This week's Steam Deck Weekly highlights reviews and impressions of several games recently played on the handheld, including some newly verified titles and current sales. Let's dive in!
Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review
NBA 2K25 marks a significant milestone: the PC version finally mirrors the "Next Gen" experience previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X. Officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve), the game delivers a satisfying portable basketball experience. While exhibiting some typical 2K quirks, the ProPLAY technology and WNBA inclusion are standout features. The PC port boasts impressive graphical options including 16:10 and 800p support, AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I found disabling upscaling improved clarity). Optimal performance was achieved at 60fps capped at 60hz, resulting in a smoother, sharper visual experience than the default settings. The game does perform a quick shader cache on each boot, a minor inconvenience.
The advanced graphics menu offers extensive customization, allowing for fine-tuning of various visual elements. A Steam Deck visual preset is available, but I found it too blurry. Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an internet connection, but quick play and eras function offline, offering faster loading times. Load times, even on an SSD, are noticeably slower than on PS5 or Xbox Series X. Cross-play with consoles is absent. The persistent issue of microtransactions remains, impacting certain game modes. Despite these drawbacks, NBA 2K25 provides a superb portable basketball experience.
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5
Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions
Gimmick! 2, while not yet Valve-tested, runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck, even boasting recent Linux and Steam Deck-specific fixes. Capped at 60fps, forcing the Steam Deck screen to 60hz (especially on OLED) prevents jitter. While lacking graphical options, it supports 16:10 resolution in menus (gameplay remains 16:9). Its smooth performance makes Steam Deck verification highly likely.
Arco Steam Deck Mini Review
Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, benefits greatly from recent updates addressing prior issues. Steam Deck compatibility is excellent, running at 60fps with 16:9 support. An optional assist mode (beta) provides features like combat skipping and infinite dynamite. The game's blend of real-time and turn-based elements, along with its compelling story and visuals, makes it a standout title.
Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5
Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review
Recently added to Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" by Valve. While the Ubisoft Connect login process could be smoother, the game runs well with a 30fps cap at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling. Setting most graphics settings to low (textures set to high) provided a good balance. Early impressions are positive, suggesting potential with continued updates. Note that it's an online-only experience.
Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA
ODDADA Steam Deck Review
ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs smoothly at 90fps with touch controls. While lacking controller support (currently in development), it offers adjustable graphics settings. The only notable issue is the small menu text. Despite this, it's a highly enjoyable and visually appealing creative tool.
ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5
Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review
Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While not yet Valve-rated, it runs well on Proton Experimental. It offers extensive graphics settings, allowing for performance optimization. The gameplay loop, visuals, writing, and voice acting are highlights, though the controls require some adjustment.
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, runs perfectly on Steam Deck, requiring no adjustments. It supports 16:9 at 720p and handles cutscenes flawlessly. Recommended for fans of the series, but best played after DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation.
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Review Score: 4/5
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, a significant update to the original, is playable on Steam Deck using trackpad and touch controls (controller support pending). Initial impressions are positive, particularly for those who felt the original needed improvement.
Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions
Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with extensive graphics options, including HDR support on Steam Deck. The gameplay is highly enjoyable, making it a strong recommendation. The free-to-play version allows for testing before purchasing DLC.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games
Several new games received Verified or Playable status this week, including Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition. Black Myth: Wukong, despite being marked Unsupported, shows playable performance.
Steam Deck Game Sales
The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on titles like the Talos Principle series. The sale ends Monday morning.
This concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Feedback is welcome!
