Weekly Steam Deck Reviews: NBA 2K25 and More Arrivals

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

Yearly sports releases often face criticism, but I've always appreciated 2K's NBA titles despite their flaws. NBA 2K25 stands out for two key reasons: it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to mirror the "Next Gen" experience, and it's officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve). After playing it on Steam Deck, both consoles (via review codes and purchase), I'm highly satisfied, acknowledging the usual 2K quirks.

Longtime PC players will appreciate the inclusion of ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) for enhanced gameplay, and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA modes. If you've avoided recent PC 2K releases, NBA 2K25 offers the complete experience. 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. Further enhancements include AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these – more on that later). Adjustable settings include v-sync, a dynamic v-sync targeting 90fps during gameplay and 45fps otherwise, HDR (Steam Deck compatible!), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. Caching shaders on initial boot is recommended for optimal gameplay. NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a brief shader cache on each launch.

The advanced graphics menu offers extensive customization: shader detail, shadow detail, player detail, crowd detail, NPC density, volumetric effects, reflections, era filters, global illumination, ambient occlusion, TAA, motion blur, depth of field, bloom, and max anisotropy. I opted for mostly low or medium settings, disabling upscaling due to perceived blurriness. Player detail and shader detail were exceptions, remaining at medium. Capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu yielded the best stability and clarity.

The default Steam Deck visual preset, while functional, appeared overly blurry. This prompted my manual adjustments.

Offline play is partially supported. While many modes require online connectivity, quick play and eras function offline. MyCAREER and MyTEAM are inaccessible without a connection. Load times were noticeably faster offline.

Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience, but I find myself gravitating towards Valve's handheld after years on Switch and recent Steam Deck use. Load times are the primary difference, even on my Steam Deck OLED's internal SSD. While improved over older systems, they still lag behind PS5 and Xbox Series X. Crossplay isn't supported between PC and consoles.

The pervasive microtransactions remain a concern, particularly impacting certain game modes. However, for those seeking a visually appealing and enjoyable basketball game, their impact is minimized. Note the $69.99 PC price, higher than previous years.

NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching the PS5 and Xbox Series X feature set. With minor adjustments, it looks and performs exceptionally well. 2K's decision to finally bring all features to PC is commendable. Enjoy the game, but be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2? Check out Shaun's Switch review here. My Steam Deck experience was positive; though unverified, it runs smoothly out-of-the-box, with recent patches addressing Steam Deck and Linux compatibility.

Gimmick! 2 is capped at 60fps on Steam Deck; forcing the Steam Deck screen to 60hz (especially on OLED) is recommended to prevent jitter. While lacking graphical options, it supports 16:10 display in menus. 1080p testing confirmed proper 16:10 support for menus (gameplay remains 16:9).

The 60fps cap isn't a significant drawback. Steam Deck verification seems likely given its flawless out-of-the-box performance. I concur with Shaun's review; Gimmick! 2's Steam Deck performance is impressive.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

I've always appreciated Arco, but felt it was a few updates from perfection. Its recent PC and Switch release, followed by a major Steam update addressing my concerns (not yet on Switch), prompted this Steam Deck review.

Arco's trailers don't fully capture its depth. Beyond its attractive pixel art and tactical gameplay, the audio and story are surprisingly compelling. The combat system is dynamic, blending real-time elements into its turn-based structure. Think Superhot meets pixel art tactical RPG, though that's a simplification.

Arco is Steam Deck Verified, performing flawlessly on both my devices. It's capped at 60fps and supports 16:9. The Steam Deck build includes a beta assist mode (skip combat, infinite dynamite, etc.) and a first-act skip for replays.

Arco exceeded expectations; its dynamic gameplay, visuals, music, and story are superb. A highly recommended tactical RPG with a memorable narrative. A free demo is available on Steam.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones is a fascinating case. Released earlier this year on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC (Steam release a week prior to this writing), my expectations were tempered. Ubisoft's claim of Steam Deck playability offered some hope. This review prioritizes the Steam Deck port.

Officially rated "Playable" by Valve, the initial Ubisoft Connect login is cumbersome. The tutorial runs smoothly, but for better performance, I set a 30fps limit, 16:10 resolution at 800p, and FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode offers better stability). Settings were mostly low, except for high textures.

My initial impressions of the game are positive, showing potential with further updates.

A full-price recommendation is premature, but the free trial is worthwhile. Naval combat and open-world Ubisoft games are my forte, and Skull and Bones shows promise despite its flaws. Note that it's online-only. I'll likely acquire the console version for cross-progression.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

I enjoy interactive toys like Townscaper. ODDADA felt like the next great one, and it delivered, with a minor control caveat.

ODDADA is a music-making hybrid, aesthetically reminiscent of Windosill. It's a visually stunning toolbox for creating unique music. Interaction is via mouse or Steam Deck touch controls, progressing through levels and instruments. Randomness ensures diverse creations.

ODDADA runs perfectly at 90fps, offering resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. Menu text is small on Steam Deck. The lack of controller support is the only negative, though touch or mouse control is arguably optimal.

Highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts. While lacking controller support (currently under development), touch controls work well. Steam Deck verification is pending.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Genre blends can be hit-or-miss. Star Trucker attempts to combine automobile simulation and space exploration. It's unrated by Valve, but runs well on Proton Experimental.

The goal is space exploration, job completion, earning money, and unlocking content. Difficulty options and pre-game customization are available. The gameplay loop, visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

PC and Steam Deck offer video mode, resolution (including 16:10), refresh rate, v-sync, graphics quality, render scale, shadow quality, temporal anti-aliasing, ambient occlusion, mesh detail, and light shafts. My custom preset used low shadows, normal other settings, and disabled temporal anti-aliasing, targeting ~40fps.

Control issues require adjustment.

Star Trucker surprisingly blends truck simulation and space exploration. It caters to my preferences in those genres, though not universally appealing. Further optimization for Steam Deck is hoped for.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

Originally a 2020 PS4 exclusive in Japan, DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia's Western release is on Steam, a worthy sequel to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation. Unfamiliar with the series? It's based on Koshi Tachibana's light novels.

Players take on the role of Shido, following a dream about Ren. Multiple paths and returning characters are featured. The art, by Tsunako, is excellent. A lighter tone complements Rio Reincarnation.

Runs flawlessly on Steam Deck (720p, 16:9). Confirm button should be set to A, and 16:9 aspect ratio should be verified.

Recommended for fans of Rio Reincarnation. Playing it before Rio Reincarnation is not advised.

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

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES' free update and re-launch with a new Steam page is noteworthy. SEGA's early access offer revealed a significantly improved game.

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES nearly doubles the campaign content, adds four factions, the Dynasty system, and numerous enhancements. For existing PHARAOH owners, it feels like a sequel and enhanced re-release.

Steam Deck playability is confirmed, though controller support is absent. Trackpad and touch controls are functional. Initial impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Shaun's enthusiasm for Zen Studios' Pinball FX series finally prompted me to try it on a handheld. The new Steam release offers impressive PC port features and Steam Deck compatibility. I haven't played all DLC tables, but the extensive PC graphics options, including HDR support on Steam Deck, are noteworthy.

After playing several tables, I'm impressed. More coverage is planned. The free-to-play version is recommended to test compatibility and sample tables.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Black Myth: Wukong – Unsupported (playable, see my review) F1 Manager 2024 – Playable Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery – Playable Hookah Haze – Verified METAL SLUG ATTACK RELOADED – Verified OneShot: World Machine Edition – Verified Slash Quest – Verified Syberia – Verified Toree’s Panic Pack – Verified Volgarr the Viking II – Playable

Steam Deck Game Sales

Check out the Games from Croatia sale, featuring discounts on Talos Principle and more, until Monday.

That concludes this Steam Deck Weekly. Past and future coverage is available here. Feedback is welcome!