Welcome to this week's Steam Deck Weekly! Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck review? Catch it here. This week, we're diving into my Steam Deck impressions and reviews of several games played recently, focusing on Steam Deck Verified titles and highlighting some current discounts.

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Yearly sports releases often face skepticism, but I've always enjoyed 2K's NBA games, despite their flaws. 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 2K officially confirmed its Steam Deck optimization (though lacking official Valve rating). Having played it on Steam Deck, PS5, and Xbox Series X, I'm very pleased, though some familiar issues persist.

For PC players who've skipped recent entries, NBA 2K25 boasts ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5/Xbox Series X) for enhanced gameplay, and the WNBA makes its PC debut alongside MyNBA mode. If you've held off hoping for the 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 offer 16:10 and 800p support. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are included, but I disabled them (explained later). You can adjust v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90fps in-game, 45fps otherwise), HDR (Steam Deck compatible!), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. Caching shaders on initial boot is recommended for optimal gameplay. NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a quick shader cache on each boot—a minor inconvenience.

The advanced graphics menu offers extensive customization: shader detail, shadow detail, player detail, crowd detail, NPC density, volumetric effects, reflections, era filters, global illumination, ambient occlusion, TAA, motion blur, depth of field, bloom, and max anisotropy. This is a remarkably feature-rich PC port. I used low/medium settings, disabling upscaling for better clarity. Capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu provided the best stability and clarity.

The default Steam Deck visual preset is functional, but I found it too blurry. Hence, my adjustments.

Offline play is limited. While the game boots in airplane mode, MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online connection. Quick play and eras work offline, and load times are faster.

Technically, the console versions are superior, but I find myself playing more on Steam Deck. Load times are noticeably slower on Steam Deck (even with an OLED's internal SSD), though not drastically so. There's no crossplay between PC and consoles.

Microtransactions remain an issue, impacting certain modes. If you simply want a great-looking basketball game, they're less impactful, but the $69.99 price tag is worth noting, especially compared to previous years' lower pricing.

NBA 2K25 provides a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching PS5/Xbox Series X feature parity. With some tweaking, it looks and runs great. 2K finally brought all features to PC after years of waiting. Enjoy, but be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2? Check out Shaun's Switch review here. On Steam Deck (currently unverified by Valve), it runs flawlessly. The latest patch even mentions Steam Deck and Linux fixes.

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

While I hoped for >60fps, it's not a major drawback. Steam Deck verification seems likely given its out-of-the-box performance. I concur with Shaun's review—Gimmick! 2 shines on Steam Deck.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

I've always loved Arco, though it felt a few updates from perfection. The pixel-art tactical RPG launched on PC and Switch, receiving a major Steam update addressing my prior issues (not yet on Switch). This review covers the updated Steam Deck version.

Arco is more than a pretty tactical game. The combat system is surprisingly engaging, and the audio and story particularly impressed me. The blend of real-time and turn-based elements is unique. It's been described as Superhot meets a pixel-art tactical RPG, though that's an oversimplification.

Arco is Steam Deck Verified, running flawlessly on both my devices at a seemingly capped 60fps with 16:9 support. A beta assist mode allows skipping combat, infinite dynamite, and more. The ability to skip Act 1 on replays is welcome.

Arco exceeded expectations. The dynamic gameplay, superb visuals, music, and story make it a standout tactical RPG. A free demo is available on Steam.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones launched on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, arriving on Steam recently. Ubisoft's confirmation of Steam Deck playability was encouraging. This review focuses on the Steam Deck port.

The Steam Deck version is rated "Playable." The initial Ubisoft Connect login is clunky. The tutorial runs fine, but for better performance, I set a 30fps limit at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). I used low settings except for high textures.

Early impressions of the game itself are positive, showcasing potential with ongoing support. It's improved since launch.

Skull and Bones is a tough recommendation at full price, but the free trial is worth considering. Naval combat fans and those who enjoy open-world Ubisoft games might appreciate it, but it needs further refinement. Note that it's online-only. Cross-progression with consoles is a plus.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

I enjoy interactive toys like Townscaper. ODDADA felt like the next great one, and it delivered (with a minor caveat).

ODDADA isn't a traditional game but a music-making tool with a game-like structure. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of Windosill. It's a beautiful and elegant toolbox for creating music. Interaction is via mouse or Steam Deck touch controls. The randomness ensures unique creations.

ODDADA runs perfectly at 90fps on Steam Deck, lacking controller support (though touch works well). Graphics options include resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. Menu text is slightly small.

Despite the lack of controller support, ODDADA is excellent. Even with controller support, touch or mouse might be preferred.

Music and art enthusiasts will appreciate ODDADA. Controller support is in development; Steam Deck verification is pending.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Genre blends can be hit-or-miss. Star Trucker attempts to combine automobile simulation and space exploration. It's unrated by Valve but runs well on Proton Experimental.

The goal is space exploration, job completion, earning money, and unlocking content. Difficulty options and customization are available. The gameplay loop is enjoyable, but the visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

PC and Steam Deck offer video mode, resolution (16:10 included), refresh rate, v-sync, graphics quality, render scale, shadow quality, temporal anti-aliasing, ambient occlusion, mesh detail, and light shafts. I used a custom preset (low shadows, normal settings otherwise, TAA off) for ~40fps.

The controls are a significant drawback, requiring adjustment. Hopefully, future updates will improve them.

Star Trucker surprisingly blends truck simulation and space exploration. It appeals to fans of both genres. Further optimization for Steam Deck is desired.

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 has a Western release on Steam, following DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation. Fans of the latter should play this.

Players control Shido, following a dream about Ren. The narrative unfolds with multiple paths and returning characters. Choices matter, and the art is excellent. It's a lighter, complementary sequel to Rio Reincarnation.

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs perfectly on Steam Deck (720p, 16:9). Ensure the confirm button is set to A and that the image isn't stretched in fullscreen mode.

This is a must-have for Rio Reincarnation fans. Play Rio Reincarnation first.

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Review Score: 4/5

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

It's unusual to see a free update/re-launch get a new Steam page, but that's what happened with Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES. It's a significant improvement over the original.

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

Steam Deck playability is good, though controller support is absent (trackpad and touch controls are usable). Initial impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Shaun's enthusiasm for Zen Studios' Pinball FX series finally prompted me to try it on a handheld. The new Steam version features excellent PC port features and Steam Deck compatibility. HDR support is a highlight.

I've played several tables and love it. The free-to-play version is a great way to sample the game and its tables on Steam Deck.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games for the Week

Black Myth: Wukong is surprisingly Unsupported (despite playable performance). Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition are now Verified.

• Black Myth: Wukong – Unsupported
• F1 Manager 2024 – Playable
• Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery – Playable
• Hookah Haze – Verified
• METAL SLUG ATTACK RELOADED – Verified
• OneShot: World Machine Edition – Verified
• Slash Quest – Verified
• Syberia – Verified
• Toree’s Panic Pack – Verified
• Volgarr the Viking II – Playable

Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials

Check out the Games from Croatia sale (until Monday) featuring discounts on the Talos Principle series and more.

That's it for this week's Steam Deck Weekly! Past and future coverage is available here. Feedback is welcome! Thanks for reading!