Steam Deck Reviews: Verified Games Hit the System

This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into my recent gaming experiences, featuring reviews and impressions of several titles, including some newly verified and playable games, and highlighting current sales. If you missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 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, not a downgraded console port. The official PC FAQ confirms Steam Deck optimization, though it lacks Valve's official rating. My experience on the Steam Deck, along with PS5 and Xbox Series X (via review codes and purchase), is largely positive, though some familiar issues persist.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously PS5/Xbox Series X exclusive) for enhanced gameplay, and the WNBA and MyNBA mode debuts on PC. If you've avoided recent PC 2K titles, NBA 2K25 is the definitive version. I hope its success ensures continued Next-Gen PC releases and dedicated Steam Deck optimization.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are included, but I disabled them (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 the Steam Deck performs a quick shader cache on each boot, a minor inconvenience.

Advanced graphics options include shader detail, shadow detail, player detail, crowd detail, NPC density, and more. I used mostly low/medium settings, disabling upscaling for better clarity. Player and shader detail were set to medium. Capping the framerate to 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. This prompted my manual adjustments.

Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online access. Quick play and eras function offline, with faster load times observed.

While technically inferior to console versions, the Steam Deck provides a superior portable experience. Load times are slower than on PS5/Xbox Series X, but still acceptable. Note the lack of crossplay with consoles.

Microtransactions remain a concern, especially in certain modes. However, they're less impactful if you focus on core gameplay. The $69.99 PC price is higher than previous years' releases.

NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on the Steam Deck, matching PS5/Xbox Series X features. With minor tweaking, it looks and plays great. 2K's finally brought all features to PC after years of delays. Steam Deck owners will find this a worthwhile experience, 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 well on Steam Deck, even without Valve's testing; its recent patch notes mention Steam Deck and Linux fixes.

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

While higher framerates would be welcome, it's not a major issue. Steam Deck verification seems likely given its smooth performance. I concur with Shaun's positive assessment.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, has received a significant update on Steam, addressing prior issues. This review focuses on the updated Steam version.

The game blends turn-based and real-time elements, described as "Superhot meets a pixel art tactical RPG," though that's a simplification. The audio and story are particularly strong.

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

Arco exceeded expectations; its dynamic gameplay, visuals, music, and story are superb. A free demo is available.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones, recently released on Steam, is playable but has some rough edges. This review focuses on the Steam Deck port.

Valve rates it as "Playable." Ubisoft Connect login is clunky. For stable performance, I used a 30fps cap, 16:10/800p resolution, FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable), and low settings (except high textures).

Early impressions of the game are positive, with potential for improvement through future updates.

It's hard to recommend at full price, but the free trial is worth checking. It's an online-only experience; cross-progression with consoles is available.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA is a music-creation tool resembling a game. It's visually appealing and offers numerous creative options, using mouse or touch controls on Steam Deck. The random element ensures unique creations.

It runs at 90fps with adjustable resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. Menu text is small on the Steam Deck. Controller support is absent but touch controls work well.

Despite lacking controller support, it's highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts. Steam Deck verification is pending.

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 on Proton Experimental.

The gameplay loop involves space exploration, jobs, and unlocks. Visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

PC and Steam Deck offer extensive graphics settings. I used a custom preset (low shadows, normal other settings, no temporal anti-aliasing) targeting ~40fps.

Controls are a significant drawback. Despite this, it's enjoyable for fans of automobile simulation and exploration. Further optimization is hoped for.

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, is a Western release on Steam, following the successful DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation.

The story follows Shido's dream of a girl named Ren, branching narratives, and returning characters. The art style is appealing, and the tone is lighter than its predecessor.

Steam Deck compatibility is excellent, running at 720p with 16:9 support. Check system settings to ensure correct button mapping and aspect ratio.

Highly recommended for fans of the series. Playing Rio Reincarnation first is advised.

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 Total War: PHARAOH. It includes expanded content, new factions, a Dynasty system, and various improvements.

Steam Deck support is playable via trackpad and touch controls, but controller support is absent. Early impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a wide selection of pinball tables with extensive PC graphics options and HDR support on Steam Deck.

Gameplay is enjoyable, and the free-to-play version allows sampling 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 Unsupported (despite playable performance).

Steam Deck Game Sales

The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on Talos Principle and other titles.

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