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

Home News 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 current sales. If you missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review, you can find it here.

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Despite the usual yearly sports game skepticism, I've always enjoyed 2K's NBA offerings. NBA 2K25 stands out for two key reasons: it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to feature the "Next Gen" experience, and it's officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve). My experience across PC, Steam Deck, and consoles reveals a satisfying game, albeit with familiar 2K quirks.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5/Xbox Series X) and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA mode. If you've held off on recent PC 2K titles, NBA 2K25 delivers the complete package. I hope its success ensures continued Next Gen PC releases and robust Steam Deck support.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. While AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are available, I disabled them due to excessive blurriness. Adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90/45fps), HDR (Steam Deck compatible), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. Initial shader caching is recommended. The game performs a quick shader cache on each boot, a minor but noticeable detail.

Advanced graphics settings offer granular control over shader detail, shadows, player/crowd detail, NPC density, and more. I opted for mostly low/medium settings, disabling upscaling for improved clarity. Capping the framerate at 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu provided the best stability and visual fidelity.

The default Steam Deck preset, while functional, appeared too blurry for my preference, prompting my manual adjustments.

Offline play is partially supported. While MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online access, quick play and eras modes function offline, even exhibiting faster load times.

Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience. However, the portability factor, coupled with years of handheld NBA 2K enjoyment, makes the Steam Deck my preferred platform. Load times are noticeably longer than on PS5/Xbox Series X, though not excessively so. Cross-play with consoles is absent.

Microtransactions remain a persistent issue, significantly impacting certain game modes. However, for those primarily interested in a visually appealing and enjoyable basketball experience, their impact is minimized. Note the $69.99 PC price point, higher than previous years.

NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching the PS5/Xbox Series X feature set. With minor adjustments, it performs and looks great. 2K's decision to finally bring the full feature set 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

For those unfamiliar, Shaun's Switch review of Gimmick! 2 is available here. My Steam Deck experience was positive, despite the lack of official Valve testing. The game runs smoothly out of the box, even benefiting from recent Steam Deck/Linux-specific fixes.

Gimmick! 2 is capped at 60fps on Steam Deck; forcing the screen to 60hz on OLED models is recommended to prevent jitter. While lacking graphical options, it supports 16:10 resolution in menus. Gameplay remains at 16:9. The smooth performance suggests imminent Steam Deck Verified status. My experience aligns with Shaun's positive assessment.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG with pixel art and a compelling narrative, has received significant updates since its initial PC/Switch release. This review focuses on the updated Steam version.

The game surpasses expectations, offering a unique blend of turn-based and real-time elements. The audio and story are particularly noteworthy. The combat system and character-specific gameplay styles add depth.

Steam Deck compatibility is excellent, with a 60fps cap and 16:9 support. An assist mode (beta) allows for combat skipping, infinite dynamite, and first-act skipping on replays.

Arco's dynamic gameplay, superb visuals, music, and engaging story make it a highly recommended tactical RPG. A free demo is available on Steam.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones, recently added to Steam, is playable but not without its quirks. This review focuses on the Steam Deck port.

Valve rates it as "Playable." The Ubisoft Connect login process is somewhat cumbersome. For stable performance, I recommend a 30fps cap, 16:10/800p resolution, and FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode offers better stability). Lowering settings to low (except for high textures) delivers a smooth experience.

Early impressions of the game itself are positive, suggesting potential with continued support.

While not fully recommended at full price, the free trial is worth considering. The game shows promise, particularly for fans of naval combat and open-world Ubisoft titles. Note that it's online-only.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music-creation tool with game-like elements, is a delightful interactive experience, reminiscent of Townscaper. Its aesthetic and intuitive design allow for creative expression.

Steam Deck performance is excellent (90fps), with adjustable resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. Menu text is somewhat small. The lack of controller support is the primary drawback, though touch controls work well.

ODDADA is highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts. While controller support is absent, touch controls provide a smooth experience. Steam Deck Verified status is pending.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While not deeply engaging in either genre, it carves its own niche. This unverified title runs well on Proton Experimental.

The gameplay loop revolves around space exploration, job completion, and unlocking new content. Visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

Extensive graphical settings allow for customization. I used a custom preset with low shadows and normal settings for other options, disabling temporal anti-aliasing to achieve around 40fps.

Control issues are the main drawback.

Despite its imperfections, Star Trucker offers a unique and enjoyable experience. 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

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, a visual novel, is a great addition to the series, offering a lighthearted narrative and beautiful art.

Steam Deck compatibility is excellent, running smoothly at 720p with 16:9 support. Check system settings to ensure proper button configuration and aspect ratio.

Highly recommended for fans of the series. Playing 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, a significantly enhanced re-release, offers expanded content, new factions, and gameplay improvements.

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

Pinball FX offers a wide array of tables and robust PC features, including HDR support on Steam Deck. Gameplay is enjoyable and the game is highly recommended.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Notable additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified). Black Myth: Wukong's "Unsupported" status is surprising given its performance.