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 a noteworthy sale. Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review? Catch it here!

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Yearly sports titles often face skepticism, but I've always appreciated 2K's NBA offerings, despite their flaws. NBA 2K25 stands out for two key reasons: it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to offer the "Next Gen" experience, and the official PC FAQ confirms Steam Deck optimization. While lacking official Valve verification, the performance is impressive. My experience across PC, Steam Deck, and consoles (via review codes and purchase) reveals a satisfying, albeit not flawless, game.

Longtime PC players will appreciate the inclusion of ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5/Xbox Series X) for enhanced gameplay, and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA mode. If you've skipped recent PC releases hoping for a complete experience, NBA 2K25 delivers. Here's hoping for continued Next-Gen PC releases and dedicated Steam Deck optimization.

The PC and Steam Deck versions boast 16:10 and 800p support. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are included, but I disabled them (explained later). Adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90/45fps), HDR (Steam Deck compatible), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. Caching shaders on initial boot is recommended. Note that NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a brief shader cache on each launch.

Advanced graphics options abound, including shader detail, shadows, player/crowd detail, NPC density, volumetric effects, reflections, era filters, global illumination, ambient occlusion, TAA, motion blur, depth of field, bloom, and anisotropy. I found a sweet spot with most settings on low/medium, disabling upscaling (which caused blurriness), and capping the framerate at 60fps (60hz) via the Steam Deck quick menu for optimal clarity and stability.

The default Steam Deck preset, while functional, appeared overly blurry, prompting my manual adjustments.

Offline play is limited. While the game boots in offline mode, MyCAREER and MyTEAM are inaccessible. Quick play and eras are playable offline, with noticeably faster load times.

Technically, console versions surpass the Steam Deck experience, but the portability factor makes the Steam Deck my preferred platform. Load times are slower on the Steam Deck (even with an OLED's internal SSD), though not drastically so. Crossplay between PC and consoles is absent.

Microtransactions remain a persistent issue, impacting certain game modes. If you prioritize core gameplay, their impact is minimal, but their presence is noteworthy, especially given the $69.99 price point.

NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience on the Steam Deck, matching PS5/Xbox Series X feature parity. With minor adjustments, visuals and performance are excellent. 2K's decision to finally bring all features to PC is welcome. Steam Deck owners seeking a quality NBA 2K25 experience will be satisfied, but be mindful of microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2? Check out Shaun's Switch review here. My Steam Deck experience proved positive, despite lacking Valve testing. The latest patch even includes Steam Deck and Linux fixes.

The game is capped at 60fps on Steam Deck; forcing the screen to 60hz on OLED models avoids jitter. No graphics options are available, but 16:10 menu support is present. 1080p testing confirmed proper 16:10 support in menus (gameplay remains 16:9).

While higher framerates would be welcome, it's not a significant drawback. Steam Deck verification seems likely given its seamless out-of-the-box performance. I concur with Shaun's positive assessment.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG with pixel art and compelling storytelling, recently launched on PC and Switch. The Steam version, featuring a major update addressing previous concerns (not yet on Switch), is the focus here.

Initial trailers might undersell the game's depth. The combat system is unique, and the audio and story are surprisingly strong. The blend of real-time and turn-based elements is engaging.

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

Arco exceeded expectations. The visuals, music, and narrative are superb. This is a highly recommended tactical RPG with a memorable story. A free demo is available on Steam.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones, released earlier this year on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC (Steam release recently), is an intriguing title. My Steam Deck experience focuses on the port's performance. Ubisoft's announcement of Steam Deck playability was encouraging.

Valve rates it as "Playable." Ubisoft Connect login is required, and the process feels sluggish. The tutorial runs smoothly. For stable performance, I set a 30fps limit, 16:10/800p resolution, and FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). Settings were mostly low, except for high textures.

My early impressions of the game itself are positive, showing improvement from previous iterations. Continued support from Ubisoft would strengthen its recommendation.

At full price, it's a tough sell, but the free trial is recommended. Naval combat and open-world Ubisoft games are my preference, and Skull and Bones shows promise, though further refinement is needed. Note that it's online-only. Cross-progression with console versions is possible.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

I enjoy interactive toys like Townscaper. ODDADA fits this niche perfectly, albeit with a control caveat.

Technically not a game, it's a music-making tool with a game-like structure. The aesthetic is appealing, offering a versatile creative space. Interaction is via mouse or touch controls on Steam Deck.

It runs flawlessly at 90fps, with resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. Menu text is small on the Steam Deck. The lack of controller support is the main drawback, though touch or mouse controls are arguably superior.

Beyond the control issue, ODDADA is highly recommended for music and art enthusiasts. Steam Deck verification is in progress.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration, potentially appealing to neither genre's core fanbase, but potentially capturing a new audience. It's unrated by Valve but runs well on Proton Experimental.

Gameplay involves space exploration, jobs, earning money, and unlocking content. Difficulty options and customization are available. Visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

Extensive graphics settings include video mode, resolution (16:10 support), refresh rate, v-sync, quality, render scale, shadow quality, temporal anti-aliasing, ambient occlusion, mesh detail, and light shafts. My custom preset (low shadows, other settings normal, TAA off) yielded ~40fps.

Controls require adjustment.

Star Trucker's unique blend of genres is surprisingly effective. Further optimization for Steam Deck would be beneficial.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

Initially a PS4 exclusive (Japan, 2020), DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia's Western release is on Steam. It's a worthy sequel to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation.

The story follows Shido's dream of Ren, branching narratives, and returning characters. Choices impact the storyline, supported by excellent art. The tone is lighter than its predecessor.

Steam Deck performance is flawless, with 16:10/720p support and smooth cutscenes. Check system settings to ensure the confirm button is A (not B) and that 16:9 isn't stretched to 16:10.

Highly recommended for fans of Rio Reincarnation, but play that first.

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 free update/relaunch with a new Steam page. It addresses the original's shortcomings.

It expands the campaign, adds factions, the Dynasty system, and overall improvements. For owners of the original, it feels like a sequel and an enhanced re-release.

Steam Deck support lacks controller support, but is playable via trackpad and touch. Early impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Following Shaun's recommendations, I explored Pinball FX on Steam Deck. The PC port's features and Steam Deck performance are impressive, including HDR support. Not all DLC tables were tested.

Gameplay across several tables is excellent. It's a strong recommendation. The free-to-play version offers a taste of the experience.

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.

Steam Deck Game Sales

The Games from Croatia sale features discounts on Talos Principle and more, running until Monday.

That concludes this week's Steam Deck Weekly. Past and future coverage can be found here. Feedback is welcome!