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 highlights several game reviews and impressions, along with newly verified and playable 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

NBA 2K25 marks a significant release for PC gamers. It's the first time since the PS5 launch that the PC version mirrors the "Next Gen" console experience. Officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve), the game performs admirably, though with some expected quirks. Key improvements include ProPLAY technology and the WNBA's PC debut. While not as fast-loading as on PS5/Xbox Series X, the 16:10 and 800p support, along with AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS options (though I found disabling upscaling improved clarity), makes for a solid portable experience. Extensive graphics settings allow for customization. I recommend capping the framerate at 60fps for optimal stability. Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online access. Microtransactions remain a persistent issue.

The Steam Deck visual preset is functional but a bit blurry; tweaking settings yields better results. Load times are slower than on consoles, and there's no crossplay.

Despite technical limitations, the portable convenience makes it my preferred platform for NBA 2K25.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

(See Shaun's Switch review here). Gimmick! 2 runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck, even without official Valve testing, benefiting from recent Linux-specific optimizations. It's capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended), and while lacking graphical options, it correctly supports 16:10 resolution in menus (gameplay remains 16:9). Its smooth performance suggests imminent Steam Deck Verification.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, is Steam Deck Verified and runs flawlessly. Its blend of real-time and turn-based elements, coupled with compelling visuals, audio, and narrative, makes it a standout title. The Steam version includes an assist mode (beta) with options to skip combat and more.

The game is capped at 60fps and supports 16:9. A free demo is available.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Recently added to Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" by Valve. The Ubisoft Connect login process is somewhat clunky. Setting a 30fps frame rate limit at 800p with FSR 2 quality upscaling provides stable performance. While still early in my playthrough, the game shows potential, especially with recent updates. It's online-only.

A free trial is recommended before purchasing.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA is a unique music-creation experience. While lacking controller support (touch controls work well), it runs perfectly at 90fps. Simple graphics options are available, though the menu text is small.

Despite the lack of controller support, it's highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts.

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 creates a unique experience. Extensive graphical settings allow for performance optimization; I achieved around 40fps with a custom preset. Controls could use improvement.

Despite control issues, the visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

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, runs flawlessly on Steam Deck. It supports 720p at 16:9 and plays cutscenes without issue. Check system settings to ensure correct button configuration.

Recommended for fans of the series.

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

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES is a significant enhancement to the original. While lacking controller support on Steam Deck (playable with trackpad/touch), it's a vast improvement.

Initial impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a comprehensive pinball experience with extensive PC features, including HDR support on Steam Deck. Gameplay is excellent; the free-to-play version allows for testing before purchasing DLC.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

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

Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials

The Games from Croatia sale features discounts on Talos Principle and more.

This concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Feedback is welcome.