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!
NBA 2K25 marks a significant milestone: the PC version finally mirrors the "Next Gen" experience previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X. Officially confirmed as Steam Deck optimized (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 debut alongside MyNBA mode. If you've held off on recent PC 2K releases, this is the one to get. The game boasts 16:10 and 800p support, AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for clarity). Extensive graphical settings allow for customization, but I found a 60fps cap at 60hz provided the best balance of performance and visual fidelity. The default Steam Deck preset appeared overly blurry.
Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an online connection, though quick play and eras function offline. Load times are noticeably slower than on consoles, and crossplay isn't supported between PC and consoles. Microtransactions remain a persistent issue, impacting certain game modes.
Despite technical limitations compared to consoles, the portability factor makes the Steam Deck a preferred platform for me.
NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5
(See Shaun's Switch review here). Gimmick! 2 runs smoothly on Steam Deck, even boasting Steam Deck and Linux fixes in its latest patch. Capped at 60fps, forcing your Steam Deck to 60hz on OLED screens is recommended to avoid jitter. While lacking graphical options, it supports 16:10 in menus (gameplay remains 16:9). A strong contender for Steam Deck Verified status.
Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, shines on Steam Deck with its updated build. The combat system, audio, and story are standout features. Steam Deck Verified, it runs at 60fps with 16:9 support. An assist mode (beta) offers combat skipping and other options.
Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5
Newly available on Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" on Steam Deck. While the Ubisoft Connect login process feels sluggish, gameplay is smooth with a 30fps cap, 16:10 and 800p resolution, and FSR 2 upscaling. Performance is better with performance upscaling. Early impressions are positive, but it's an online-only experience.
Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA
ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs flawlessly at 90fps on Steam Deck, utilizing touch controls effectively (controller support is absent but in development). While menu text is small, the overall experience is highly enjoyable.
ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5
Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While not fully optimizing either genre, it provides a unique experience. Runs well on Proton Experimental with customizable graphics settings. Controls require adjustment.
Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, a visual novel, runs perfectly on Steam Deck out of the box. Check system settings to ensure proper button configuration and aspect ratio.
DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Review Score: 4/5
Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, a significantly enhanced version of the original, is playable on Steam Deck using trackpad and touch controls (controller support pending).
Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with extensive graphical options, including HDR support on Steam Deck. The gameplay is highly enjoyable. Consider downloading the free version to sample the experience.
Notable additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified). Black Myth: Wukong's "Unsupported" status is surprising given its performance.
The Games from Croatia sale features discounts on the Talos Principle series and more. Sale ends Monday.
Find past and future Steam Deck coverage here. Share your feedback in the comments!
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