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

Welcome to this week's Steam Deck Weekly! Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck review? Find it here. This week, we dive into my Steam Deck impressions and reviews of several games, covering both Verified titles and some noteworthy current discounts.

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Yearly sports releases often draw criticism, but I've always enjoyed 2K's NBA games despite their flaws. NBA 2K25 stands out for two key reasons: it's the first time since the PS5 launch that the PC version is the true "Next Gen" experience, mirroring the consoles, and 2K officially confirmed Steam Deck optimization (though it lacks a Valve rating). Having played it on Steam Deck, PS5, and Xbox Series X, I'm very happy with the results, though some familiar issues persist.

Longtime PC players will appreciate NBA 2K25's ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) for improved gameplay, the WNBA's PC debut, and the inclusion of MyNBA mode. If you skipped recent PC releases hoping for a complete experience, NBA 2K25 delivers, and I hope its success ensures future PC releases match console versions and continue Steam Deck support.

The PC and Steam Deck versions offer 16:10 and 800p support, a great start. It also boasts AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (which I disabled – more on that later). You can also adjust v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90fps in-game, 45fps elsewhere), HDR (yes, it works on Steam Deck!), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. I recommend letting the game cache shaders on the first boot for optimal gameplay. NBA 2K25 on Steam Deck performs a quick shader cache on each boot, a minor but noticeable detail.

The advanced graphics menu offers extensive customization: shader detail, shadow detail, player detail, crowd detail, NPC density, volumetric effects, reflections, era filters, global illumination, ambient occlusion, TAA, motion blur, depth of field, bloom, and max anisotropy. It's a remarkably feature-rich PC port. I opted for low or medium settings, disabling upscaling (it made the game too blurry). Player detail and shader detail were left at medium. Capping the framerate to 60fps at 60hz via the Steam Deck quick access menu provided the best, most stable, and clearest experience.

The default Steam Deck visual preset works adequately but appeared too blurry for my preference, prompting my adjustments.

I tested offline playability. While many modes require online access, booting in airplane mode prevented loading MyCAREER and MyTEAM. A "Connect" option allows reconnection attempts, but quick play and eras worked offline. Load times were faster offline.

Technically, the console versions are superior, but I find myself playing more on the Steam Deck after years on Switch and now Steam Deck. The biggest difference is load times; even on my Steam Deck OLED's internal SSD, they're slower than on PS5 or Xbox Series X, though not drastically so. Also note: no cross-play between PC and consoles.

As with recent entries, microtransactions remain an issue, significantly impacting some modes. If you just want a great-looking basketball game, they're almost irrelevant, but remember the $69.99 price tag, higher than in previous years.

NBA 2K25 delivers a fantastic portable basketball experience, matching PS5 and Xbox Series X feature parity. With minor tweaking, it looks and runs great. 2K and Visual Concepts have delivered a strong Steam Deck experience. Just be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Unfamiliar with Gimmick! 2? Read Shaun's Switch review here. I was curious about its Steam Deck performance. While currently unverified, it runs flawlessly. The latest patch even mentions Steam Deck and Linux fixes.

It's capped at 60fps on Steam Deck; forcing your Steam Deck screen to 60hz (especially on OLED) prevents jitter. There are no graphics options, but 16:10 menu support is present. At 1080p, the 16:10 aspect ratio is correctly maintained in menus (gameplay remains 16:9).

While I hoped for higher than 60fps, it's not a dealbreaker. I expect Steam Deck Verification soon; it's perfectly playable out of the box. I agree with Shaun's positive review. Gimmick! 2's smooth Steam Deck performance is a welcome surprise.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

I've always loved Arco, but it felt like a few updates away from perfection. The pixel art tactical RPG with a captivating story recently launched on PC and Switch, receiving a significant Steam update addressing my previous concerns (not yet on Switch). This review focuses on the updated Steam Deck version.

Initial trailers might suggest a simple tactical game, but it's far more nuanced. The combat system is unique, and the audio and story are surprisingly excellent. It blends turn-based and real-time elements. Think Superhot meets a pixel art tactical RPG, though that only hints at its depth.

Arco is Steam Deck Verified and ran perfectly on both my devices. It's capped at 60fps and supports 16:9. The Steam Deck build includes a beta assist mode (skip combat, infinite dynamite, etc.), and a welcome option to skip the first act on replays.

Arco exceeded expectations. The dynamic gameplay, superb visuals, music, and compelling story make it a standout. If you want an engaging tactical RPG with a memorable narrative, get Arco now (a free demo is available).

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones' recent Steam release (after PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC launches) is interesting. Having never played it, I was curious about its Steam Deck performance, especially given Ubisoft's claims of playability. This review focuses primarily on the Steam Deck port.

Valve rates it as "Playable." Initial login to Ubisoft Connect is sluggish. The tutorial runs fine, but for better performance, I limited the framerate to 30fps at 16:10 and 800p, using FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable). Settings were mostly low, except for textures (high). This delivered a good experience.

My early impressions of the game itself are positive, showing potential with further updates.

Skull and Bones is hard to recommend at full price, but the free trial is worthwhile. I enjoy naval combat and open-world Ubisoft games, and Skull and Bones, with its updates, is good but has room for improvement. Remember: it's online-only. I'll likely get it on console for cross-progression.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

I enjoy interactive toys like Townscaper. ODDADA felt like the next great one, and it delivered, with a minor control caveat.

It's not strictly a game but a music-making tool with a game-like feel. The aesthetic is reminiscent of Windosill. It's a beautiful toolbox for creating music. You interact using mouse or touch controls (Steam Deck). The random elements ensure each creation is unique.

It runs perfectly at 90fps, with resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing options. Settings are minimal, but the menu text is small on Steam Deck. The lack of controller support is the only downside; even with controller support, touch or mouse might be preferred.

If you enjoy music, art, or creating your own music within a lovely game, ODDADA is for you. While lacking controller support (currently), it's perfect with touch controls. Steam Deck Verification is in progress.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Some games blend genres, sometimes pleasing neither fanbase, sometimes creating something new. Star Trucker, blending automobile simulation and space exploration, falls into the latter category. It's unrated by Valve but runs fine on Proton Experimental.

The goal is to explore space, take jobs, earn money, and unlock more on the galactic map. Difficulty options and customization are available. The gameplay loop is enjoyable, but the visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights.

PC and Steam Deck offer video mode, resolution (16:10 included), refresh rate, v-sync, graphics quality, render scale, shadow quality, temporal anti-aliasing, ambient occlusion, mesh detail, and light shafts. I used a custom preset (low shadows, other settings normal, TAA off) targeting ~40fps. Further optimization is possible.

The controls are a significant hurdle, hopefully improved in future updates.

Star Trucker surprised me with its unique blend of genres. While not for everyone, I've enjoyed it. Further Steam Deck optimization is hoped for.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

Initially a 2020 PS4 exclusive in Japan, DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia now graces Steam (West). It's a great sequel to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation. For the uninitiated, it's based on Koshi Tachibana's light novels (illustrated by Tsunako). Fans of Rio Reincarnation should play this.

You play as Shido, dreaming of Ren, launching a narrative with multiple paths and returning characters. Choices abound, accompanied by excellent art. It's lighter in tone than its predecessor, complementing Rio Reincarnation.

It runs perfectly on Steam Deck out of the box (720p, 16:9). Cutscenes are flawless. Check system settings: confirm button should be A, not B; and ensure 16:9 isn't stretched to 16:10 in fullscreen.

It's an easy recommendation for Rio Reincarnation fans. Play Rio Reincarnation first.

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

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

It's rare to see a free update/re-launch get a new Steam page, but that's what happened with Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES. SEGA provided early access. The original Total War: PHARAOH had potential but wasn't ready at launch. DYNASTIES is what the original should have been. It's excellent on PC, but the Steam Deck version has caveats.

DYNASTIES nearly doubles the campaign content, adds four factions, the Dynasty system, and numerous improvements. If you own the original, it feels like both a sequel and an enhanced re-release.

On Steam Deck, it lacks controller support but is playable with trackpad and touch. My initial impressions are positive, especially given my enjoyment of the original.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Shaun's enthusiasm for Zen Studios' Pinball FX series finally prompted me to try it on a handheld. I'd played some tables on Switch, but the new Steam version intrigued me. The new DLC tables led me to try it on Steam Deck. The PC port's features and Steam Deck performance impressed me. I haven't played every DLC table, but the PC graphics options (including HDR) are great.

I've played about seven tables and love it. It's a love letter to pinball. Even without purchases, the free-to-play version lets you sample tables and assess Steam Deck performance.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Black Myth: Wukong is surprisingly "Unsupported" despite better performance than many Verified games. Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition are welcome Verified additions.

Black Myth: Wukong – Unsupported (playable, see my review) F1 Manager 2024 – Playable Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery – Playable Hookah Haze – Verified METAL SLUG ATTACK RELOADED – Verified OneShot: World Machine Edition – Verified Slash Quest – Verified Syberia – Verified Toree’s Panic Pack – Verified Volgarr the Viking II – Playable

Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials

Check out the Games from Croatia sale (until Monday) featuring discounts on the Talos Principle series and more.

That's all for this week's Steam Deck Weekly! Past and future coverage is here. Feedback is welcome! Thanks for reading!