Steam Deck Weekly: Verified Games Unveiled

This week's Steam Deck Weekly features reviews and impressions of several games, focusing on their performance and features on the Steam Deck. Let's dive in!

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

NBA 2K25 marks a significant step for PC gamers. It's the first time the PC version mirrors the next-gen console experience, boasting features like ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) and the WNBA debut. Officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve), it delivers a satisfying portable basketball experience. While the visuals and gameplay are excellent, the usual 2K microtransaction issues persist.

The Steam Deck port supports 16:10 and 800p resolutions, along with AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I found disabling upscaling improved clarity). Extensive graphics settings allow for customization, but I recommend capping the framerate at 60fps for optimal stability. Load times are noticeably slower than on consoles, and there's no crossplay. Offline play is limited; while quick play and eras work offline, MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an internet connection.

Despite the technical differences compared to consoles, the portability factor makes the Steam Deck version a compelling choice for many.

The game offers a Steam Deck visual preset, but I found manual adjustments necessary for optimal visual clarity.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Gimmick! 2 runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck, even without official Valve testing. The game is capped at 60fps, and forcing a 60hz refresh rate on OLED screens is recommended. While lacking graphical options, it correctly supports 16:10 resolution in menus (gameplay remains 16:9). Its smooth performance suggests a likely Steam Deck Verified rating in the near future.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, is already Steam Deck Verified. It runs smoothly at 60fps, offering a unique blend of real-time and turn-based combat. The game's audio, story, and diverse characters are standout features. A beta assist mode provides options to skip combat or utilize infinite dynamite, along with the ability to skip the first act on replays.

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. While the initial Ubisoft Connect login isn't seamless, the game runs well with a 30fps cap, 16:10 resolution at 800p, and FSR 2 upscaling. Performance is more stable with the performance upscaling preset. I recommend setting textures to high and other settings to low. The game itself shows potential, but it's an online-only experience.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA is a music-making experience that feels like a game. It runs perfectly at 90fps on Steam Deck, offering resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. The main drawback is the lack of controller support; it's best played using touch controls.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. It offers extensive graphics settings, allowing for customization to balance visuals and performance. The game's visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights, but the controls could use improvement.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs perfectly on the Steam Deck, offering 16:9 support at 720p. It's a recommended title for fans of the series, but playing DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation beforehand is suggested.

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 improvement over the original. While lacking controller support on Steam Deck, it's playable using trackpad and touch controls. Initial impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with features like HDR support on Steam Deck. The gameplay is enjoyable, and the free-to-play version allows for sampling before purchasing DLC tables.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Notable additions this week include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified), and several others marked as Playable. Black Myth: Wukong, surprisingly, remains Unsupported despite playable performance.

Steam Deck Game Sales

The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on titles like the Talos Principle series.

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