New Games Reviewed: NBA 2k25, ODDADA, More

This week's Steam Deck Weekly features reviews and impressions of several games recently played on the handheld, including both Steam Deck Verified titles and some notable current discounts.

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

NBA 2K25 marks a significant milestone: the PC version finally mirrors the "Next Gen" experience previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X. 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 for PC players include ProPLAY technology for enhanced gameplay and the WNBA debut alongside MyNBA mode. If you’ve held off on recent PC 2K titles, this is the definitive version. The Steam Deck port boasts 16:10 and 800p support, AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS (though I disabled upscaling for better clarity). Extensive graphics settings allow for customization, with a recommended 60fps cap at 60hz for optimal stability. A built-in Steam Deck visual preset is available, but I found it 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 consoles, and crossplay isn't supported. Microtransactions remain a persistent issue, impacting certain game modes.

Despite technical differences favoring console versions, the Steam Deck's portability makes it my preferred platform for NBA 2K25.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

Gimmick! 2, while not yet Valve-tested, runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck. A recent patch even includes Steam Deck and Linux fixes. The game is capped at 60fps (forcing 60hz on OLED screens is recommended), and supports 16:10 resolution in menus (though gameplay remains 16:9). Its smooth performance suggests imminent Steam Deck Verification.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

Arco, a dynamic turn-based RPG, is Steam Deck Verified and runs smoothly at 60fps (16:9 support only). A recent update adds an assist mode (beta) with options to skip combat, enable infinite dynamite, and skip the first act on replays. The game's blend of real-time and turn-based elements, coupled with its compelling story, visuals, and music, makes it a standout title.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Recently released on Steam, Skull and Bones is rated "Playable" by Valve. While the initial Ubisoft Connect login process is slow, the game runs well at 30fps (16:10, 800p) with FSR 2 quality upscaling and low settings (textures set to high). Early impressions are positive, suggesting potential with continued support. 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). Graphics settings are minimal, but the menu text is small. Despite the lack of controller support, the touch interface works well.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. While not yet Valve-rated, it runs well on Proton Experimental. Extensive graphics settings allow for performance adjustments. The game's visuals, writing, and radio banter are highlights, but the controls require adjustment.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck (720p, 16:9). It's a recommended follow-up to DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation, offering a lighthearted narrative, excellent art, and memorable characters.

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 re-release, is playable on Steam Deck using trackpad and touch controls (controller support is pending). Early impressions are positive.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Pinball FX offers a robust PC port with extensive graphics options, including HDR support on Steam Deck. The gameplay is enjoyable, and the free-to-play version allows for testing before purchasing DLC tables.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable Games

Notable additions this week include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified). Black Myth: Wukong, despite being marked Unsupported, shows playable performance.

Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials

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

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