Steam Deck Weekly: Game Reviews Galore!

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, check it out here.

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Despite the usual yearly sports game skepticism, I've always appreciated 2K's NBA titles. NBA 2K25 stands out; it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to mirror the "Next Gen" experience, abandoning older console bases. The official PC FAQ confirms Steam Deck optimization, although Valve hasn't yet officially rated it. After playing on Steam Deck, both consoles (via review codes and a disc purchase), I'm highly satisfied, acknowledging typical 2K quirks.

Longtime PC NBA 2K players will appreciate the ProPLAY technology (previously PS5/Xbox Series X exclusive) for enhanced gameplay, and the PC debuts of WNBA and MyNBA modes. If you've held off on recent PC releases hoping for the complete package, NBA 2K25 delivers. I hope its success ensures future PC releases maintain Next Gen parity and continued Steam Deck support.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support – a promising start. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are included, but I disabled them (reasons explained 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. Initial shader caching is recommended for optimal gameplay; NBA 2K25 inexplicably performs a quick cache on each boot, though it's brief.

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 feature-rich PC port. I opted for mostly low/medium settings, disabling upscaling due to perceived blurriness. Player detail and shader detail remained at medium. Capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu provided the best stability and clarity.

The default Steam Deck visual preset, while functional, appeared overly blurry, prompting my manual adjustments.

Offline play is partially supported. While many modes require online access, quick play and eras function offline. MyCAREER and MyTEAM were inaccessible without a connection. Load times were noticeably faster offline.

Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience, yet I find myself playing more on Valve's handheld after years on Switch and recent Steam Deck use. Load times are the key difference; even on my Steam Deck OLED's internal SSD, they're slower than on PS5 or Xbox Series X, though not drastically so. Note the absence of crossplay between PC and consoles.

The persistent microtransaction issue remains, significantly impacting certain modes. If your focus is purely on gameplay and visuals, they're less of a concern, but remember the $69.99 price tag, higher than previous years' PC releases.

NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching PS5 and Xbox Series X features. With minor tweaking, it looks and performs exceptionally well. 2K and Visual Concepts have finally brought the full experience to PC after years of waiting. Steam Deck owners hoping for a quality NBA 2K25 experience will be pleased, but be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2? Read Shaun's Switch version review here. I tested the 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) is recommended to avoid jitter. While lacking graphical options, it seems to support 16:10 menus. 1080p testing confirmed proper 16:10 support for menus, though gameplay remains 16:9.

The 60fps cap isn't a significant drawback. Steam Deck Verification seems likely given its out-of-the-box performance. I concur with Shaun's review; Gimmick! 2's smooth Steam Deck performance is a welcome surprise.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

I've always loved Arco, though it felt a few updates from perfection. Its pixel art visuals, charming story, and dynamic turn-based RPG combat landed on PC and Switch weeks ago, with a major Steam update resolving most of my prior concerns (not yet on Switch). This review focuses on the updated Steam Deck version.

Arco's trailers might suggest a simple tactical game, but it's far richer. The combat system is unique, and the audio and story were particularly impressive. The narrative unfolds through various characters with distinct gameplay styles. While turn-based, real-time elements are present (think Superhot meets pixel art tactical RPG, though that's a simplification).

Arco launched with Steam Deck Verification and ran perfectly on both my devices. It's capped at 60fps and supports 16:9. A beta assist mode allows combat skipping, infinite dynamite, and more. The ability to skip the first act on replays is particularly useful.

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 Steam demo is available.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones is a fascinating case. Launched earlier this year on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, its Steam arrival was recent. My prior unfamiliarity made me curious about its Steam Deck performance, especially given Ubisoft's claims of playability. This review prioritizes the Steam Deck port.

Officially rated "Playable" by Valve, the initial Ubisoft Connect login is clunky. The tutorial runs well, but for smoother 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. This provided a satisfactory experience.

My early impressions of the game itself are positive, showing potential with ongoing support. It's already improved compared to its earlier iterations.

At full price, Skull and Bones is a tough sell, but the free trial is recommended. I appreciate naval combat and open-world Ubisoft games, and Skull and Bones shows promise, though further improvement is possible. It's online-only on Steam Deck; I might acquire the console version for cross-progression.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

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

ODDADA isn't strictly a game, but a game-like music creation tool. Its aesthetic resembles Windosill, offering a beautiful and versatile toolbox for unique creations. Steam Deck interaction uses mouse or touch controls, progressing through levels and instruments. The inherent randomness ensures diverse results.

ODDADA runs perfectly at 90fps on Steam Deck, lacking controller support but offering resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. Settings are minimal, though the menu text is small.

The lack of controller support is the only significant drawback; even with controller support, touch or mouse might remain preferable.

Music, art, or personal music creation enthusiasts will appreciate ODDADA. Despite the absent controller support (touch controls work well), the team is pursuing Steam Deck Verification.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Genre blends can either create something unique or fall short. Star Trucker attempts to combine automobile simulation and space exploration without fully committing to either, potentially appealing to a niche audience. Unrated by Valve, it ran well using Proton Experimental.

Star Trucker involves space exploration, job completion, earning money, and unlocking content on a vast galactic map. Difficulty options and pre-game customization are available. The gameplay loop, visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

PC and Steam Deck offer video mode, resolution (including 16:10), 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, achieving around 40fps. Further optimization is likely possible.

Control issues require adjustment.

Star Trucker surprisingly blends truck simulation and space exploration. While not universally appealing, I 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 Japan exclusive, Sting and Idea Factory's DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia's Western release is on Steam, a worthy sequel to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation. Based on Koshi Tachibana's light novels with Tsunako's illustrations, it's a must-have for Rio Reincarnation fans.

Players assume the role of Shido, whose dream of a girl named Ren starts the narrative, featuring multiple paths and returning characters. Numerous choices are presented, accompanied by excellent art. Ren Dystopia's lighter tone complements Rio Reincarnation. Its English release was long-awaited.

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs perfectly on Steam Deck, requiring no adjustments. 720p 16:9 support and smooth cutscenes are noteworthy. Check system settings to ensure the confirm button is A, not B, and avoid 16:9 stretching in fullscreen mode.

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is easily recommended to Rio Reincarnation fans. Playing it before Rio Reincarnation isn't 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 free update/re-launch with a new Steam page. SEGA's early access offer revealed a far more substantial update than anticipated. While the original PHARAOH had potential, it wasn't launch-ready. DYNASTIES rectifies this, easily recommended on PC, though the Steam Deck version has caveats.

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES nearly doubles campaign content, adding four factions, the Dynasty system, and numerous improvements. For PHARAOH owners, it feels like both a sequel and enhanced re-release.

The Steam Deck version lacks controller support, relying on trackpad and touch controls. Early impressions are positive, especially for those who enjoyed the original but desired improvements.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Shaun's frequent mentions of Zen Studios' Pinball FX series prompted my handheld exploration. After playing some tables on Switch, I tested the Steam version's Steam Deck performance.

The PC port's features and Steam Deck compatibility were impressive. While not reviewing all DLC tables, the extensive PC graphics options, including HDR support on Steam Deck, are notable.

After playing several tables, Pinball FX is a highly enjoyable experience. Future coverage of more tables is planned. The free-to-play version is recommended to sample the gameplay and visuals on Steam Deck.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable games for the week

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, Discounts, and Specials

The Games from Croatia sale includes discounts on the Talos Principle series and more, running until Monday morning.

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