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 reviews and impressions of several games, along with newly verified titles and current sales. If you missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck 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), it delivers a satisfying, albeit not perfect, portable basketball experience. Key improvements include ProPLAY technology and the WNBA debut on PC. While the graphics are excellent, some of the usual 2K issues persist.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support, along with AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled these for better clarity). Extensive graphical settings allow for customization, but I found a 60fps cap at 60hz offered the best balance of performance and visual fidelity. The default Steam Deck preset appeared overly blurry.

Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require an online connection, though quick play and eras modes function offline. Load times are noticeably slower than on PS5 or Xbox Series X, and crossplay isn't supported. The persistent issue of microtransactions remains a concern, especially for certain game modes. Despite these drawbacks, the overall experience is positive, making it a worthwhile purchase for Steam Deck owners.

The game's technical performance on Steam Deck, while good, doesn't quite match the console versions. However, the portability factor significantly enhances the gameplay experience for me.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Gimmick! 2, while not yet Steam Deck Verified, runs flawlessly. It's capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended to avoid jitter), and supports 16:10 resolution in menus (though gameplay remains 16:9). The lack of graphical options isn't detrimental; its smooth performance suggests imminent verification.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, shines on Steam Deck with its updated build. It's Steam Deck Verified, capped at 60fps (16:9 support only), and includes an assist mode for those who prefer to skip combat. The game's blend of real-time and turn-based elements, combined with its captivating story and visuals, makes it a standout title.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Recently added to Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" on Steam Deck. The initial Ubisoft Connect login process is somewhat clunky. For optimal performance, I recommend a 30fps cap at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling. While still early in my playthrough, the game shows potential, especially with recent updates. However, it's an online-only experience.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs perfectly at 90fps on Steam Deck, utilizing touch controls (controller support is absent but in development). Its visuals are stunning, and the creative process is engaging. Minor drawbacks include small menu text.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While the gameplay loop is enjoyable, the controls require adjustment. The game offers extensive graphical settings, allowing for optimization to achieve a stable framerate. Despite some control issues, the unique blend of genres and overall presentation make it a worthwhile experience.

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, offering a smooth visual novel experience. It's a recommended title for fans of the series. Remember to check the system settings to ensure correct button mapping.

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 version of the original, is playable on Steam Deck, though currently lacks controller support. The improved gameplay and added content make it a strong recommendation, despite the control limitations.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a compelling pinball experience on Steam Deck, with impressive PC port features, including HDR support. The free-to-play version allows for sampling before purchasing DLC tables.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Notable additions this week include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified), and several Playable titles. Black Myth: Wukong, surprisingly, remains Unsupported.

Steam Deck Game Sales

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

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