Introducing the Steam Deck Weekly Roundup!

This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into recent gameplay experiences, reviews, and noteworthy sales. Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review? Catch it here!

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

NBA 2K25 marks a significant milestone: the PC version finally mirrors the "Next Gen" experience previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X. Officially optimized for Steam Deck (though lacking Valve's official rating), it delivers a satisfying, albeit not flawless, portable basketball experience.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology for enhanced gameplay and the WNBA's PC debut alongside MyNBA mode. If you've held off on recent PC releases, NBA 2K25 is the definitive version. The game boasts 16:10 and 800p support, AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for clarity). Extensive graphics settings allow for customization, though I recommend capping the framerate at 60fps for optimal stability. While the Steam Deck preset is functional, I found it overly blurry.

Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online access, though quick play and eras function offline. Load times, while improved, are slower than console versions. Crossplay with consoles is absent. Microtransactions remain a concern, impacting certain game modes.

Despite technical limitations compared to consoles, the portable convenience makes NBA 2K25 a compelling Steam Deck title. With minor adjustments, it offers a visually appealing and smooth basketball experience.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Gimmick! 2, while unverified, runs flawlessly on Steam Deck, even boasting Steam Deck and Linux fixes in its latest patch. Capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended), it offers 16:10 menu support (though gameplay remains 16:9). The lack of graphics options isn't detrimental, and its smooth performance suggests imminent Steam Deck Verification.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, shines on Steam Deck with its recent update addressing prior issues. Verified from launch, it runs smoothly at 60fps (16:9 support only) and includes an assist mode for optional combat skipping. Its blend of turn-based and real-time elements, along with its compelling story and visuals, makes it a standout title.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones, rated "Playable" by Valve, offers a functional, though not perfectly smooth, Steam Deck experience. The Ubisoft Connect login process feels sluggish. Optimal performance is achieved at 30fps with FSR 2 quality upscaling and low settings (textures set to high). While still early in my playthrough, the game shows promise, particularly with recent updates.

It's an online-only experience, and while not fully recommended at full price, the free trial is worth exploring.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music-making experience, functions exceptionally well on Steam Deck at 90fps, utilizing touch controls (controller support is pending). While the menu text is small, its visual appeal and creative freedom make it a worthwhile addition to the Steam Deck library.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker, a blend of automobile simulation and space exploration, runs well on Proton Experimental. Its extensive graphics settings allow for performance optimization. While the gameplay loop is enjoyable, the controls require adjustment.

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, offering a smooth visual novel experience. Ensure the confirm button is set to A and the aspect ratio is correctly configured.

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

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, while playable, lacks controller support on Steam Deck, relying on trackpad and touch controls. Initial impressions are positive, building upon the original with significant improvements.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with extensive graphics options and HDR support on Steam Deck. Gameplay is enjoyable, and the free-to-play version allows for testing before purchasing DLC.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Notable additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified), while Black Myth: Wukong remains surprisingly Unsupported despite playable performance.

Steam Deck Game Sales

The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on the Talos Principle series and more.

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