Home News Steam Deck New Releases: NBA 2K25, Diverse Indie Games Verified

Steam Deck New Releases: NBA 2K25, Diverse Indie Games Verified

Author : Zoe Jan 23,2025

This week's Steam Deck Weekly highlights several game reviews and impressions, along with newly Verified and Playable titles, and current sales. If you missed my Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review, you can find it here.

Steam Deck Game Reviews & Impressions

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck Review

Despite the usual yearly sports game skepticism, I've always enjoyed 2K's NBA titles. NBA 2K25 stands out; it's the first PC version since the PS5 launch to feature the "Next Gen" experience, and the official PC FAQ confirms Steam Deck optimization. My experience on the Steam Deck, along with PS5 and Xbox Series X, is largely positive, although some familiar issues remain.

Key improvements for PC players include ProPLAY technology (previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X) and the PC debut of WNBA and MyNBA mode. If you've held off on recent PC versions, NBA 2K25 delivers the complete experience. I hope its success ensures continued Next Gen PC releases and ongoing Steam Deck support from 2K.

The Steam Deck and PC versions offer 16:10 and 800p support. AMD FSR 2, DLSS, and XeSS are included (though I disabled them – more on that later). Adjustable settings include v-sync, dynamic v-sync (targeting 90fps/45fps), HDR (Steam Deck compatible!), texture detail, overall quality, and shader options. I recommend caching shaders on the initial boot for optimal gameplay. NBA 2K25 on the Steam Deck performs a quick shader cache on each boot, a minor but noticeable detail.

Extensive graphics options are available, including shader, shadow, player, and crowd detail; NPC density; volumetric effects; reflections; era filters; global illumination; ambient occlusion; TAA; motion blur; depth of field; bloom; and max anisotropy. I found a balance of medium/low settings, disabling upscaling for improved clarity, and capping the frame rate at 60fps for the best stability.

The default Steam Deck visual preset is functional but appeared too blurry. This prompted my experimentation with the settings.

Offline play is limited. While some modes require online access, quick play and eras function offline. Load times are noticeably faster offline.

Technically, the console versions are superior, yet I find myself playing more on the Steam Deck. Load times are slower than on PS5/Xbox Series X, though not excessively so. Note that there's no cross-play between PC and consoles.

Microtransactions remain a concern, impacting certain game modes. If you prioritize gameplay and visuals, this may be less of an issue. However, the $69.99 PC price point is worth considering.

NBA 2K25 provides a fantastic portable basketball experience on the Steam Deck, matching PS5/Xbox Series X features. With minor adjustments, it looks and runs great. 2K has finally brought the complete feature set to PC after years of waiting. If you have a Steam Deck and want a quality NBA 2K25 experience, this is it—just be mindful of the microtransactions.

NBA 2K25 Steam Deck review score: 4/5

Gimmick! 2 Steam Deck Impressions

For those unfamiliar, read Shaun's Switch review here. My Steam Deck experience was positive, despite the game's unverified status. A recent patch even includes Steam Deck and Linux fixes.

Gimmick! 2 is capped at 60fps on the Steam Deck; I recommend forcing 60hz on OLED screens to prevent jitter. While there are no graphics options, 16:10 menu support is present (though gameplay remains 16:9). Forcing 1080p output confirmed proper 16:10 support in the menus.

The 60fps cap isn't a major drawback. I expect Steam Deck verification soon due to its seamless out-of-the-box performance. I concur with Shaun's review; Gimmick! 2's Steam Deck performance is excellent.

Arco Steam Deck Mini Review

I've always appreciated Arco, though previous versions felt incomplete. Recent PC and Switch releases, and subsequent Steam updates, have addressed most of my concerns. This review focuses on the updated Steam Deck version.

Arco is more than just a visually appealing tactical RPG. The combat system is unique, and the audio and story are surprisingly strong. The blend of real-time and turn-based elements is well-executed.

The Steam Deck version is Verified and performs flawlessly. It's capped at 60fps and supports 16:9. A beta assist mode allows skipping combat, infinite dynamite, and more. The ability to skip the first act on replays is particularly welcome.

Arco exceeded my expectations. The dynamic gameplay, visuals, music, and story are superb. If you want a compelling tactical RPG with a memorable narrative, this is a must-have. A free demo is available on Steam.

Arco Steam Deck review score: 5/5

Skull and Bones Steam Deck Mini Review

Skull and Bones is a recent Steam release (previously available on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC). My initial impressions are cautiously optimistic, especially regarding the Steam Deck port. Ubisoft's confirmation of playability was encouraging. This review prioritizes the Steam Deck port.

The game is officially rated "Playable" on Steam Deck. The Ubisoft Connect login process is somewhat clunky. For optimal performance, I used a 30fps cap, 16:10/800p resolution, FSR 2 quality upscaling (performance mode is more stable), and low settings (except high textures).

My early impressions of the game itself are positive, showing potential with continued support.

At full price, Skull and Bones is a tough sell, but the free trial is recommended. If Ubisoft continues supporting it, it will become easier to recommend. It's already improved significantly with recent updates. Note that it's online-only. I plan to get the console version for cross-progression.

Skull and Bones Steam Deck review score: TBA

ODDADA Steam Deck Review

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

ODDADA is a music-making tool with a game-like structure. The aesthetic is reminiscent of Windosill. It's a visually appealing toolbox for creating music. Interaction is via mouse or touch controls on the Steam Deck. The random elements ensure unique creations.

The Steam Deck performance is excellent (90fps) with adjustable resolution, v-sync, and anti-aliasing. However, the menu text is small. Controller support is absent, but touch controls work well. Even with controller support, touch or mouse may be preferable.

ODDADA is recommended for music and art enthusiasts. The lack of controller support is the only drawback; touch controls are functional. Steam Deck verification is pending.

ODDADA Steam Deck review score: 4.5/5

Star Trucker Steam Deck Mini Review

Star Trucker blends automobile simulation and space exploration. It may not fully satisfy either genre's fanbase, but it could attract a new audience. It's unverified but runs on Proton Experimental.

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

Extensive PC and Steam Deck graphics settings are included (resolution, refresh rate, v-sync, quality, render scale, shadows, anti-aliasing, mesh detail, light shafts). I used a custom preset (low shadows, other settings normal, TAA off) targeting ~40fps.

The controls require adjustment.

Star Trucker surprisingly blends genres effectively. While not for everyone, I enjoyed it. Further optimization for the Steam Deck is hoped for.

Star Trucker Steam Deck review score: 4/5

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Steam Deck Mini Review

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

The story follows Shido's dream about Ren. Multiple paths and returning characters are featured. The art is excellent. The tone is lighter than its predecessor.

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

This is highly recommended for fans of Rio Reincarnation. However, playing it before Rio Reincarnation is not advised.

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 significant update/re-release with a new Steam page. The original PHARAOH had potential but wasn't fully realized at launch. DYNASTIES addresses this.

Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES nearly doubles the campaign content, adds four factions, the Dynasty system, and numerous improvements. For existing PHARAOH owners, it's an enhanced re-release/sequel.

Controller support is absent on the Steam Deck, but trackpad and touch controls are functional. My initial impressions are positive, especially considering the improvements over the original.

Pinball FX Steam Deck Impressions

Following Shaun's recommendations, I tried Pinball FX on the Steam Deck. The PC port features and Steam Deck performance are impressive, including HDR support. I haven't played all DLC tables but the ones I have are great.

The gameplay is enjoyable. Pinball FX feels like a tribute to pinball. I recommend downloading the free version to check it out on the Steam Deck.

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable games for the week

Notable additions include Hookah Haze and OneShot: World Machine Edition (Verified). Black Myth: Wukong's "Unsupported" rating is surprising given its performance.

Black Myth: Wukong – Unsupported (playable)F1 Manager 2024 – PlayableHidden Through Time 2: Discovery – PlayableHookah Haze – VerifiedMETAL SLUG ATTACK RELOADED – VerifiedOneShot: World Machine Edition – VerifiedSlash Quest – VerifiedSyberia – VerifiedToree’s Panic Pack – VerifiedVolgarr the Viking II – Playable

Steam Deck Game Sales, Discounts, and Specials

The Games from Croatia sale includes discounts on Talos Principle and more, ending Monday morning.

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