Steam Deck Weekly: Must-Play Verified Games Unveiled

This week's Steam Deck Weekly highlights recent gameplay experiences and reviews, focusing on several titles, including some newly verified and playable games. Let's dive in!

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

NBA 2K25 marks a significant step for PC gamers. It's the first time since the PS5 launch that the PC version mirrors the "Next Gen" experience, a welcome change. Further enhancing this, the official PC FAQ confirms Steam Deck optimization. While lacking official Valve verification, my experience proves its excellent playability. While it retains some familiar 2K quirks, the positives outweigh the negatives.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) for enhanced gameplay, and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA mode. If you've held off on recent PC 2K titles, this is the one to get. Here's hoping for continued "Next Gen" PC releases and ongoing Steam Deck support from 2K.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are included, though I disabled them due to perceived blurriness. Extensive graphical settings are available, including v-sync options (a 90fps/45fps dynamic v-sync is a highlight), HDR (Steam Deck compatible!), texture detail, and shader options. Initial shader caching is recommended. I found capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz yielded the best clarity and stability. While a Steam Deck preset exists, I found manual tweaking necessary for optimal visual fidelity.

Offline play is partially supported. While online connectivity is required for MyCAREER and MyTEAM, quick play and eras modes function offline, with noticeably faster loading times.

Technically, the console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience. However, the portability factor, coupled with years of playing on Switch and Steam Deck, makes the handheld version my preferred choice. Loading times are slower than on PS5/Xbox Series X, although not excessively so. Crossplay with consoles is absent.

The ever-present microtransactions remain a concern, impacting certain game modes more significantly than others. If you prioritize gameplay and visuals, their effect is minimized, but their inclusion at the $69.99 price point is worth noting.

Ultimately, NBA 2K25 provides a fantastic portable basketball experience on Steam Deck, matching the PS5/Xbox Series X feature set. With some adjustments, visuals and performance are excellent. 2K has finally delivered a complete PC port after years of waiting. However, be mindful of the microtransaction elements.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Gimmick! 2, while not yet Valve-tested, runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck. Recent patches include specific Steam Deck and Linux fixes. The game is capped at 60fps (forcing your Steam Deck to 60hz on OLED is recommended to avoid jitter), and lacks graphical options, but supports 16:10 resolution in menus (gameplay remains 16:9). Despite the 60fps cap, performance is exceptional, suggesting imminent Steam Deck Verification. My impressions align with Shaun's Switch review (link provided in the original article).

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, is already Steam Deck Verified and performs flawlessly on both my Steam Decks. Capped at 60fps with 16:9 support, it includes a beta assist mode (allowing combat skipping, infinite dynamite, etc.) and an option to skip the first act on replays. The game’s blend of turn-based and real-time elements, coupled with its impressive visuals, music, and compelling story, make it a standout title.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones, recently added to Steam, is rated "Playable" by Valve. While the initial Ubisoft Connect login process is slow, gameplay is smooth after setup. Targeting 30fps with 16:10 and 800p resolution, and utilizing FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable), with most settings on low (textures on high), provides a good balance. My early impressions are positive, but further playtime is needed for a full assessment. The game is online-only, and cross-progression with consoles is available.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs perfectly at 90fps with adjustable resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. Menu text is somewhat small. While lacking controller support (touch or mouse are ideal), it's a visually stunning and enjoyable creative tool. The team is aiming for Steam Deck Verification.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While not yet Valve-rated, it runs well on Proton Experimental. Extensive graphical settings are available, and I achieved a stable 40fps with a custom preset. Controls require some adjustment.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs perfectly on Steam Deck at 720p with 16:9 support. It's a great sequel to Rio Reincarnation, featuring a compelling story, beautiful art, and memorable characters. Ensure button configuration is correct in system settings.

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, is playable on Steam Deck using trackpad and touch controls (controller support is absent). Initial impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with HDR support on Steam Deck. Gameplay is excellent across multiple tables. The free-to-play version is recommended to test performance and sample the content.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

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

Steam Deck Game Sales

The Games from Croatia sale offers discounts on the Talos Principle series and other titles.

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