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
Despite the yearly release cycle skepticism, I remain a fan of 2K's NBA titles. NBA 2K25 stands out for two key reasons: it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to feature the "Next Gen" experience, and it's officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve). My experience across PC, Steam Deck, and consoles (via review codes and purchase) is overwhelmingly positive, though some familiar 2K quirks persist.
Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5/Xbox Series X) and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA modes. If you've held off on recent PC 2K titles, NBA 2K25 delivers the complete package. Here's hoping for continued Next-Gen PC releases and dedicated Steam Deck optimization.
The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are available (though I disabled them – more on that later). Adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90/45fps), HDR (Steam Deck compatible!), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. Allowing the game to cache shaders on initial boot is recommended. NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a quick shader cache on each launch, a minor but noticeable detail.
Advanced graphics options abound: 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 low/medium settings, disabling upscaling to improve clarity. Capping the framerate at 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu yielded the best, most stable experience.
The default Steam Deck visual preset, while functional, appeared overly blurry. This prompted my manual adjustments.
Offline play is partially supported. While online connectivity is required for MyCAREER and MyTEAM, quick play and eras modes function offline, with noticeably faster load times.
Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience, but the portability factor makes the Steam Deck my preferred platform. Load times are slower on Steam Deck (even with an OLED's internal SSD), but still acceptable. Note that PC lacks crossplay with consoles.
Microtransactions remain a persistent issue, significantly impacting certain game modes. If your focus is purely on gameplay, their impact is minimal, but their presence is noteworthy given the $69.99 PC price point.
NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience, matching the PS5/Xbox Series X feature set. With minor tweaks, it looks and plays great. 2K has finally brought the full experience to PC after years of waiting. Steam Deck owners seeking a quality NBA 2K25 experience will be satisfied, though 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, despite lacking official Valve testing. A recent patch even includes Steam Deck and Linux fixes.
The game is capped at 60fps on Steam Deck; forcing the Steam Deck screen to 60hz (especially on OLED) is recommended to avoid jitter. While lacking graphical options, 16:10 support is present (menus only; gameplay remains 16:9). Forcing 1080p confirmed proper 16:10 support in menus.
While a higher framerate would be welcome, it's not a dealbreaker. Steam Deck Verification seems likely given its flawless out-of-the-box performance. I concur with Shaun's positive assessment.
Arco Steam Deck Mini Review
Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, has received a major Steam update addressing previous issues (not yet on Switch). This review focuses on the updated Steam Deck version.
Beyond its attractive pixel art, Arco boasts a compelling combat system, surprising audio, and a captivating story. The blend of turn-based and real-time elements is unique.
Steam Deck compatibility is excellent (Verified), running smoothly at 60fps (16:9 only). 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 free demo is available on Steam.
Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5
Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review
Skull and Bones, recently added to Steam, is playable on Steam Deck (Valve rating: Playable). The initial Ubisoft Connect login process is slow. For stable performance, I used a 30fps frame rate limit at 16:10 and 800p with FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). Low settings (high textures) provided a good experience.
My early impressions are positive, though further playtime is needed for a complete assessment. Continued Ubisoft support will improve its overall appeal.
A full-price recommendation is premature, but the free trial is worth exploring. Naval combat and open-world fans might find enjoyment, pending further updates. Note that it's online-only; cross-progression with consoles is a possibility.
Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA
ODDADA Steam Deck Review
ODDADA, a music-making experience, is a delightful interactive toy. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of Windosill. Interaction is via mouse or touch controls (no controller support yet).
Steam Deck performance is excellent (90fps out of the box), with adjustable resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. Menu text is small.
Despite the lack of controller support (touch/mouse are ideal), ODDADA is highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts. 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. While not fully satisfying either genre, it might appeal to a wider audience. It runs well on Proton Experimental.
Gameplay involves space exploration, job completion, and unlocking new content. Visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights. Controls require adjustment.
Extensive graphical options are available: 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 (low shadows, normal other settings, TAA off) targeted ~40fps.
Controls are a significant drawback. Further optimization for Steam Deck is hoped for.
Despite its flaws, Star Trucker is enjoyable. Further optimization is desired.
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, is a great addition to the series.
The story follows Shido's dream of a girl named Ren. Multiple paths and returning characters are featured. The art is excellent.
Steam Deck performance is flawless (720p, 16:9). Check system settings to ensure correct button mapping (A for confirm).
Recommended for fans of the series. Play DATE A LIVE: 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 significant update to the original, adding content, factions, and improvements.
Steam Deck playability is good, though controller support is absent (trackpad/touch controls are used). Initial impressions are positive.
Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions
Pinball FX offers a great pinball experience on Steam Deck with extensive PC features (including HDR). Many tables are available as paid DLC; a free-to-play version is also available.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games
Notable additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified). Black Myth: Wukong is surprisingly listed as Unsupported, despite playable performance.
Steam Deck Game Sales
Check out the Games from Croatia sale for discounts on Talos Principle and more.
That concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Feedback is welcome!
