This week's Steam Deck Weekly features reviews and impressions of several games, focusing on their performance and playability on the Steam Deck. 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 console experience. Officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve), it delivers a largely positive experience, despite some typical 2K quirks.
Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) and the WNBA and MyNBA modes. If you've held off on recent PC 2K titles, this is the one to get. The Steam Deck port boasts 16:10 and 800p support, AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for better clarity). Extensive graphical settings allow for customization, with a recommended 60fps cap at 60hz for optimal performance. While load times are slower than on consoles, the overall portable experience is excellent. However, remember the persistent microtransaction issue.
Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an internet connection, though quick play and eras modes work offline. There's no cross-play with consoles. Despite its technical limitations compared to consoles, the convenience of portable play makes it a winner for many.
The default Steam Deck visual preset is a bit blurry; tweaking settings is recommended. The $69.99 price tag is also worth considering, given the microtransactions.
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. A recent patch even includes Steam Deck and Linux fixes. The game is capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended), and supports 16:10 in menus. While 16:9 is used for gameplay, the overall experience is smooth. A strong contender for Steam Deck Verified status.
Arco Steam Deck Mini Review
Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, is Steam Deck Verified and runs smoothly at 60fps, though only supports 16:9. It features an assist mode (beta) for skipping combat and other conveniences. The game's blend of real-time and turn-based elements, coupled with its compelling story and visuals, makes it a highly recommended title. A free demo is available.
Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5
Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review
Skull and Bones, rated "Playable" by Valve, requires a Ubisoft Connect login (which can be a bit clunky). A 30fps frame rate limit, 16:10 at 800p, and FSR 2 quality upscaling provide a stable experience. While still early in the game, the potential is there, especially with recent updates. A free trial is recommended before purchasing. Note that it's online-only.
Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA
ODDADA Steam Deck Review
ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs perfectly at 90fps with touch controls (no controller support yet). While the menu text is small, the game's visuals and creative tools make it a worthwhile experience. Controller support is in development.
ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5
Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review
Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. It offers extensive graphical settings, allowing for customization to achieve a balance between visuals and performance. The controls, however, are a point of contention. Despite some control issues, the unique gameplay loop, visuals, and writing make it an enjoyable experience.
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 the Steam Deck out of the box, supporting 16:9 at 720p. It's a recommended title for fans of the series, but playing DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation beforehand is suggested.
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Review Score: 4/5
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, a significantly enhanced version of the original, is playable on Steam Deck using trackpad and touch controls (no controller support yet). Initial impressions are positive, especially for those who enjoyed the original but felt it needed improvement.
Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions
Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with extensive graphical options, including HDR support on Steam Deck. The gameplay is highly enjoyable, making it a strong recommendation. The free-to-play version allows you to sample the experience before purchasing DLC.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable games for the week
Several games received Verified or Playable status, including Hookah Haze, OneShot: World Machine Edition, and others. Black Myth: Wukong, surprisingly, remains Unsupported despite playable performance.
Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials
The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on titles like the Talos Principle series.
This concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Feedback is welcome!
