Welcome to this week's edition of the Steam Deck Weekly. If you missed my Warhammer 40000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck review, you can read it [here](link to review). Today, we'll dive into my latest impressions and reviews of various games on the Steam Deck, focusing on Steam Deck Verified titles and some notable discounts currently available.
Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review
While many may dismiss annual sports games, I've always been a fan of 2K's NBA series, despite their known issues. NBA 2K25 stands out for a few reasons. Firstly, it's the first time since the PS5's launch that the PC version of NBA 2K25 is the "Next Gen" version, rather than being based on older consoles. Secondly, the official PC FAQ confirms that NBA 2K25 is optimized for Steam Deck. Although it doesn't have an official Valve rating yet, this is a promising development. Having played NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck as well as both consoles, I'm thoroughly pleased with the game, though it does come with the typical issues one might expect.
For those who've been playing NBA 2K on PC for years, this year's standout features include ProPLAY technology for enhanced gameplay, previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X. The WNBA also makes its PC debut alongside the MyNBA mode. If you've skipped recent NBA 2K releases on PC in hopes of a full experience, NBA 2K25 delivers just that. I hope it performs well enough to ensure that future PC versions continue to be the "Next Gen" and that 2K keeps up the excellent work on Steam Deck.
On both PC and Steam Deck, NBA 2K25 supports 16:10 and 800p resolutions, a positive sign. It also offers AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS support, though I opted to disable these for better clarity. The game allows you to adjust v-sync, dynamic v-sync targeting 90fps during gameplay and 45fps outside of it (including The City), toggle HDR (which works on Steam Deck), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. I recommend caching all shaders on the initial boot for the best gameplay experience. Interestingly, NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a quick shader cache on each boot, which is noticeable but not overly time-consuming.
The PC graphics settings menu is packed with options including 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 kept most settings on low or medium, disabling upscaling to avoid blurriness. I set player level and shader detail to medium and capped the game at 60fps at 60hz using the Steam Deck quick access menu, which provided a stable and clear experience.
For those not keen on tweaking settings, the game offers a Steam Deck visual preset that works out of the box, though I found it a bit too blurry for my taste, prompting further adjustments.
I was curious about offline playability. While many modes require an internet connection, I tested offline play on my Steam Deck OLED in airplane mode. The game launched but restricted access to MyCAREER and MyTEAM. However, quick play and eras were accessible offline, and I noticed quicker load times.
Comparing it to console versions, NBA 2K25 runs better technically on PS5 and Xbox Series X, but I find myself enjoying it more on the Steam Deck after years of playing on Switch and Steam Deck. The main difference is load times; even with the Steam Deck OLED's internal SSD, they're slower than on next-gen consoles. Note that there's no crossplay between PC and console versions.
As with recent NBA 2K titles, microtransactions remain an issue, particularly in modes focused on them. If you're looking for a great-looking and playing basketball game, these might not bother you, but they're worth considering given the $69.99 price tag on PC.
Overall, the Steam Deck delivers an excellent portable basketball experience with feature parity to PS5 and Xbox Series X. With some tweaks, it looks and runs great, and I'm thrilled to see 2K finally bring all features to PC after years. If you own a Steam Deck and were hoping for a good experience with NBA 2K25, 2K and Visual Concepts have delivered. Just be mindful of the microtransactions in certain game modes.
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5
Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions
If you're unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2, check out Shaun's review of the Switch version [here](link to review). I was eager to see how it performs on Steam Deck. As of now, Gimmick! 2 hasn't been tested by Valve, but it runs smoothly out of the box. It even mentions Steam Deck and Linux fixes in its latest patch.
Gimmick! 2 is capped at 60fps on Steam Deck, and I recommend setting your Steam Deck screen to 60hz if you're using an OLED model to avoid any jitter. There are no graphics options, but it supports 16:10 for menus. When forced to 1080p on the Steam Deck's screen, the game properly supports 16:10, though gameplay remains at 16:9.
While I hoped for support above 60fps, it's not a deal-breaker. Gimmick! 2 runs perfectly out of the box, and I wouldn't be surprised if it soon gets Steam Deck Verified. As for the game itself, I echo Shaun's sentiments and am pleased with its performance on Steam Deck.
Arco Steam Deck Mini Review
Arco is a game I adored from the start, though it felt like it needed a few updates to reach its full potential. This dynamic turn-based RPG with pixel art and a compelling story launched on PC and Switch a few weeks ago and has since received a major update on Steam addressing most of my concerns. Since the update isn't live on Switch yet, I decided to review the Steam Deck version.
Arco might seem like just another tactical game from its trailers, but it's much more. The combat system is intriguing, and the audio and story were particularly surprising. It offers different stories with unique gameplay styles, blending turn-based and real-time elements. Someone described it as Superhot meets a pixel art tactical RPG, which captures some of its essence, though it's more than that.
On Steam Deck, Arco comes with a Verified rating from the start, and I had no issues playing it on both my Steam Decks. It's capped at 60fps and supports 16:9. The current build includes an assist mode (beta) that lets you skip combat, use infinite dynamite, and more. These features are great for those who want to bypass combat, but I'm most excited about the option to skip the first act when replaying.
On paper, Arco seemed promising, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I do now. It feels dynamic with superb visuals, music, and a touching story. If you're looking for an engaging tactical RPG with a memorable narrative, get Arco now. There's even a free demo available on Steam.
Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5
Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review
Skull and Bones is an interesting release, having launched on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC earlier this year but only recently arriving on Steam. Never having played it before, I was curious about its Steam Deck performance as a current-generation console title. Ubisoft's claim of it being playable gave me hope. My focus here is more on the Steam Deck port than the game itself.
Skull and Bones is officially rated "Playable" by Valve on Steam Deck. The initial login to Ubisoft Connect is sluggish, requiring manual input even if you've logged in for other games. The tutorial runs fine, but I sought more stable performance by setting a 30fps frame rate limit at 16:10 and 800p resolution. I used FSR 2 quality upscaling, though performance was better with the performance preset. I kept most settings on low except for textures, which I set to high, resulting in a good overall experience.
As for the game itself, I'm still early in my playtime, but I see its potential. If Ubisoft continues to support it, it will be easier to recommend. Recent updates have already improved the experience.
Skull and Bones is hard to recommend at full price, but I suggest trying the free trial. I enjoy naval combat and Ubisoft's open-world games, and Skull and Bones, with its updates, is solid but has room for improvement. Keep in mind it's an online-only experience on Steam Deck. I plan to get it on console as well for cross-progression.
Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA
ODDADA Steam Deck Review
I love interactive toys like Townscaper for their ability to let me create something cool in minutes. When ODDADA was announced, it seemed like the next great interactive toy for me, and it indeed became that, with a minor caveat regarding its controls.
ODDADA isn't technically a game but a music maker hybrid that feels like one. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of Windosill, yet it's a gorgeous and elegant toolbox for creating something special. You interact with it using a mouse or touch controls on Steam Deck, progressing through levels and instruments. The randomness element ensures every creation sounds and feels unique.
On Steam Deck, ODDADA runs perfectly at 90fps out of the box, despite lacking controller support. There are a few graphics options like resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing, but you don't need to worry much about settings. The text in the menu is a bit small for Steam Deck, though.
Aside from the lack of controller support, I have no complaints about ODDADA. Even with full controller support, it might play best with touch or mouse controls, though some prefer using a controller.
If you enjoy music, art, or creating your own music within a delightful game, ODDADA is for you. It plays perfectly with touch controls on Steam Deck, and the team is working on getting it Steam Deck Verified.
ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5
Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review
Sometimes, a game blends genres in a way that might not satisfy either fanbase, potentially alienating both. However, it can also capture a new audience. Star Trucker tries to merge automobile simulation with space exploration without going too deep into either genre. It hasn't been rated by Valve, but I had no issues playing it on Proton Experimental.
In Star Trucker, you explore space, take on jobs, earn money, and unlock more content on a vast galactic map. It offers many difficulty options and customizable settings. While I enjoy the gameplay loop, the standout features are the visuals, writing, and voiced radio banter.
On PC and Steam Deck, Star Trucker lets you adjust video mode, resolution (16:10 support included), refresh rate, v-sync, graphics quality, render scale, shadow quality, temporal anti-aliasing, ambient occlusion, mesh detail, and light shafts. I used a custom preset with low shadows and normal settings for everything else, turning off temporal anti-aliasing, which was good enough for a 40fps target. I'm sure others will find better visual-performance compromises, but I was satisfied with this setup.
The main issue holding Star Trucker back is its controls, which took time to get used to. I hope future updates improve them.
Star Trucker surprised me with its blend of truck simulation and space setting. It caters to what I enjoy in both genres, though it might not be for everyone. I've enjoyed it since receiving the review code on Steam Deck and hope the developers optimize it further for Valve's handheld.
Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review
Originally released in Japan on PS4 in 2020, Sting and Idea Factory's DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia has finally come to the West on Steam, serving as a great follow-up to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation. If you're unfamiliar with it, Date A Live is a light novel series by Koshi Tachibana, illustrated by Tsunako. DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation introduced fans to this world, and every fan of that release should play DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia.
In DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, you play as Shido, who dreams of a girl named Ren, sparking a narrative with multiple paths and returning characters. As expected, there are many choices to make, all accompanied by excellent art from Tsunako. The game feels more lighthearted than its predecessor and serves as a perfect complement. I'm surprised it took this long to release an English version.
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs perfectly on Steam Deck out of the box. No adjustments were needed. It supports 16:9 at 720p and plays all cutscenes smoothly. I recommend checking system settings to ensure the confirm button is set to A and not B and that it isn't stretching the 16:9 image to 16:10 in fullscreen mode.
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is an easy recommendation for fans of DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation, with its lovely art, music, and memorable characters. However, I don't recommend playing it before Rio Reincarnation.
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Review Score: 4/5
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions
It's rare to see a free game update or re-launch get a new store page on Steam, but that's what happened with Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES. When SEGA offered early access to the update, I expected just that, not a brand-new app. I always thought Total War: PHARAOH had potential but wasn't ready for a full-price launch. Now, Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES is what the original should have been, and it's an easy recommendation on PC, though the Steam Deck version has some caveats.
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES expands the original by nearly doubling the main campaign content, adding four new factions, the Dynasty system, and numerous improvements. If you own Total War: PHARAOH, this feels like a sequel in some ways and an enhanced re-release in others. It's a great game now.
On Steam Deck, Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES still lacks controller support but is playable with trackpad and touch controls. I'm still playing it to gauge its feel, but my initial impressions are positive, especially as someone who enjoyed the original but felt it needed more work.
Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions
Shaun has been praising Zen Studios' Pinball FX series for years, and I've always wanted to try it on a handheld. I previously played some tables on Switch, but with the new digital version, simply titled Pinball FX, available on Steam since last year, I was curious about its Steam Deck performance.
When two new DLC tables were released, I downloaded the game on Steam Deck to test it and the new tables. What surprised me most were the PC port features and how well it plays on Steam Deck. I haven't played every DLC table, but the extensive PC graphics options, including proper HDR support on Steam Deck, make it hard not to recommend at least trying the free client.
Having played about seven tables, I love this release and look forward to covering more. Pinball FX feels like a love letter to pinball enthusiasts. Even if you don't want to buy anything, I recommend grabbing the free-to-play version on Steam to access some tables at no cost. This will let you see how the game looks and runs on Steam Deck and sample some of the many tables available as paid DLC.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable games for the week
I'm surprised Black Myth: Wukong is marked as Unsupported rather than Playable, given its better performance than many Verified games. I'm glad to see Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition get Verified this week and look forward to playing them.
- Black Myth: Wukong – Unsupported (Read my review [here](link to review) showing it is playable)
- 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 with discounts on the amazing Talos Principle series and more this week. The sale runs until Monday morning.
That's all for this edition of the Steam Deck Weekly. As usual, you can read all our past and future Steam Deck coverage [here](link to coverage). If you have any feedback for this feature or other Steam Deck-related content you'd like to see, let us know in the comments below. I hope you all have a great day, and thanks for reading.
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