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

Welcome to this week's edition of the Steam Deck Weekly. If you missed my Warhammer 40000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck review, you can read it here. Today's article dives into my impressions and reviews of several games I've been exploring on the Steam Deck over the past few weeks, including some Steam Deck Verified games and a notable set of discounts currently available.

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Despite the annual nature of sports game releases, I've always appreciated 2K's NBA series, and NBA 2K25 stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it marks the first time since the PS5 era that the PC version of NBA 2K25 aligns with the "Next Gen" version, rather than being based on older console iterations. Secondly, the official PC FAQ confirms that NBA 2K25 is optimized for the Steam Deck, although it lacks an official Valve rating. Having played NBA 2K25 on the Steam Deck as well as on both consoles, I'm impressed with the game, though it does come with the typical issues one might expect.

For those familiar with NBA 2K on PC, NBA 2K25 introduces ProPLAY technology for enhanced gameplay, previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X. The WNBA makes its PC debut alongside the MyNBA mode, offering a full-fledged experience for those who've skipped recent entries. The game supports 16:10 and 800p resolutions on PC and Steam Deck, and features AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS, though I opted to disable these for a clearer visual experience. Adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync, HDR, texture detail, and various shader options. For optimal performance, I recommend caching shaders on initial boot and capping the game at 60fps at 60hz, which provides stability and clarity.

While NBA 2K25 offers a robust graphical settings menu, including options for shader detail, shadow detail, and more, I found that keeping most settings on low or medium, with player and shader details at medium, and disabling upscaling, provided the best experience. The Steam Deck's preset is functional but can appear blurry, prompting further adjustments.

Curious about offline play? NBA 2K25 allows offline access to quick play and eras modes, though MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an internet connection. Load times are slower compared to PS5 and Xbox Series X, but still better than older systems. It's worth noting that there's no crossplay between the PC and console versions. Additionally, the game's microtransactions, a recurring issue in recent NBA 2K titles, remain a point of contention, especially in modes focused on them. Despite this, NBA 2K25 offers a compelling basketball experience on the Steam Deck at feature parity with current-gen consoles.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

For those unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2, Shaun's review of the Switch version offers a great introduction. On the Steam Deck, Gimmick! 2 runs smoothly out of the box, even though it hasn't been officially tested by Valve. The latest patch mentions Steam Deck and Linux fixes, ensuring a seamless experience. The game is capped at 60fps, and I recommend setting the Steam Deck to 60hz to avoid any jitter. While there are no graphics options, the game does support 16:10 for menus, with gameplay running at 16:9.

Though I hoped for a higher frame rate, Gimmick! 2's performance on the Steam Deck is commendable and likely to earn a Verified rating soon. Echoing Shaun's sentiments, the game's quality shines on Valve's handheld.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG with pixel art visuals, captured my heart upon release, though it felt a few updates shy of perfection. With recent updates addressing many of my concerns, Arco on the Steam Deck is now an even more enjoyable experience. The game's combat system, blending turn-based and real-time elements, is particularly engaging. The audio and story also pleasantly surprised me, making Arco more than just a tactical game.

On the Steam Deck, Arco is Verified and runs smoothly at 60fps with 16:9 support. The latest build includes an assist mode (beta) with options to skip combat or replay the first act, enhancing replayability. Arco's dynamic gameplay, coupled with superb visuals, music, and a captivating story, makes it a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs. A free demo is available on Steam for those interested.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones, which recently made its way to Steam after launching on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, piqued my interest due to its naval combat and open-world elements. On the Steam Deck, it's rated Playable by Valve. The initial login to Ubisoft Connect can be sluggish, but once past that, the game runs well. I set a 30fps frame rate limit, opted for 16:10 and 800p resolution, and used FSR 2 quality upscaling for a stable experience.

Though I'm early in my playthrough, Skull and Bones shows promise, particularly with recent updates enhancing the overall experience. However, it's challenging to recommend at full price. A free trial is available for those interested, and it's worth noting that the game is online-only. I plan to explore it further on consoles with cross-progression.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music maker hybrid that feels like a game, reminds me of Windosill with its elegant aesthetic. On the Steam Deck, it runs perfectly at 90fps out of the box, though it currently lacks controller support. The game's touch controls work well, and while the menu text may be small, the overall experience is delightful. ODDADA's randomness ensures that every creation is unique, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy music and art.

Despite the lack of controller support, ODDADA's charm and functionality on the Steam Deck make it highly recommendable. The team is working on achieving Steam Deck Verified status, which bodes well for future updates.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation with space exploration, creating a unique gameplay loop. While it hasn't been rated by Valve, it runs smoothly on Proton Experimental. The game's visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights, though the controls can be challenging at first. On the Steam Deck, customizable settings allow for a tailored experience, with my setup targeting around 40fps.

Star Trucker offers a fresh take on truck simulation in a space setting, appealing to fans of both genres. Though it may not appeal to everyone, I've enjoyed my time with it on the Steam Deck and hope for further optimizations in future updates.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, originally released in Japan on PS4 and now available on Steam, is a worthy follow-up to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation. As Shido, you navigate multiple paths and encounter returning characters in a lighthearted narrative complemented by Tsunako's beautiful art. On the Steam Deck, the game runs flawlessly out of the box at 16:9 and 720p, with no need for adjustments.

Fans of DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation will find Ren Dystopia a delightful continuation, though I recommend playing Rio Reincarnation first for context.

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

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, a significant update to the original Total War: PHARAOH, nearly doubles the campaign content, adds new factions, and introduces the Dynasty system. While the PC version is a strong recommendation, the Steam Deck version lacks controller support but remains playable with trackpad and touch controls. My initial impressions are positive, appreciating the enhancements made since the original release.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Zen Studios' Pinball FX has been a topic of interest for me, particularly on handhelds. With the new digital version on Steam, I was eager to try it on the Steam Deck. The PC port's features, including HDR support, impressed me, and I've enjoyed playing several tables. While not a full review, Pinball FX is a must-try on the Steam Deck, especially with the free-to-play version offering access to a variety of tables.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable games for the week

This week, several new games have received Steam Deck ratings. I'm surprised Black Myth: Wukong is marked as Unsupported, given its performance. I'm excited to try out Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition, both of which are now Verified.

• Black Myth: Wukong – Unsupported (Read my review here showing it is playable)
• 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, Discounts, and Specials

Don't miss out on the Games from Croatia sale, featuring discounts on the acclaimed Talos Principle series and more, available until Monday morning.

That wraps up this edition of the Steam Deck Weekly. You can find all our past and future Steam Deck coverage here. If you have any feedback or suggestions for this feature, please share them in the comments below. Have a great day, and thank you for reading!