Welcome to this week's Steam Deck Weekly! Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck review? Find it here. This week, we dive into my Steam Deck impressions and reviews of several games, focusing on Verified titles and current discounts.
Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review
Yearly sports releases often face skepticism, but I've always enjoyed 2K's NBA games, despite their flaws. NBA 2K25 stands out for two key reasons: it's the first time since the PS5 launch that the PC version mirrors the "Next Gen" experience, and 2K officially confirmed Steam Deck optimization (though it lacks Valve's official rating). Having played it on Steam Deck, PS5, and Xbox Series X (thanks to review codes and a disc purchase), I'm pleased, but some familiar issues remain.
For PC veterans, NBA 2K25's standout features are ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5/Xbox Series X) for enhanced gameplay, and the WNBA's PC debut alongside MyNBA mode. If you skipped recent PC iterations hoping for a complete experience, NBA 2K25 delivers. I hope its success ensures future PC releases match console parity and continued Steam Deck support.
The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are included (though I disabled them—more on that later). V-sync options, a dynamic v-sync targeting 90fps (45fps outside gameplay), HDR (Steam Deck compatible!), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options are all adjustable. I recommend letting the game cache shaders on initial boot for optimal gameplay. NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a quick shader cache on each boot; it's not lengthy, but noticeable.
The advanced graphics menu is packed with options: 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. I opted for mostly low/medium settings, disabling upscaling (it caused blurriness). Player and shader detail remained at medium. Capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu provided the best clarity and stability.
The default Steam Deck visual preset works, but I found it too blurry. This prompted my settings adjustments.
Offline play is limited. While some modes require internet access, quick play and eras function offline. Interestingly, load times were faster offline. MyCAREER and MyTEAM were inaccessible without a connection.
Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience, but I find myself playing more on the handheld. Load times are noticeably slower on Steam Deck, even with an OLED's internal SSD, though not as bad as older systems. There's no cross-play between PC and consoles.
Microtransactions remain a persistent issue, significantly impacting certain modes. If you prioritize a visually appealing and enjoyable basketball game, they're less of a concern, but remember the $69.99 price tag.
NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching PS5/Xbox Series X feature parity. With minor tweaking, it looks and plays great. 2K finally brought all features to PC; a welcome addition for Steam Deck users. 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. It runs smoothly on Steam Deck (unverified, but runs well). The latest patch includes Steam Deck and Linux fixes.
It's capped at 60fps on Steam Deck; forcing 60hz on OLED screens avoids jitter. No graphics options are available, but 16:10 menu support is present (gameplay remains 16:9). 1080p testing confirmed proper 16:10 support in menus. It's a strong candidate for Steam Deck Verified. I concur with Shaun's review.
Arco Steam Deck Mini Review
Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, recently launched on PC and Switch. A major update on Steam addressed my previous concerns (not yet on Switch). This review covers the updated Steam Deck version.
Beyond its pixel art and compelling story, the combat system is a standout. The audio and narrative elements surprised me. Unique gameplay styles for each character add depth. It blends real-time and turn-based elements.
Steam Deck Verified, Arco runs flawlessly on both my Steam Decks (60fps, 16:9). A beta assist mode allows combat skipping, infinite dynamite, and first-act skipping on replays.
Arco exceeded my expectations. The dynamic gameplay, visuals, music, and story are superb. A must-have for tactical RPG fans. A free demo is available on Steam.
Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5
Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review
Skull and Bones, released earlier this year on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, recently arrived on Steam. Ubisoft's confirmation of Steam Deck playability was encouraging. This review focuses on the Steam Deck port.
Steam Deck rated it as "Playable." The Ubisoft Connect login process is sluggish. The tutorial runs fine, but for stable performance, I limited it to 30fps at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance upscaling is more stable). Settings were mostly low, except for high textures.
My early impressions are positive, but it needs further refinement. Ubisoft's continued support is crucial. It's better than its previous iterations.
Hard to recommend at full price, but the free trial is worthwhile. Naval combat and open-world Ubisoft games are my favorites, and Skull and Bones shows promise. It's an online-only experience on Steam Deck; I might get it on console for cross-progression.
Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA
ODDADA Steam Deck Review
I enjoy interactive toys like Townscaper. ODDADA, a music-making hybrid, fits the bill, with a minor control caveat.
It's less a game and more a gorgeous, elegant toolbox for music creation. Steam Deck touch controls or mouse are used for interaction. Randomness ensures unique creations.
It runs perfectly at 90fps on Steam Deck (no controller support yet). Resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing are adjustable. Menu text is small on Steam Deck.
Despite the lack of controller support, it's excellent. Touch or mouse are preferable even with controller support.
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.
Explore space, take jobs, earn money, and unlock content. Difficulty options and customization are available. Visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.
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 are adjustable. I used a custom preset (low shadows, other settings normal, TAA off) for ~40fps.
Controls are initially challenging; improvements are needed.
It surprisingly blends genres well. It appeals to my preferences in simulation and exploration games. 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 now graces Steam. It's a great sequel to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation.
Shido dreams of Ren, launching the narrative. Multiple paths and returning characters await. Excellent art from Tsunako accompanies the numerous choices. It's lighter in tone than its predecessor.
It runs perfectly on Steam Deck (720p, 16:9). Check system settings to ensure A is the confirm button and that 16:9 isn't stretched to 16:10.
Recommended for fans of Rio Reincarnation. Play Rio Reincarnation first.
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/relaunch with a new Steam page. It's what the original should have been.
It nearly doubles the campaign content, adds four factions, the Dynasty system, and numerous improvements. For PHARAOH owners, it's an enhanced re-release/sequel.
It lacks controller support on Steam Deck but is playable with trackpad and touch controls. Initial impressions are positive.
Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions
I finally checked out Zen Studios' Pinball FX on Steam Deck. The PC port's features and Steam Deck performance are impressive (HDR support!).
I've played several tables and love it. More coverage to come. It's a love letter to pinball. Download the free client to sample tables and check performance.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games for the Week
Black Myth: Wukong (Unsupported, but playable—see my review), F1 Manager 2024 (Playable), Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery (Playable), Hookah Haze (Verified), METAL SLUG ATTACK RELOADED (Verified), OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified), Slash Quest (Verified), Syberia (Verified), Toree’s Panic Pack (Verified), Volgarr the Viking II (Playable)
Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials
Check out the Games from Croatia sale (ends Monday morning) for discounts on the Talos Principle series and more.
That’s all for this week! Past and future Steam Deck coverage is here. Let us know your feedback and suggestions! Thanks for reading!
