Steam Deck's Rundown: Latest Game Reviews Highlights

This week's Steam Deck Weekly features reviews and impressions of several games recently played on the Steam Deck, including verified titles and some currently discounted.

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Despite the usual yearly sports game skepticism, 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 on Steam Deck, PS5, and Xbox Series X shows a highly enjoyable game, but with some familiar shortcomings.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5/Xbox Series X) and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA mode. If you've avoided recent PC versions hoping for a complete experience, NBA 2K25 delivers. Let's hope its success ensures continued Next Gen PC releases and ongoing Steam Deck optimization.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are supported (though I disabled them – more on that later). Extensive graphical settings are available, including v-sync options, HDR (functional on Steam Deck), texture detail, overall quality, shader options, and more. I recommend letting the game cache shaders on the first boot. While NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a quick shader cache on each boot, it's not excessively long.

Advanced graphics options include shader detail, shadow detail, player detail, crowd detail, NPC density, and various effects. I used low or medium settings, disabling upscaling for better clarity. Capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu provided the most stable and clear experience.

The default Steam Deck visual preset is functional but appeared blurry. Experimenting with settings yielded a superior visual experience.

Offline play is partially supported. While some modes require online access, quick play and eras are playable offline. Load times were noticeably faster offline.

Technically, the console versions are superior, but the Steam Deck's portability makes it my preferred platform. Load times are slower on Steam Deck than on PS5 or Xbox Series X, though not drastically so. Note that there's no crossplay between PC and consoles.

Microtransactions remain an issue, primarily impacting certain game modes. If you prioritize gameplay and visuals, their impact is minimal, but their presence should be considered, especially given the $69.99 price tag.

NBA 2K25 provides a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching the PS5 and Xbox Series X feature set. With minor adjustments, it looks and runs great. 2K has finally delivered a complete PC port after years of waiting. However, be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

(See Shaun's Switch review for background.) Gimmick! 2 runs smoothly on Steam Deck (unverified, but with recent Steam Deck/Linux fixes). It's capped at 60fps; forcing 60hz on OLED screens prevents jitter. No graphical options are present, but 16:10 menu support is included (gameplay remains 16:9). It runs flawlessly on Steam Deck and is likely to be verified soon.

While a higher framerate would be welcome, it's not a significant drawback. The game's quality makes its smooth Steam Deck performance a significant plus.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, is Steam Deck Verified and runs flawlessly on both my Steam Decks, capped at 60fps with 16:9 support. It includes an assist mode (beta) allowing combat skipping, infinite dynamite, and first-act skipping on replays.

Arco surpasses expectations; its combat system, audio, and story are highlights. The blend of turn-based and real-time elements is unique.

Arco is a highly recommended tactical RPG with a compelling story and a free demo available.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones, recently added to Steam, is rated "Playable" on Steam Deck. The Ubisoft Connect login process is slow. The tutorial runs fine, but for better performance, I limited the framerate to 30fps at 16:10 and 800p with FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). Low settings (except high textures) provided a good experience.

My early impressions are positive, suggesting potential with continued support. It's a better experience than previous versions.

While not fully recommended at full price, the free trial is worth checking. It's an online-only experience; cross-progression with console versions is available.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA is a music-making tool resembling a game. It runs perfectly at 90fps with resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. Menu text is small on Steam Deck. It lacks controller support but excels with touch controls.

Despite the lack of controller support, ODDADA is highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts. 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 runs on Proton Experimental. Extensive graphical settings are available, including resolution (16:10 supported). I used a custom preset targeting ~40fps. Controls need improvement.

Despite its genre blend, Star Trucker is enjoyable, particularly its visuals, writing, and radio banter. Further optimization for Steam Deck is hoped for.

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 at 720p with 16:9 support. Check system settings to ensure correct button configuration.

It's highly recommended for fans of the series, but playing DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation first is advised.

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 significantly enhanced version of the original. On Steam Deck, it lacks controller support but is playable with trackpad and touch controls.

Initial impressions are positive for fans of the original.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers extensive PC features and HDR support on Steam Deck. Gameplay is enjoyable across multiple tables. The free-to-play version is recommended to test compatibility and sample tables.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable games for the week

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

Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials

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

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