This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into recent gameplay experiences and reviews, highlighting several titles and a noteworthy sale. Missed last week's Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review? Catch it here!

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 lacking official Valve verification), it delivers a largely satisfying experience, albeit with some familiar 2K quirks.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology for enhanced gameplay and the WNBA's PC debut alongside MyNBA mode. If you've held off on recent PC 2K titles, this is the one to grab. Let's hope its success ensures continued Next-Gen PC releases and dedicated Steam Deck optimization.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support, along with AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for improved clarity). Extensive graphical settings allow for fine-tuning, from texture detail and shader options to advanced features like global illumination and ambient occlusion. I recommend a 60fps cap at 60hz for optimal stability and visual fidelity. The game performs a quick shader cache on each boot, a minor inconvenience.

While a Steam Deck visual preset is available, I found it too blurry. Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an internet connection, though quick play and eras function offline. Load times are noticeably slower than on PS5/Xbox Series X, despite using the Steam Deck OLED's internal SSD. No crossplay with consoles is another consideration.

Despite technical limitations compared to consoles, the portable nature of the Steam Deck makes it my preferred platform for NBA 2K25. The usual microtransaction concerns remain, impacting certain game modes. At $69.99, it's a premium price point.

Ultimately, NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching the PS5/Xbox Series X feature set. With some adjustments, it looks and plays great. Just be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

(See Shaun's Switch review here.) Gimmick! 2, while unverified, runs flawlessly on Steam Deck, even boasting Steam Deck and Linux fixes in its latest patch. Capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED is recommended), it supports 16:10 in menus, though gameplay remains 16:9. No graphical options are present.

Despite the 60fps cap, the game's performance is excellent, making Steam Deck verification highly likely. The game itself lives up to expectations.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, has received a significant update on Steam (not yet on Switch), addressing previous shortcomings. Steam Deck compatibility is excellent, running at a capped 60fps with 16:9 support. An assist mode (beta) offers options to skip combat, enable infinite dynamite, and more.

Arco surpasses expectations, blending real-time and turn-based elements with stunning visuals, music, and a compelling story. Highly recommended! A free demo is available.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Recently released on Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" by Valve. The Ubisoft Connect login process is somewhat clunky. Targeting 30fps at 16:10 and 800p with FSR 2 quality upscaling provides a stable experience. Lowering settings further improves performance.

Early impressions are positive, showing potential with continued support. The free trial is recommended before a full purchase. Online-only play is a key consideration.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs perfectly at 90fps with touch controls. Graphical options are minimal, but menu text is small. Controller support is absent but the team is working on Steam Deck verification.

Despite the lack of controller support, ODDADA is a highly enjoyable creative tool, best played with touch or mouse.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While not deeply engaging in either genre, it creates a unique experience. Runs well on Proton Experimental, offering extensive graphical settings.

The gameplay loop is enjoyable, highlighted by visuals, writing, and voice acting. Controls require some adjustment.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

A visual novel, DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs flawlessly on Steam Deck, supporting 16:9 at 720p. Check system settings to ensure correct button mapping.

A great follow-up to Rio Reincarnation, it's highly recommended for fans of the series.

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 of the original, adding content and features. While playable on Steam Deck, controller support is absent, requiring trackpad/touch controls.

Initial impressions are positive for fans of the original.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a wide array of PC graphical options, including HDR support on Steam Deck. Gameplay is excellent across multiple tables. The free-to-play version is recommended to test compatibility and sample the game.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

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

Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials

The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on Talos Principle and more. The sale ends Monday.

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