Steam Deck Weekly: New Games Arrive, Powering Play on the Go

This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into recent gameplay experiences, reviews, and noteworthy sales. Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review? Catch it here!

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Yearly sports titles often face criticism, but I've always appreciated 2K's NBA offerings. NBA 2K25 stands out for two key reasons: it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to feature 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 reveals a highly enjoyable game, albeit with some familiar 2K quirks.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) and the debut of WNBA and MyNBA modes on PC. If you've held off on recent PC versions, 2K25 delivers the complete package. I 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. Further enhancements include AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for clarity reasons, explained below). Adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90fps/45fps), HDR (Steam Deck compatible), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. Allowing the initial shader cache is recommended. NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a brief shader cache on each boot.

Advanced graphics options provide extensive control over shader detail, shadows, player/crowd detail, NPC density, volumetric effects, reflections, filters, global illumination, ambient occlusion, TAA, motion blur, depth of field, bloom, and anisotropy. I found a balance of medium settings (player detail and shader detail) with upscaling disabled, capped at 60fps for optimal clarity and stability.

While a Steam Deck preset is available, I found it overly blurry. Offline play is partially supported; quick play and eras work, but MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an internet connection. Offline load times are noticeably faster.

Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience, but the portability factor makes the Steam Deck my preferred platform. Load times are slower on Steam Deck (even with an SSD) compared to PS5/Xbox Series X, but not excessively so. Note that there's no cross-play between PC and consoles.

Microtransactions remain a concern, particularly for certain modes. However, if you simply want a visually appealing and enjoyable basketball game, their impact is minimized. The $69.99 PC price is higher than in previous years.

NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching the PS5/Xbox Series X feature set. With minor adjustments, it looks and performs exceptionally well. 2K's decision to finally bring all features to PC is commendable. Enjoy the game, but be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2? Read Shaun's Switch review here. My Steam Deck experience was positive; the game runs smoothly out-of-the-box, even mentioning Steam Deck and Linux fixes in its latest patch.

Gimmick! 2 is capped at 60fps on Steam Deck (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended). While lacking graphical options, it supports 16:10 for menus. 1080p testing confirmed proper 16:10 support in menus (gameplay remains 16:9). A potential Steam Deck Verified candidate due to its seamless performance. I concur with Shaun's assessment of the game itself.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG with pixel art and a compelling narrative, has received a significant update on Steam (not yet on Switch). The combat system is surprisingly engaging, with real-time elements blended into the turn-based structure. The audio and story are particularly noteworthy.

Steam Deck compatibility is excellent (Verified), running at a capped 60fps with 16:9 support. An assist mode (beta) allows skipping combat, infinite dynamite, and more, including skipping the first act on replays.

Arco exceeded my expectations; the dynamic gameplay, visuals, music, and story are superb. 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, recently added to Steam, offers naval combat and open-world exploration. My Steam Deck experience focused on the port itself; it's rated "Playable" by Valve. Ubisoft Connect login is initially cumbersome. For stable performance, I used a 30fps cap, 16:10 at 800p, FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable), and low settings (except high textures).

Early impressions of the game are positive, showing potential with continued support. A free trial is recommended before a full purchase. Note that it's online-only.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA is a music-creation tool with a game-like structure. The aesthetic is appealing, and the toolbox offers various creative options. Interaction is via mouse or touch controls (no controller support yet). It runs flawlessly at 90fps with adjustable resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. Menu text is small on Steam Deck.

Despite the lack of controller support (which may not be necessary given the touch/mouse focus), ODDADA is highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts.

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, offering adjustable settings including resolution (16:10 support), refresh rate, v-sync, graphics quality, and more. I achieved ~40fps with adjusted settings. Controls require some adjustment.

The gameplay loop, visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights. Further optimization for Steam Deck is desired.

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 with 16:9 support at 720p. Check system settings to ensure proper button configuration and aspect ratio.

A recommended follow-up to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation 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, an enhanced re-release, offers expanded content and improvements. Steam Deck play is possible using trackpad and touch controls (no controller support). 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. Gameplay is enjoyable. The free-to-play version allows sampling before purchasing DLC.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Notable additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified). Black Myth: Wukong's "Unsupported" status is surprising given its performance.

Steam Deck Game Sales

The Games from Croatia sale features discounts on Talos Principle and other titles.

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