Steam Deck's Latest Weekly Report: Verified Games Galore

This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into recent gameplay experiences and reviews, highlighting several titles and a noteworthy sale. 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 matches the "Next Gen" experience of PS5 and Xbox Series X. Officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve), it delivers a satisfying portable basketball experience. While it retains some typical 2K quirks, the improved ProPLAY technology and the WNBA's PC debut are welcome additions. Long-time PC players who skipped recent iterations will find this a worthwhile upgrade. I hope its success encourages 2K to continue prioritizing PC and Steam Deck optimization.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support, along with AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for better clarity). Extensive graphics settings allow for fine-tuning, from texture detail to advanced options like global illumination and ambient occlusion. I found a 60fps cap at 60hz provided the most stable and visually appealing experience. The default Steam Deck preset felt overly blurry.

Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an internet connection, but quick play and eras modes function offline, with noticeably faster loading times. While technically inferior to console versions, the portability factor makes the Steam Deck experience surprisingly preferable for me. Load times are slower than on PS5/Xbox Series X, and there's no crossplay. The persistent microtransaction issue remains a concern.

NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck offers a fantastic portable basketball experience, matching the visual fidelity of PS5 and Xbox Series X with some tweaking. 2K has finally delivered feature parity to PC after years of waiting. However, be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

(See Shaun's Switch review here). Gimmick! 2, while not yet Valve-tested, 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 supports 16:10 for menus but retains a 16:9 aspect ratio during gameplay. The lack of graphics options isn't a drawback; its smooth performance suggests imminent Steam Deck Verification.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, is already Steam Deck Verified and runs perfectly on both my Steam Decks. Capped at 60fps with 16:9 support, it includes a beta assist mode for skipping combat or enabling infinite dynamite. The ability to skip the first act on replays is a welcome addition. The blend of real-time and turn-based elements, coupled with superb visuals, music, and story, makes it a standout title.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones, recently added to Steam, is rated "Playable" by Valve. The initial Ubisoft Connect login process is sluggish. For stable performance on Steam Deck, I recommend a 30fps cap at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling. While early in my playthrough, I see potential, particularly with ongoing updates. The online-only nature is a key consideration.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs perfectly at 90fps on Steam Deck, though it currently lacks controller support. Simple graphics options are available. The menu text is slightly small. Despite the lack of controller support, touch controls work well.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While not yet Valve-rated, it runs well on Proton Experimental. Extensive graphics settings allow for customization. The gameplay loop, visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights. The controls, however, require some adjustment.

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 out of the box, with 16:9 support at 720p. Check system settings to ensure the confirm button is set to A. It's a recommended follow-up to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation.

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 but lacks controller support (trackpad and touch controls are usable). Initial impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers extensive PC graphics options, including 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). Black Myth: Wukong remains Unsupported, despite playable performance.

Steam Deck Game Sales

The Games from Croatia sale features discounts on the Talos Principle series and other titles.

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