Steam Deck Weekly: New Verified Game Reviews Arrive

This week's Steam Deck Weekly highlights several game reviews and impressions, along with newly Verified and Playable 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 yearly release cycle, NBA 2K25 stands out. It's the first time since the PS5 launch that the PC version mirrors the next-gen console experience. Officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve), it delivers a satisfying portable basketball experience, though with some expected quirks.

Key improvements over previous PC versions include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) and the WNBA and MyNBA modes making their PC debut. If you've held off on recent PC releases, NBA 2K25 is the definitive version.

The Steam Deck and PC versions support 16:10 and 800p resolutions, along with AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for better clarity). Extensive graphics settings allow for customization, including shader detail, shadow quality, and more. I recommend caching shaders on initial boot and capping the framerate at 60fps for optimal performance. The game does a quick shader cache on each boot, which is a minor inconvenience.

The default Steam Deck preset felt too blurry, prompting manual adjustments. While offline play is possible for quick matches and eras, MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an internet connection. Offline loading times are noticeably faster.

While technically inferior to the console versions, the portability factor makes the Steam Deck version my preferred choice. Load times are slower than on PS5 or Xbox Series X, and there's no cross-play. The persistent issue of microtransactions remains, significantly impacting certain game modes, especially considering the higher $69.99 PC price point.

Ultimately, NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching the PS5 and Xbox Series X in features. With some settings tweaks, it looks and runs great. However, be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

(For those unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2, see Shaun's Switch review here). Unverified by Valve, but runs flawlessly. A recent patch includes Steam Deck and Linux fixes. Capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended to prevent jitter). It supports 16:10 in menus, but gameplay remains 16:9. A strong contender for future Steam Deck Verified status.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, has received a major update on Steam, addressing previous issues. (The update is pending on Switch). The Steam Deck version, being the most current, offers a captivating blend of real-time and turn-based combat. The audio and story are particularly noteworthy.

Steam Deck Verified, it runs smoothly at 60fps with 16:9 support. An assist mode (beta) allows for combat skipping and other adjustments. A free demo is available.

Arco is a highly recommended tactical RPG with a compelling narrative.

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. The initial Ubisoft Connect login process is sluggish. For stable performance, I recommend a 30fps cap at 16:10 and 800p with FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). Other settings were set to low except for textures (high).

While still early in my playthrough, the game shows potential. A free trial is recommended. It's an online-only experience, and cross-progression with consoles is available.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA is a music-making tool with a game-like structure. It's visually appealing and offers creative freedom. On Steam Deck, it runs perfectly at 90fps, but currently lacks controller support (touch controls work well). The menu text is quite small.

Despite the lack of controller support, ODDADA is highly recommended for music enthusiasts and creative individuals.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. It runs well on Proton Experimental. Extensive graphics settings are available, allowing for performance optimization. The controls could use improvement.

Despite its flaws, Star Trucker is an enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of the genres it combines.

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 out of the box. It features 16:9 support at 720p and smooth cutscenes. Check system settings to ensure button configurations are correct.

Recommended for fans of the series, particularly those who played 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 is a significant enhancement over the original. It lacks controller support on Steam Deck, but is playable using the trackpad and touch controls. Initial impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a wide array of tables and impressive PC port features, including HDR support on Steam Deck. The free-to-play version allows for sampling the game's quality and a few tables.

Highly recommended for pinball enthusiasts.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable games for the week

Notable additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified), while Black Myth: Wukong remains Unsupported (despite playable performance).

Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials

The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on the Talos Principle series and other titles. The sale ends Monday morning.

That concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Feedback is welcome!