This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into recent gameplay experiences and reviews, highlighting several titles and a noteworthy sale. 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 Steam Deck Review

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 feature the "Next Gen" experience, mirroring the current consoles. Furthermore, the official PC FAQ confirms Steam Deck optimization. While lacking official Valve verification, this is excellent news. After playing on Steam Deck and both consoles, I'm highly satisfied, though some familiar issues remain.

Long-time PC players will appreciate ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5/Xbox Series X) for enhanced gameplay, and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA modes. If you've avoided recent PC versions hoping for a complete experience, NBA 2K25 delivers. I hope its success ensures continued Next-Gen PC releases and dedicated Steam Deck support from 2K.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. It also includes AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS, which I disabled (explained later). Adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90fps/45fps), HDR (Steam Deck compatible), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. Initial shader caching is recommended. NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a quick shader cache on each boot – minor, but noticeable.

Extensive graphics options are available, including shader detail, shadow detail, player detail, crowd detail, NPC density, and more. I used low/medium settings, disabling upscaling for clarity. Player detail and shader detail were set to medium. Capping the framerate at 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu provided the best stability and clarity.

The default Steam Deck preset, while functional, appeared too blurry for my preference, prompting manual adjustments.

Offline play is partially supported. While some modes require online access (MyCAREER, MyTEAM), quick play and eras function offline. Load times were faster offline.

Technically, console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience, but I find myself playing more on the handheld. Load times are slower on Steam Deck, even with an OLED's internal SSD, though not drastically so. Note the lack of crossplay between PC and consoles.

Microtransactions remain a persistent issue, significantly impacting certain modes. If focused solely on gameplay, they're less impactful, but the $69.99 price point is noteworthy.

NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching PS5/Xbox Series X feature parity. With minor tweaking, it looks and performs great. 2K finally brought all features to PC after years of waiting. If you own a Steam Deck and want a great NBA 2K25 experience, 2K and Visual Concepts have delivered. Be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

For those unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2, read Shaun's Switch review here. It runs smoothly on Steam Deck (unverified by Valve) and even includes Steam Deck and Linux fixes in its latest patch.

The game is capped at 60fps on Steam Deck; forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended to avoid jitter. No graphical options are present, but 16:10 menu support is included. 1080p testing confirmed proper 16:10 support in menus (gameplay remains 16:9).

While higher framerates would be welcome, it's not a significant drawback. Steam Deck verification seems likely given its out-of-the-box performance. I concur with Shaun's positive review.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG with pixel art and a compelling story, recently launched on PC and Switch. A major Steam update addressed many prior issues (not yet on Switch). This review focuses on the updated Steam Deck version.

Beyond its attractive visuals, the combat system and narrative are surprisingly engaging. The audio and story elements were particularly impressive. The blend of real-time and turn-based elements is unique.

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

Arco exceeded 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, released earlier this year on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC (Steam recently), is an intriguing title. My focus is on the Steam Deck port. Ubisoft's confirmation of playability was encouraging.

Officially rated "Playable" by Valve. Ubisoft Connect login is required, but the process is slow. The tutorial runs smoothly. For better performance, I used a 30fps limit, 16:10 at 800p, FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable), and low settings (textures set to high).

My early impressions of the game itself are positive, showing potential with continued support.

A full-price recommendation is difficult, but the free trial is worthwhile. It's a promising naval combat/open-world title, but improvement is possible. Note that it's online-only. Cross-progression with console versions is planned.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA is a music-making tool resembling a game. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of Windosill. It's a beautiful and versatile creation tool. Interaction is via mouse or Steam Deck touch controls.

It runs perfectly at 90fps on Steam Deck, lacking controller support (currently). Graphical options include resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. Menu text is small on Steam Deck.

Despite the lack of controller support, ODDADA is excellent. Touch or mouse control is arguably optimal.

Highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts. While lacking controller support, touch controls work perfectly. Steam Deck verification is in progress.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. It's unrated by Valve, but runs well on Proton Experimental.

The gameplay involves space exploration, job completion, earning money, and unlocking content. Visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

Extensive graphical settings are available. I used a custom preset with low shadows, normal settings otherwise, and disabled temporal anti-aliasing for around 40fps.

Controls are a significant issue, requiring adjustment.

Star Trucker is a surprising blend of genres. While not universally appealing, it's enjoyable. 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

Originally a PS4 exclusive in Japan (2020), DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia's Western release is on Steam. It's a great sequel to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation.

The story follows Shido's dream about Ren. Multiple paths and returning characters are featured. The art is excellent. It's a lighter, complementary sequel to Rio Reincarnation.

Steam Deck performance is excellent (out-of-the-box). It supports 16:9 at 720p. Check system settings to ensure the confirm button is A, not B, and that 16:9 isn't stretched to 16:10.

Highly recommended for fans of Rio Reincarnation. Playing it before Rio Reincarnation is not recommended.

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 relaunch of the original, with a new Steam page. It significantly expands upon the original.

It nearly doubles campaign content, adds four factions, the Dynasty system, and numerous improvements. For Total War: PHARAOH owners, it's a substantial enhancement.

Steam Deck support lacks controller functionality, but trackpad and touch controls are usable. Initial impressions are very positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX, released on Steam last year, features many PC graphical options and HDR support on Steam Deck. I've played several tables and am impressed.

The gameplay is enjoyable. The free-to-play version allows sampling of the game and several tables.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

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

Steam Deck Game Sales

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

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