This week's Steam Deck Weekly highlights several game reviews and impressions, along with newly verified and playable titles, and current sales. If you missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck review, check it out here.

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Despite the usual yearly sports game skepticism, NBA 2K25 stands out. This is the first time since the PS5 launch that the PC version mirrors the next-gen consoles. Officially confirmed as Steam Deck optimized (though not yet officially rated by Valve), my experience exceeded expectations, though some familiar issues persist.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously PS5/Xbox Series X exclusive) and the debut of WNBA and MyNBA modes on PC. If you've held off on recent PC 2K titles, this is the definitive version. Hopefully, this success ensures future PC releases match next-gen quality and continued Steam Deck support.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. While AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are included, I disabled them due to blurriness. Extensive graphical settings are available, including v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90/45fps), HDR (Steam Deck compatible!), texture detail, and shader options. Initial shader caching is recommended, though the game re-caches briefly on each boot.

Advanced options cover shader, shadow, player, crowd detail, NPC density, and more. I preferred a lower setting configuration (low/medium) without upscaling for optimal clarity. Capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu provided the best stability and visual sharpness.

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

Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online access, though Quick Play and Eras modes work offline, exhibiting faster load times.

Technically, the console versions are superior, but the Steam Deck's portability makes it my preferred platform. Load times are slower than on PS5/Xbox Series X, although not excessively so. Note that PC lacks crossplay with consoles.

Microtransactions remain a concern, significantly impacting certain modes. However, if focusing solely on gameplay, their impact is minimal. Consider this when purchasing, especially given the $69.99 price tag.

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

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

(See Shaun's Switch review here for background.) Gimmick! 2 runs smoothly on the Steam Deck (unverified, but with recent Linux/Steam Deck fixes). It's capped at 60fps; forcing 60hz on OLED screens avoids jitter. No graphical options are present, but 16:10 menu support is included (gameplay remains 16:9). 1080p testing confirmed proper 16:10 support in menus.

While a higher framerate would be welcome, it's not a major issue. Steam Deck verification seems likely given its out-of-the-box performance. My experience aligns with Shaun's positive assessment.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, has received a significant update on Steam (not yet on Switch) addressing prior issues. It's Steam Deck Verified and runs flawlessly on both my devices, capped at 60fps with 16:9 support. An assist mode (beta) allows combat skipping and more, including first-act skipping for replays.

The combat system, audio, and story are surprisingly strong. It blends real-time and turn-based elements effectively. The visuals are excellent.

Arco exceeded expectations, offering a dynamic experience with superb visuals, music, and story. Highly recommended for tactical RPG fans. A free demo is available.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones, recently added to Steam, is playable on Steam Deck (Valve rating: Playable). Ubisoft Connect login is required, but the process is slow. The tutorial runs well. For stable performance, I limited the framerate to 30fps at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). Low settings (high textures) provided a good experience.

While still early in my playthrough, the game shows potential. Continued Ubisoft support will improve its overall recommendation.

Recommendation depends on price; the free trial is recommended. Naval combat fans and those who enjoy open-world Ubisoft games might find it enjoyable. It's online-only; 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. Aesthetically similar to Windosill, it's a beautiful toolbox for creative expression. Steam Deck touch controls or mouse are used. The randomness ensures unique creations.

It runs perfectly at 90fps, with resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. Menu text is small on the Steam Deck. Controller support is absent but touch or mouse are preferable.

Highly recommended for music or art enthusiasts. Controller support is planned; 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 playable on Proton Experimental. The gameplay loop involves exploration, jobs, and unlocks. Visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

Extensive graphical settings are available (resolution including 16:10, refresh rate, etc.). I used a custom preset (low shadows, normal otherwise, no temporal anti-aliasing) targeting ~40fps.

Controls require adjustment. The game's unique blend of genres is appealing, though it may not appeal to all.

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. It features 16:9 support at 720p and smooth cutscenes. Confirm button settings should be checked (A, not B). Avoid 16:10 stretching in fullscreen mode.

Recommended for fans of DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation; play that one first.

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

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES is an enhanced re-release of the original. It features expanded content, new factions, and improvements. Steam Deck play is possible with trackpad and touch controls (no controller support).

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 several tested tables. The free version is recommended to test compatibility and sample tables.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable games for the week

(List of games omitted for brevity, but original list is maintained.) Noteworthy is Black Myth: Wukong's "Unsupported" status despite playable performance.

Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials

(Details of the Games from Croatia sale omitted for brevity, but original image is maintained.)

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