minimal, but the $69.99 price point should be considered.
NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching the PS5 and Xbox Series X feature set. With minor adjustments, it looks and plays great. 2K and Visual Concepts have finally brought the full experience to PC after years of waiting. However, be mindful of the microtransactions.
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5
Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions
Unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2? Check out Shaun's Switch review here. My Steam Deck experience was smooth; the game runs well out of the box, even benefiting from recent Steam Deck and Linux fixes.
Currently capped at 60fps on Steam Deck (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended to avoid jitter), it lacks graphical options but supports 16:10 for menus. Gameplay remains at 16:9. Given its flawless performance, Steam Deck Verification seems imminent. I concur with Shaun's positive assessment.
While higher framerates would be welcome, it's not a significant drawback.
Arco Steam Deck Mini Review
Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG with pixel art and a compelling narrative, has received a major Steam update addressing prior issues (not yet on Switch). This review focuses on the updated Steam Deck version.
Beyond its attractive visuals, Arco boasts a unique combat system blending real-time and turn-based elements. The audio and story are particularly impressive. The description "Superhot meets pixel art tactical RPG" only hints at its depth.
Steam Deck compatibility is excellent (Verified), running smoothly at 60fps with 16:9 support. An assist mode (beta) allows combat skipping, infinite dynamite, and first-act skipping on replays.
Arco exceeded expectations; its dynamic gameplay, visuals, music, and story are superb. 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, recently released on Steam, is an interesting case. My experience focuses on the Steam Deck port. Ubisoft's confirmation of playability was encouraging.
Officially rated "Playable" by Valve, the initial Ubisoft Connect login process is slow. The tutorial runs fine, but for better performance, I limited the framerate to 30fps at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). Settings were mostly low, except for high textures.
My early impressions of the game itself are positive, showing potential with continued support.
While not recommended at full price, the free trial is worthwhile. Naval combat and open-world Ubisoft games are my favorites, and Skull and Bones shows promise, though further improvements are needed. It's online-only on Steam Deck; cross-progression with console versions is possible.
Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA
ODDADA Steam Deck Review
I enjoy interactive toys like Townscaper. ODDADA fits this niche perfectly, with a minor control caveat.
Not strictly a game, ODDADA is a music-making tool with a game-like structure. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of Windosill. It uses mouse or touch controls on Steam Deck, progressing through levels and instruments. Randomness ensures unique creations.
On Steam Deck, it runs flawlessly at 90fps, offering resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. Menu text is small. The lack of controller support is the only drawback; touch or mouse controls are preferred anyway.
Highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts. Controller support is in development; Steam Deck Verification is pending.
ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5
Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review
Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. It's unrated by Valve but runs well on Proton Experimental.
The gameplay loop involves space exploration, jobs, earning money, and unlocking content. Difficulty options and customization are available. Visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.
Extensive graphical settings are available. I used a custom preset with low shadows, normal other settings, and disabled temporal anti-aliasing, achieving around 40fps. Controls require adjustment.
Despite its genre blend, Star Trucker is enjoyable. Further optimization for Steam Deck is hoped for.
Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review
Originally a PS4 exclusive in Japan (2020), DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia's Western release is on Steam. A sequel to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation, it's a must-have for fans of the series.
Following Shido's dream about Ren, the narrative unfolds with multiple paths and returning characters. The art is excellent, and the tone is lighthearted.
Steam Deck compatibility is perfect, running at 720p with 16:9 support. Check system settings to ensure the confirm button is A, not B, and that 16:9 isn't stretched to 16:10.
Highly recommended for fans of Rio Reincarnation; 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
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES is a relaunch of the original, with a new Steam page. It significantly expands on the original, adding content, factions, and improvements.
Steam Deck compatibility uses trackpad and touch controls (no controller support). Initial impressions are positive.
Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions
Pinball FX, a new digital version on Steam, offers many PC features, including HDR on Steam Deck. Gameplay is excellent across numerous tables.
Highly recommended; the free-to-play version allows sampling the game and its DLC.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games
Notable additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified). Black Myth: Wukong's "Unsupported" rating is surprising given its performance.
Steam Deck Game Sales
The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on Talos Principle and more.
That's this week's Steam Deck Weekly! Feedback is welcome. Thanks for reading!
