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This week's Steam Deck Weekly roundup features reviews and impressions of several games, plus a look at newly Verified and Playable titles and current sales. If you missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck review, you can find it here.
Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions
NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck
Despite the usual yearly sports game skepticism, I've always enjoyed 2K's NBA titles. NBA 2K25 stands out: it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to offer 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 confirms its quality, though some familiar issues persist.
Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously PS5/Xbox Series X exclusive), the WNBA's PC debut, and the MyNBA mode. If you've held off on recent PC versions, NBA 2K25 delivers the complete package.
The Steam Deck version boasts 16:10 and 800p support, along with AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for clarity). V-sync options, a dynamic v-sync targeting 90/45fps, HDR (functional on Steam Deck), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options are all available. Initial shader caching is recommended, though the game does a quick cache on each boot.
Extensive graphics settings are available, allowing for granular control over shadow detail, player detail, and more. I found a 60fps cap at 60hz provided the best balance of performance and visual clarity. The default Steam Deck preset was a bit blurry for my preference.
Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an online connection, but Quick Play and Eras modes work offline. Load times are noticeably slower than on PS5/Xbox Series X, even on the Steam Deck OLED's internal SSD. There's no crossplay with consoles.
While the console versions offer a technically superior experience, the portability of the Steam Deck makes it my preferred platform. The microtransactions remain a concern, particularly for certain game modes, especially considering the higher price point ($69.99) compared to previous years.
NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching the PS5/Xbox Series X feature set. With some tweaking, it looks and plays great. Just 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). Despite lacking official Valve testing, it runs flawlessly, even benefiting from recent Steam Deck and Linux fixes. Capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended), it supports 16:10 for menus but uses a 16:9 aspect ratio for gameplay. It's a strong candidate for future Steam Deck Verification.
Arco Steam Deck Mini Review
Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, is even better now thanks to recent updates. It's Steam Deck Verified and runs smoothly at 60fps, with 16:9 support. An assist mode (beta) allows skipping combat and other options, including skipping the first act on replays. The unique blend of real-time and turn-based combat, combined with its captivating story and visuals, makes it a must-have tactical RPG. A free demo is available.
Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5
Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review
Newly available on Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" by Valve. The Ubisoft Connect login process is somewhat clunky, but the game runs well at 30fps (16:10, 800p) with FSR 2 quality upscaling. Lowering settings further improves performance. While still early in my playthrough, the game shows promise and is better than previous versions. A free trial is recommended. It's online-only.
Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA
ODDADA Steam Deck Review
ODDADA is a unique music-making experience. It runs perfectly at 90fps on Steam Deck, with options for resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. Menu text is a bit small. Currently lacking controller support, it's best played with touch controls.
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, with adjustable settings including resolution (16:10 support), refresh rate, and various graphics options. I achieved a stable 40fps with a custom preset. Controls could use improvement.
Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs perfectly on Steam Deck at 720p (16:9), with no adjustments needed. Check system settings to ensure correct button configuration. A recommended follow-up to 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 upgrade over the original. While playable on Steam Deck using trackpad and touch controls, controller support is absent. Initial impressions are positive.
Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions
Pinball FX offers extensive PC graphics options and HDR support on Steam Deck. Gameplay is enjoyable across multiple tables. The free-to-play version is recommended to test compatibility and try some tables.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games
Notable additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified), while Black Myth: Wukong remains Unsupported (despite playable performance).
Steam Deck Game Sales
Check out the Games from Croatia sale featuring discounts on Talos Principle and more.
That concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Feedback is welcome!
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