New Games Verified on Steam Deck: Monthly Roundup

This week's Steam Deck Weekly dives into recent gameplay experiences, reviews, and noteworthy sales. Missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review? Catch it here!

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

NBA 2K25 marks a significant milestone: the PC version finally mirrors the next-gen console experience, a first since the PS5 launch. Officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve), it delivers a satisfying portable basketball experience, despite some familiar 2K quirks.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) and the WNBA and MyNBA modes debuting on PC. If you've held off on recent PC 2K titles, this is the one to get. The 16:10 and 800p support, along with AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled them for clarity), are welcome additions. Extensive graphics settings allow for customization; I recommend a 60fps cap at 60hz for optimal stability. The default Steam Deck preset is a bit blurry, prompting my settings adjustments.

Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online access, though quick play and eras work offline. Load times are noticeably slower than on PS5/Xbox Series X, but still acceptable. Crossplay with consoles is absent.

Microtransactions remain a concern, particularly for certain modes. However, for a pure basketball experience, they're less impactful. At $69.99, it's a premium price compared to previous years.

Despite technical limitations compared to consoles, the portability factor makes it my preferred platform for NBA 2K25.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Unverified by Valve but running flawlessly, Gimmick! 2 (check Shaun's Switch review here) benefits from recent Steam Deck and Linux fixes. Capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended), it offers 16:10 menu support (though gameplay remains 16:9). No graphics options are present, but its smooth performance strongly suggests impending Steam Deck Verification.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, has reached its full potential with recent updates. Steam Deck Verified, it runs smoothly at 60fps (16:9 only) and includes an assist mode (beta) for those seeking easier gameplay.

The blend of turn-based and real-time elements, coupled with stunning visuals, music, and compelling storytelling, makes Arco a standout title. A free demo is available.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Newly available on Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" by Valve. While the Ubisoft Connect login process is clunky, the game itself runs well at 30fps (16:10, 800p) with FSR 2 quality upscaling and low settings (textures set to high).

Early impressions are positive, but it's still early days. 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 with touch controls (no controller support yet). Simple graphics settings are available, though the menu text is small.

Despite the lack of controller support, its intuitive touch controls and charming aesthetic make it a delightful creative tool.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While not fully optimized, it runs well on Proton Experimental with adjustable graphics settings (16:10 support included). Controls require some adjustment.

Despite some control issues, its unique gameplay loop, visuals, and writing make it enjoyable.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

This visual novel runs perfectly on Steam Deck (720p, 16:9), offering a charming story and beautiful art. Check system settings for button configuration.

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

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

A significantly enhanced re-release, Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES is playable on Steam Deck, though currently lacks controller support (using trackpad and touch controls).

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with excellent HDR support on Steam Deck. The gameplay is enjoyable, and the free-to-play version allows for sampling 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, surprisingly, remains Unsupported despite good performance.

Steam Deck Game Sales

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

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