Steam Deck Weekly: NBA 2K25, ARCO, ODDADA, DATE a LIVE Ren Dystopia, Star Trucker, Skull and Bones, & More Reviews With New Verified Games

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

Despite the usual yearly sports game skepticism, I've always appreciated 2K's NBA titles. NBA 2K25 stands out; it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to offer the true "Next Gen" experience, not a downgraded console port. The official PC FAQ confirmed Steam Deck optimization, a welcome surprise. Having played it on the Steam Deck, both consoles (via review codes and purchase), I'm highly satisfied, though some familiar 2K quirks remain.

Longtime PC NBA 2K players will appreciate ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5/Xbox Series X) for enhanced gameplay, and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA modes. If you've skipped recent PC iterations hoping for the complete experience, NBA 2K25 delivers. Here's hoping its success encourages continued Next Gen PC releases and dedicated Steam Deck support from 2K.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support – a positive start. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are included, but I disabled them (reasons explained later). Adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90fps during gameplay, 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 the Steam Deck performs a brief shader cache on each launch, a minor but noticeable detail.

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. It's a remarkably feature-rich PC port. I opted for mostly low/medium settings, disabling upscaling due to perceived blurriness. Player detail and shader detail were kept at medium. Capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu yielded the best, most stable experience with improved clarity.

The default Steam Deck visual preset works adequately, but I found it overly blurry. This prompted my adjustments.

Offline playability was tested. While many modes require online access, booting in airplane mode on my Steam Deck OLED prevented MyCAREER and MyTEAM loading. A "Connect" option allows retrying, but quick play and eras functioned offline. Load times were noticeably faster offline.

Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience, but after years on Switch and now Steam Deck, I find myself playing it more on Valve's handheld. Load times are the biggest difference; even on my Steam Deck OLED's internal SSD, they're slower than on PS5 or Xbox Series X. It's not drastically worse than older systems, but noticeable. Note: no crossplay between PC and consoles.

Microtransactions remain a persistent issue, significantly impacting certain modes. If your focus is solely on a visually appealing and playable basketball game, they're less relevant, but remember the $69.99 PC price point, higher than in previous years.

NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on the Steam Deck, matching PS5 and Xbox Series X feature parity. With minor tweaking, it looks and plays great. 2K and Visual Concepts have finally brought all features to PC after years of waiting. Steam Deck owners hoping for a quality experience will not be disappointed, 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 smooth; it runs well out-of-the-box, even mentioning Steam Deck and Linux fixes in its latest patch.

Gimmick! 2 is capped at 60fps on the Steam Deck; forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended to avoid jitter. No graphics options are available, but 16:10 menu support is present. Forcing 1080p confirmed proper 16:10 support in menus (gameplay remains 16:9).

While higher than 60fps would be welcome, it's not a major 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 excellent.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

I've always loved Arco, but felt it was a few updates from perfection. Its pixel art visuals, lovely story, and dynamic turn-based RPG gameplay launched on PC and Switch, receiving a significant Steam update addressing my prior concerns (not yet on Switch). This review focuses on the updated Steam Deck version.

Arco's trailers might suggest a simple tactical game, but it's far more. The combat system is engaging, but the audio and story truly impressed. Different character stories offer unique gameplay styles within the turn-based framework, incorporating real-time elements. Someone described it as Superhot meets a pixel art tactical RPG – a partial, yet insightful, comparison.

Arco launches as Steam Deck Verified, functioning flawlessly on both my devices. It's capped at 60fps and supports 16:9. A beta assist mode allows skipping combat, infinite dynamite, and more. The ability to skip the first act on replays is particularly helpful.

Arco exceeded expectations; its dynamic gameplay, superb visuals, music, and compelling story captivated me. If you seek an engaging tactical RPG with a memorable narrative, look no further. A free demo is available on Steam.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones' release is intriguing. Launched on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC earlier this year, its Steam arrival is recent. My prior experience was limited, only hearing positive feedback from a friend despite acknowledging its flaws. The Steam Deck port's performance was a key concern, but Ubisoft's playability claim offered hope. This review focuses primarily on the Steam Deck port.

Officially rated "Playable" by Valve, the initial Ubisoft Connect login proved cumbersome and slow. While I'd logged in for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Skull and Bones required a separate login. The tutorial ran smoothly, but for better performance, I set a 30fps frame rate limit at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). Settings were mostly low, except for high textures. This provided a satisfying experience.

My gameplay is still early, but I see potential. Continued Ubisoft support will improve its recommendation. Recent updates have already enhanced the experience.

Skull and Bones is difficult to recommend at full price, but the free trial is worthwhile. I enjoy naval combat and open-world Ubisoft games, and Skull and Bones shows promise, though further improvements are possible. It's online-only on Steam Deck; cross-progression on consoles is a consideration.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

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

Technically not a game, but a game-like music maker, its aesthetic resembles Windosill. It's a beautiful, elegant toolbox for creation, using mouse or touch controls on the Steam Deck. Levels and instruments unlock progressively, with randomness ensuring unique creations.

ODDADA runs perfectly at 90fps, offering resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. Settings require minimal adjustment, but the menu text is small on the Steam Deck.

The lack of controller support is the only drawback; even with controller support, touch or mouse might be preferred.

Music, art, or music creation enthusiasts will appreciate ODDADA. While currently lacking controller support, touch controls work perfectly. Pending Steam Deck Verification is a consideration.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Genre blends sometimes fail to satisfy either fanbase, potentially creating a niche title. Star Trucker attempts to blend automobile simulation and space exploration without fully committing to either. Unrated by Valve, it ran well on Proton Experimental.

Star Trucker involves space exploration, job completion, earning money, and unlocking content on a vast galactic map. Difficulty options and pre-game customization are available. The gameplay loop is enjoyable, but the visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

PC and Steam Deck offer video mode, resolution (16:10 included), 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. Further optimization is possible.

The controls were initially challenging, hopefully improved in future updates.

Star Trucker surprised me; its unique blend of truck simulation and setting was unexpected. It caters to my preferences in automobile simulation and exploration games. While not universally appealing, I've enjoyed it. Further Steam Deck optimization is hoped for.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

Initially a PS4 exclusive in Japan (2020), Sting and Idea Factory's DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia's Western release is on Steam, a great sequel to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation. Unfamiliar with the series? It's based on Koshi Tachibana's light novels with Tsunako's illustrations. Rio Reincarnation fans should play Ren Dystopia.

Players are Shido, dreaming of Ren, launching the narrative with multiple paths and returning characters. Numerous choices are presented, accompanied by excellent art. Ren Dystopia is lighter in tone, complementing Rio Reincarnation. Its delayed English release is surprising.

Ren Dystopia runs perfectly on the Steam Deck, requiring no adjustments. It supports 16:9 at 720p, playing cutscenes flawlessly. Check system settings to ensure the confirm button is A, not B, and that 16:9 isn't stretched to 16:10 in fullscreen.

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is easily recommended for Rio Reincarnation fans, boasting lovely art, music, and memorable characters. Playing it before Rio Reincarnation isn't recommended.

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

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

A free game update/re-launch with a new Steam store page is unusual, but that's what happened with Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES. SEGA's early access offer wasn't just an update, but a new Steam app. Total War: PHARAOH had potential but wasn't ready for a full-price launch. Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES is what the original should have been – a strong PC recommendation, but with Steam Deck caveats.

DYNASTIES nearly doubles the campaign content, adds four factions, the Dynasty system, and numerous improvements. For Total War: PHARAOH owners, it feels like a sequel and enhanced re-release. It's an excellent game.

The Steam Deck version lacks controller support, relying on trackpad and touch controls. Initial impressions are positive, especially for those who enjoyed the original but felt it needed more.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Shaun's frequent mentions of Zen Studios' Pinball FX series sparked my interest in handheld play. I played some tables on Switch, but the new Steam version (Pinball FX) intrigued me.

Downloading the game and new DLC tables revealed impressive PC port features and Steam Deck compatibility. I haven't played every DLC table, but the PC graphics options, including HDR support on Steam Deck, make it highly recommendable. At least download the free client to try it.

After playing around seven tables, I'm impressed. Pinball FX feels like a pinball love letter. This isn't a full review, but it's highly recommended for Steam Deck. Even without purchases, the free-to-play tables are worth checking out to test the game's Steam Deck performance.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Black Myth: Wukong's "Unsupported" rating is surprising, performing better than many Verified games. Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition's Verification is welcome.

Black Myth: Wukong – Unsupported (playable, see my review)F1 Manager 2024 – PlayableHidden Through Time 2: Discovery – PlayableHookah Haze – VerifiedMETAL SLUG ATTACK RELOADED – VerifiedOneShot: World Machine Edition – VerifiedSlash Quest – VerifiedSyberia – VerifiedToree’s Panic Pack – VerifiedVolgarr the Viking II – Playable

Steam Deck Game Sales

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

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