This week's Steam Deck Weekly roundup dives into recent gameplay experiences and reviews, highlighting several titles and a noteworthy sale. If you missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review, you can find it here.
Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review
Despite the usual yearly sports game skepticism, I've always enjoyed 2K's NBA titles. NBA 2K25 stands out for two key reasons: it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to offer 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) confirms its quality, although some familiar 2K issues remain.
This year's edition boasts ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) for improved gameplay, and introduces the WNBA and MyNBA mode to PC. If you've held off on recent PC 2K releases, NBA 2K25 delivers the complete package. Here's hoping its success ensures continued Next Gen PC releases and robust Steam Deck support.
The PC and Steam Deck versions offer 16:10 and 800p support. While AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are available, I disabled them (reasons explained later). Other adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90fps during gameplay and 45fps otherwise), HDR (Steam Deck compatible!), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. I recommend letting the game cache shaders on the first boot for optimal performance. Note that NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a brief shader cache on every boot.
Extensive graphics options are available via an advanced menu, including shader, shadow, player, and crowd detail; NPC density; volumetric effects; reflections; era filters; global illumination; ambient occlusion; TAA; motion blur; depth of field; bloom; and max anisotropy. I found the best balance with most settings on low or medium, disabling upscaling to avoid blurriness. Player and shader detail were kept at medium, and the framerate capped at 60fps at 60hz using the Steam Deck quick access menu. This provided superior clarity and stability.
The default Steam Deck visual preset, while functional, appeared too blurry for my preference, prompting my adjustments.
Offline play is limited. While the game boots in offline mode, MyCAREER and MyTEAM are inaccessible without an internet connection. Quick play and eras function offline, and load times are noticeably faster.
Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience. However, years of playing on Switch and Steam Deck make the latter my preferred platform. Load times are the main difference, slightly slower on the Steam Deck OLED's internal SSD compared to PS5/Xbox Series X, but still acceptable. Crossplay isn't available between PC and consoles.
The persistent microtransactions remain an issue, impacting certain modes. If you just want a visually appealing and enjoyable basketball game, their influence is minimal. However, consider this alongside the $69.99 PC price tag (higher than previous years).
NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching PS5/Xbox Series X feature parity. With minor adjustments, it looks and plays great. 2K has finally brought all the features to PC after years of waiting. If you own a Steam Deck and want a good NBA 2K25 experience, 2K and Visual Concepts have delivered. Just be mindful of the microtransactions.
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5
Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions
For those unfamiliar, read Shaun's Switch review of Gimmick! 2 here. My Steam Deck experience was positive; while not yet Valve-tested, it runs flawlessly. Recent patches even include Steam Deck and Linux fixes.
Gimmick! 2 is capped at 60fps on Steam Deck; forcing your Steam Deck screen to 60hz (especially on OLED) avoids jitter. While lacking graphics options, it supports 16:10 display in menus. At 1080p, the 16:10 aspect ratio is correctly maintained in menus, though gameplay remains 16:9.
The 60fps cap isn't a drawback. Steam Deck Verification seems imminent given its seamless performance. My experience aligns with Shaun's review; Gimmick! 2's Steam Deck compatibility is excellent.
Arco Steam Deck Mini Review
I've always appreciated Arco, but felt it needed refinement. This dynamic turn-based RPG, with its pixel art and compelling story, recently launched on PC and Switch, receiving a significant Steam update addressing my previous concerns (the update isn't yet live on Switch).
Arco surpasses initial expectations. The combat system is surprisingly engaging, and the audio and narrative are particularly impressive. The description "Superhot meets pixel art tactical RPG" offers a glimpse of its unique blend of gameplay.
Steam Deck compatibility is excellent (Verified), performing flawlessly on both my devices. The 60fps cap is consistent, with 16:9 support. A beta assist mode allows combat skipping, infinite dynamite, and more; a first-act skip option for replays is also appreciated.
Arco exceeded expectations; its dynamic gameplay, visuals, music, and story are exceptional. 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 is a recent Steam addition (previously released on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC). Ubisoft's confirmation of Steam Deck playability was encouraging. This review focuses on the Steam Deck port.
Officially rated "Playable" by Valve, the initial Ubisoft Connect login process is cumbersome. The tutorial runs smoothly, but for improved stability, I set a 30fps frame rate limit at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). Settings were generally low, except for textures (high).
My early impressions of the game itself are positive, with potential for further improvement through ongoing support.
While full-price purchase is questionable, the free trial is recommended. Naval combat and open-world Ubisoft games are my preference, and Skull and Bones shows promise, despite needing further refinement. 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
I appreciate interactive experiences like Townscaper. ODDADA, a music-making hybrid, fits this bill perfectly, with a minor control caveat.
ODDADA is less a game and more a visually stunning toolbox for music creation. Its aesthetic resembles Windosill; it's elegant and offers diverse creative avenues. Interaction is via mouse or Steam Deck touch controls; levels and instruments are progressively unlocked. Randomness ensures unique creations.
Steam Deck performance is excellent (90fps), with adjustable resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. Menu text is small.
The lack of controller support is the only downside; touch or mouse control might be preferable regardless.
Highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts. While controller support is absent, touch controls work perfectly. 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, potentially appealing to neither fanbase, but also potentially capturing a new audience. Unrated by Valve, it runs well on Proton Experimental.
The goal is space exploration, job completion, earning money, and unlocking content on a vast galactic map. Difficulty options and pre-game customization are available. Visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.
Extensive PC and Steam Deck settings include video mode, resolution (16:10 support), 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 other settings, and disabled temporal anti-aliasing, achieving around 40fps.
Controls require adjustment.
Star Trucker's unique blend of truck simulation and space setting is surprising and 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 2020 PS4 Japan-exclusive, DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia's Western release is on Steam. It's a great sequel to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation.
The narrative follows Shido's dream about Ren. Multiple paths and returning characters are featured, along with choices and excellent art. It's a lighter, complementary sequel to Rio Reincarnation.
Steam Deck performance is flawless (720p, 16:9, smooth cutscenes). Check system settings to ensure the confirm button is A, not B, and that 16:9 isn't stretched to 16:10 in fullscreen.
Highly recommended for 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 significant update/relaunch with a new Steam page. The original PHARAOH had potential but wasn't ready for release. DYNASTIES delivers on that promise.
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES nearly doubles campaign content, adds four factions, the Dynasty system, and numerous improvements. For PHARAOH owners, it's a substantial enhancement.
Steam Deck compatibility 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
Following Shaun's recommendations, I explored Pinball FX on Steam Deck. The PC port's features and Steam Deck performance are impressive, including HDR support. While not all DLC tables were tested, the available options are extensive.
Gameplay across several tables is enjoyable; it's a strong pinball experience. Further table coverage is planned. The free-to-play version is recommended to assess compatibility and try several tables.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable games for the week
Noteworthy additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified). Black Myth: Wukong's "Unsupported" status is surprising given its performance.
Black Myth: Wukong – Unsupported (playable)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 offers discounts on Talos Principle and more, until Monday.
This concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Past and future coverage can be found here. Feedback is welcome. Thanks for reading!
