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 not yet officially rated by Valve), it delivers a satisfying portable basketball experience, despite some familiar 2K quirks.

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 2K titles, this is the definitive version. The 16:10 and 800p support, along with AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for clarity), are welcome additions. Extensive graphical settings allow for fine-tuning, though I found capping the framerate at 60fps yielded the best results. While the Steam Deck preset works, I preferred the sharper visuals achieved through manual adjustments.

Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an internet connection, though quick play and eras function offline. Load times, while improved, remain slower than on consoles. Crossplay with consoles is absent. Microtransactions persist, impacting certain modes, a factor to consider given the game's price point.

Despite technical advantages on consoles, the portability factor makes Steam Deck my preferred platform for NBA 2K25.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Unverified by Valve but running smoothly, Gimmick! 2 benefits from recent Steam Deck and Linux-specific fixes. Capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended), it supports 16:10 for menus, though gameplay remains 16:9. The lack of graphical options isn't detrimental; its excellent 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 (currently not on Switch). The blend of real-time and turn-based elements, coupled with its captivating story and audio, creates a unique experience. Steam Deck Verified, it runs at 60fps and offers an assist mode for those wanting to streamline gameplay.

A highly recommended tactical RPG with a compelling narrative. A free demo is available.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Recently added to Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" on Steam Deck. While the initial Ubisoft Connect login is clunky, the game runs well at 30fps (with FSR 2 quality upscaling) at 16:10 and 800p with most settings on low. Early impressions are positive, showing potential with continued support. Note: it's online-only.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs flawlessly at 90fps on Steam Deck, utilizing touch controls (controller support is pending). Minor drawbacks include small menu text and the lack of controller support. Despite this, its intuitive touch controls and beautiful visuals make it a must-have for music enthusiasts.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While not deeply engaging in either genre, it carves its own niche. Running on Proton Experimental, it offers extensive graphical settings, allowing for customization to achieve optimal performance. Controls could use improvement.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

A visual novel, DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs perfectly on Steam Deck, offering a smooth experience with its cutscenes and gameplay. Minor adjustments to controller settings are recommended.

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

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, a significantly enhanced re-release, is playable on Steam Deck, though controller support is absent. Initial impressions are positive, especially for fans of the original.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with extensive graphical options, including HDR support on Steam Deck. Gameplay is excellent, making it a worthwhile addition to any Steam Deck library. The free-to-play version allows for 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 the Talos Principle series and more.

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