Steam Deck Reviews: NBA 2K25, ARCO, & More Verified Games

This week's Steam Deck Weekly roundup features reviews and impressions of several recently played games, highlighting their performance and compatibility with the handheld. We also cover notable sales and newly verified/playable titles.

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 matches the "Next Gen" console experience. Officially optimized for Steam Deck (though not yet officially rated by Valve), the game delivers a satisfying portable basketball experience, albeit with some familiar 2K quirks. Key improvements include ProPLAY technology and the WNBA debut on PC. The Steam Deck version supports 16:10 and 800p, along with AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though the reviewer disabled upscaling for clarity). Extensive graphical settings allow for customization, with the reviewer recommending a 60fps cap at 60hz for optimal stability. While the default Steam Deck preset is functional, the reviewer found it too blurry. Offline play is limited; MyCAREER and MyTEAM require online connectivity, but Quick Play and Eras modes function offline. Load times are slower than on PS5/Xbox Series X, and microtransactions remain a concern.

Despite the technical edge of console versions, the portability factor makes the Steam Deck a preferred platform for the reviewer.

The game's $69.99 price point is also noted, compared to lower prices in previous years.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Gimmick! 2, currently unverified but running smoothly, boasts Steam Deck and Linux fixes in its latest patch. Capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED is recommended), it supports 16:10 in menus but maintains 16:9 gameplay. The lack of graphical options isn't a significant drawback, and its excellent performance suggests upcoming Steam Deck verification.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, shines with its updated Steam version (superior to the Switch version at the time of review). The combat system, audio, and story are praised. Steam Deck compatibility is excellent (verified), capped at 60fps with 16:9 support. An assist mode offers options like skipping combat and infinite dynamite.

The reviewer highly recommends this title for its unique blend of gameplay and engaging narrative.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Newly released on Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" on Steam Deck. While the initial Ubisoft Connect login process is criticized for being slow, gameplay is smooth with a 30fps cap at 16:10 and 800p using FSR 2 quality upscaling. The reviewer suggests performance upscaling for better stability. Graphical settings were primarily set to low, except for textures. The reviewer finds the game promising but still early in their playthrough. It's noted as online-only and cross-progression with consoles is available.

A free trial is recommended before a full purchase.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

ODDADA, a music-making experience, runs flawlessly at 90fps on Steam Deck, utilizing touch controls (controller support is absent but planned). While the menu text is small, the graphical options are straightforward. The reviewer highly recommends it for its creative potential and aesthetic appeal.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. Running on Proton Experimental, it offers extensive graphical settings (including 16:10 support), allowing for performance optimization. The reviewer achieved around 40fps with a custom preset. While the gameplay loop is praised, the controls require adjustment.

Despite some control issues, the reviewer enjoys the unique blend of genres and visuals.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, a visual novel, runs perfectly on Steam Deck at 720p with 16:9 support. The reviewer recommends checking system settings to ensure correct button mapping and aspect ratio. Highly recommended for fans of the series.

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

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES Steam Deck Review Impressions

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, an enhanced re-release, is playable on Steam Deck using trackpad and touch controls (controller support is lacking). Initial impressions are positive, praising the improvements over the original.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with HDR support on Steam Deck. The reviewer enjoys the gameplay and recommends trying the free-to-play version to experience the game's quality.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Several games received Verified or Playable status, including Hookah Haze, OneShot: World Machine Edition, and others. The reviewer notes Black Myth: Wukong as surprisingly Unsupported despite playable performance.

Steam Deck Game Sales

The Games from Croatia sale, featuring discounts on The Talos Principle series and more, is highlighted.

The article concludes with an invitation for reader feedback.