This week's Steam Deck Weekly features reviews and impressions of several games recently played on the handheld. If you missed the Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review, you can find it here. This article focuses on Steam Deck performance and reviews, including several verified titles and current sales.
Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review
Despite the yearly release cycle, NBA 2K25 stands out. It's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to match the "Next Gen" console experience. Officially confirmed as optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve), it delivers a satisfying experience with some expected caveats.
Key features include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5/Xbox Series X), WNBA debut, and MyNBA mode. PC players who skipped recent entries will find the full experience here. The game boasts 16:10 and 800p support, AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled upscaling for clarity). Extensive graphics options allow for customization, though I found a 60fps cap at 60hz provided the best stability and clarity. A Steam Deck visual preset is available, but I found it too blurry.
Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online connection, but Quick Play and Eras modes work offline. Load times are noticeably slower than on PS5/Xbox Series X, and there's no cross-play with consoles. Microtransactions remain a concern, especially for certain modes. Despite these issues, the Steam Deck delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience.
The Steam Deck version is a significant improvement over past PC ports, offering feature parity with next-gen consoles. With some tweaking, it looks and runs great.
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5
Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions
(See Shaun's Switch review here). Gimmick! 2 runs well on Steam Deck, even without official Valve testing; a recent patch included Steam Deck and Linux fixes. Capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended), it supports 16:10 in menus but gameplay remains 16:9. No graphics options are present, but it runs flawlessly.
The game's performance strongly suggests it will soon receive Steam Deck Verified status.
Arco Steam Deck Mini Review
Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, is already Steam Deck Verified. It runs smoothly at 60fps (16:9 only) and includes an assist mode (beta) for skipping combat or activating cheats. The combat system is unique, blending real-time and turn-based elements. The story, visuals, and audio are standouts.
The ability to skip the first act on replays is a welcome addition. A free demo is available on Steam.
Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5
Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review
Recently released on Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" by Valve. The Ubisoft Connect login process is slow, but the game runs well with a 30fps cap, 16:10 at 800p, and FSR 2 quality upscaling. I used low settings except for high textures. The game itself shows potential but requires further updates; a free trial is available. It's online-only.
Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA
ODDADA Steam Deck Review
ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs perfectly at 90fps with touch controls. It lacks controller support but offers resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. The menu text is small.
Despite the lack of controller support, it's highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts.
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 with adjustable graphics settings (including 16:10 support). Controls require adjustment.
The game's visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.
Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs flawlessly on Steam Deck at 720p (16:9). It's a great follow-up to Rio Reincarnation, featuring a lighthearted story, good art, and memorable characters.
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 update to the original, adding content and features. It's playable on Steam Deck using trackpad and touch controls, though controller support is absent.
Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions
Pinball FX offers a great pinball experience with many PC graphics options and HDR support on Steam Deck. The free-to-play version allows sampling of the game and 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, Discounts, and Specials
The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on Talos Principle and other titles.
This concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Feedback is welcome.
