Welcome to this week’s version of the Steam Deck Weekly. If you happen to missed my Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck overview, learn it right here. Right now’s article has Steam Deck impressions and critiques for Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint, Visions of Mana, Gori: Cuddly Carnage, Bloons Card Storm, and extra. This week additionally sees a number of notable new Steam Deck Verified video games and the standard slew of gross sales and reductions. Let’s get into the critiques and impressions first.
Steam Deck Sport Critiques & Impressions
We’re formally within the very busy season of the 12 months, and I’m going to attempt to cowl as a lot as I can this week by way of a number of scored critiques and impressions of video games on Steam Deck with one preview as effectively.
Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint Steam Deck Impressions
Over time, we’ve seen Cygames attempt to broaden its Umamusume property by way of oblique methods with DLC in its different video games, by way of the anime, and extra. Umamusume: Fairly Derby itself is lastly getting localized this 12 months as effectively on cell, and Cygames has launched a celebration sport primarily based on Umamusume with Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint.
I would like a bit extra time for my full overview of Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint once I’ll doubtless additionally cowl the Swap model, however I’ve been taking part in Cygames’ first ever official Umamusume: Fairly Derby launch within the West on Steam Deck forward of its launch this week. Till then, I wished to provide you an thought of how Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint is on Steam Deck.
Out of the field, Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint appears to run at full 16:10, however it’s stretched. I like to recommend going into the settings and altering the decision to 720p and show mode to full display screen so it shows appropriately. One factor to bear in mind is Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint at the moment has some video playback codec points leading to a shade bar sample for some movies. I examined 3 completely different Proton GE variations together with 9-9 with no luck as the sport wouldn’t load some modes until I used Proton Experimental.
Apart from the movies, Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint runs positive at its 60fps goal. I’m trying ahead to taking part in extra of it for my full overview that hopefully covers the console variations as effectively. As of now Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint doesn’t have a Steam Deck ranking from Valve, and I think about it will likely be marked unsupported till the cut-scene difficulty is addressed.
Reynatis English Launch Preview
Reynatis from NIS America and Furyu is ready to launch on September twenty seventh for Steam, PS5, PS4, and Swap following its Japanese debut. Forward of its launch, I had an opportunity to attend a preview occasion for the sport to take a look at a number of the English construct. Often, I don’t hassle doing hands-off previews, however I’ve been curious to see how the English localization is, and in addition be taught extra about this launch.
Since this was a hands-off preview, I can’t touch upon how the sport feels or how it’s on PC, however Reynatis is shaping as much as be one in every of Furyu’s extra bold video games with its story, setting, and seemingly easy fight. Over time, I often find yourself clicking with Furyu sport tales and soundtracks, however one or two facets at all times really feel missing. With Reynatis, I’ve been within the narrative and fight as effectively. Reynatis takes place in a recreation of modern-day Tokyo and the completely different views make it seem to be it will likely be distinctive. I received’t touch upon a lot of the gameplay till I attempt it out for myself, however the English localization up to now appears excellent. I’m a bit upset at no English dub although.
Plenty of people doubtless are concerned about Reynatis as a result of it has music by Yoko Shimomura and a state of affairs from Kazushige Nojima each of whom are well-known to Sq. Enix followers for his or her work on Ultimate Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and extra. If we do get a demo within the close to future, I like to recommend making an attempt it out to see how you discover it for your self.
I’m trying ahead to taking part in Reynatis myself hopefully quickly for overview, but it surely positively looks like this may find yourself one in every of Furyu’s higher video games lately. Whereas the story and setting are positively highlights, I’m very concerned about seeing how the fight system feels. Keep tuned for extra Reynatis protection within the close to future.
Visions of Mana Steam Deck Evaluate
When Visions of Mana was introduced, I used to be very pleased to see the collection again after we noticed the excellent Assortment of Mana after which the remake of Trials of Mana launched throughout a number of platforms. After I tried the demo for Visions of Mana, I used to be involved as a result of there have been some facets that didn’t work for me in any respect, however I used to be hopeful. Quick ahead to right this moment and Visions of Mana is out there on PS5, Xbox Sequence X, and Steam. I’ve been taking part in it on each Steam Deck and PS5 for overview, and it ended up stunning me in a great way, however I really feel like it will have benefited from a number of months of polish and tweaking in relation to its basic motion. I’m going to give attention to the sport on Steam Deck on this overview, but in addition cowl the way it feels on PS5.
If you happen to’re new to the Mana collection, you possibly can nonetheless begin with this one. Visions of Mana is a brand new sport within the collection overlaying the Mana Tree and extra. If you happen to, like me, have performed prior video games, this may really feel nice in some methods, however you is likely to be let down in components, particularly for the story. Visions of Mana’s energy is in its beautiful world, the fight, and basic gameplay. It’s a large step up over Trials of Mana in its scope and visuals, identical to Tales of Come up felt in a manner when it was launched. The problems I’ve with Visions of Mana are to do with its basic really feel. The motion and digital camera by no means really feel good. Whereas I managed fixing this on PS5 with the digital camera distance and motion velocity, I want it was snappier generally.
On the PC port facet, Visions of Mana is sort of bare-bones. You’ll be able to alter display screen mode, decision, body fee goal (30fps to limitless), toggle v-sync, alter FSR 2, and simply “graphics settings” presets. These presets are low, normal, and excessive. It doesn’t inform you what the three choices change, but it surely does have an effect on draw distance, post-processing, and extra. Whereas the sport boots up seemingly fullscreen at 16:10, it’s really stretched. Don’t be fooled into pondering the sport helps the native decision. Altering the show mode from borderless to windowed or fullscreen may have it alter to 16:9 the place the weather and display screen will not be stretched. A pal of mine advisable making an attempt out forcing a decrease decision within the demo to get higher efficiency, however that appears to return with its personal points the place the decision choices bug out even while you return to forcing native or greater decision on the Deck’s personal show.
Visions of Mana is at the moment rated as Steam Deck Playable by Valve, but it surely has notable efficiency points proper now. Whatever the settings I used in relation to body fee goal or upscaling, I couldn’t get a locked body fee even concentrating on 30fps with it dropping under in crowded areas. When utilizing the low preset and completely different upscaling strategies for testing functions, the sport runs above 60fps in components, but it surely additionally drops under 30fps. Some areas simply stutter generally, and even taking part in on Extremely Efficiency upscaling with the actually low picture high quality isn’t sufficient. Visions of Mana’s artwork type actually doesn’t work with heavy upscaling so I’d not advocate it. After spending about 5 hours simply testing out completely different settings throughout my save information in Visions of Mana, I settled on taking part in with FSR set to high quality and the excessive preset for a 30fps goal with drops under to the excessive 20s.
If you happen to’re pleased with round 30fps and common drops under to the excessive 20s, Visions of Mana is okay on Steam Deck, and appears glorious on the hand held’s display screen when taking part in on the excessive graphics preset. I’d advocate downloading the free Visions of Mana demo to check out the completely different graphics choices, however be aware that the ultimate sport runs a bit in another way. It’s nonetheless value checking to see how the aesthetic scales on Steam Deck with completely different settings used. Visions of Mana wants extra optimization proper now on PC generally although. I’d additionally love for the PC port to truly see extra detailed graphics choices added in order that gamers can alter issues individually moderately than counting on console-like modes.
On the management facet, Visions of Mana has assist for controller and keyboard + mouse inputs. You may also change the controller glyphs which is at all times a welcome possibility.
Talking of console, Visions of Mana on PS5 is nice after some tweaking. The default digital camera motion and distance felt terrible. Having modified it to zoomed out and the digital camera velocity to 10 resulted in a massively higher feeling expertise. The default gave me movement illness in components. I’d additionally advocate toggling on auto-run. If you happen to, like me, play on each present consoles or Steam Deck, I’d seize Visions of Mana on PS5 for certain over Steam Deck till it will get some patches on the latter.
Visions of Mana has greater highs but in addition decrease lows than Trials of Mana, however it’s a sport I’m glad I received to expertise by the tip. If you happen to loved Trials of Mana and video games like Tales of Come up particularly on the gameplay facet, Visions of Mana is value your time. I simply want the motion and PC port have been higher. In its present state, it’s glorious to have a contemporary Mana sport and Visions of Mana delivered on that entrance. Simply don’t anticipate it to succeed in the highs of Secret of Mana. Whereas it’s rated Steam Deck Playable by Valve, I like to recommend taking part in it on PS5 moderately than Steam Deck with how bare-bones the PC port is in its present state.
Visions of Mana Steam Deck overview rating: 3.5/5
Gori: Cuddly Carnage Steam Deck Evaluate
After I first noticed promotional artwork for Gori: Cuddly Carnage, I assumed it will be a brief horror sport. I didn’t anticipate it to be a mix of Ratchet & Clank, Cyril Cyberpunk, and an motion sport with a ton of early 2000s humor sprinkled throughout. If that sounds good to you, simply go obtain the demo as a result of it’s nice.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage has you taking part in as a badass cat in an motion platformer that occurs to have higher fight than any current sport within the style. Whereas the aesthetic won’t work for some, I discovered it completely fits the writing and was impressed by the graceful animations and visuals all through my time taking part in it.
On PC, Gori: Cuddly Carnage permits you to alter graphics presets (low, medium, excessive, very excessive), decision, show mode, FOV, body fee goal (30fps to limitless), toggle v-sync, toggle movement blur, toggle ray tracing, upscale methodology (off, DLSS, XeSS), and in addition alter the standard for anti-aliasing, shadows, textures, results, and post-processing. The PC model is sort of a characteristic packed port for a sport like this, and it controls completely on Steam Deck with good rumble as effectively.
On Steam Deck taking part in on the very excessive preset with no upscaling used, anticipate to play with a 30fps goal. I didn’t need to accept simply 30fps in fact. Utilizing the medium preset with no upscaling is nice for taking part in with 45fps at 90hz on Steam Deck OLED. If you wish to intention for 60fps or greater, I like to recommend taking part in with greater visuals however XeSS. Taking issues all the best way down on the low preset and XeSS set to extremely efficiency ends in 90fps with some drops. It doesn’t look unhealthy even now, however it’s positively a visible step down from native anti-aliasing.
I additionally had entry to Gori: Cuddly Carnage on PS5, and that model is simply as spectacular because the PC model with a number of efficiency modes together with a ray tracing mode, 120fps mode, and extra. It additionally has good DualSense assist.
Relating to the sport itself, Gori: Cuddly Carnage has some digital camera points that have an effect on platforming sections and in addition a number of boss battles that irritated me. Whereas the latter may simply make sure encounters not clicking with me, I hope the previous could be addressed.
Total, I’m more than happy with how Gori: Cuddly Carnage is on Steam Deck, and anticipate it to get Verified very quickly. The sport itself stunned me with its high quality, and it’s one I received’t neglect for some time. It excels with its enjoyable gameplay, good writing, and nice fight and feels proper at residence on Steam Deck from begin to end. It’s simply held again by a number of annoyances.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage Steam Deck overview rating: 4/5
Bloons Card Storm Steam Deck Gameplay Impressions
After I realized about Bloons Card Storm, a collectible card sport set within the Bloons sport universe, I used to be interested by it. I had entry to a Steam preview construct of the sport forward of its full launch later this 12 months on cell and Steam, and it has been an attention-grabbing expertise. Having performed the Bloons video games on iOS with contact controls, I wasn’t certain what to anticipate with Bloons Card Storm, but it surely feels proper at residence on Steam Deck with contact controls. As of now there isn’t any controller assist within the preview construct, but it surely performs completely with contact controls.
As for the sport itself, Bloons Card Storm looks like a pleasant addition to the crowded style. I performed a number of ranges of the PvE mode and like how the workforce introduced over Bloons characters and skills to this world. If you happen to’re new to Bloons, I like to recommend taking part in the tremendous fashionable Bloons TD 6 or TD Battles 2 earlier than, however you possibly can nonetheless play and luxuriate in this one. I simply hope the monetization is dealt with effectively when it launches as a result of I can’t see what the in-game retailer is promoting proper now.
I can safely say that it runs and appears nice on Steam Deck even in its early preview construct. Hopefully it will get controller assist at or round launch although. It’s shaping as much as be a pleasant and accessible card sport, and the cross platform multiplayer means I’m positively going to get a number of buddies to provide it a shot at launch.
Age of Mythology: Retold Steam Deck Gameplay Impressions
I’ve been very excited for Age of Mythology: Retold as a result of I performed the unique a ton again within the day. The motion RTS bringing collectively gods and monsters was already nice on PC, however this remake had me extra as a result of it was coming to console day one. You is likely to be questioning why that issues for a Steam Deck overview, and I would like to return a bit to Age of Empires coming to Xbox for that.
When Microsoft introduced Age of Empires II Definitive Version to Xbox, it performed splendidly with full controller assist and a improbable port. The corporate sadly didn’t convey this controller assist to the PC model and I’ve needed to depend on utilizing the trackpad on Steam Deck to play Age of Empires II Definitive and in addition Age of Empires IV. I ended up taking part in each of these extra on Xbox as a result of I actually love the controller assist. It isn’t nearly as good as taking part in with a mouse and keyboard for some particular areas, however I performed sufficient of those video games with a keyboard and mouse after they first launched.
Age of Mythology: Retold had a beta check on Steam, and once I tried it out, I used to be glad to see it included controller assist even on Steam. This was sufficient for me to pre-order the sport’s Premium Version a number of days in the past to play on Steam Deck. Up to now, Age of Mythology: Retold feels nice on Steam Deck, after making one change.
By default, Age of Mythology: Retold is marked as Steam Deck Playable by Valve, however I really couldn’t get it besides up in any respect on my Steam Deck OLED or LCD fashions. It saved freezing or crashing. Transferring to GE Proton 9-9 mounted this difficulty for me. I haven’t performed sufficient to do a full overview but, however I’m glad at how good Age of Mythology: Retold feels and appears on Steam Deck proper now. I’m trying ahead to taking part in it extra over the approaching weeks.
As for the most effective graphics settings for Age of Mythology: Retold on Steam Deck OLED, I would like a bit extra time to see the way it performs afterward. Proper now, I’ve settled for 45fps at 90hz with a mix of medium settings with FSR 2 set to high quality. It will be attention-grabbing to see the way it fares afterward within the marketing campaign.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn Steam Deck Gameplay Impressions
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is Tengo Undertaking and NatsumeAtari’s latest remake of a basic, and it’s a rattling positive launch total. Shaun is engaged on a full overview of this one, however I wished to cowl the way it feels on Steam Deck and in addition Xbox briefly.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn on PC permits you to alter decision and display screen mode (borderless, windowed, and fullscreen). It solely has 16:9 assist, however the aesthetic completely shines on Steam Deck with the particle results and crisp animation work. As for the PC port itself, there are some management points if you wish to use a keyboard, however I performed Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn on Steam Deck solely and it felt proper at residence on Valve’s handheld with quick loading and no efficiency points.
Whereas Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn’s supply sport isn’t as wonderful because the likes of Pocky and Rocky and even The Ninja Warriors like we’ve seen from Tengo Undertaking previously, it has gotten a superb launch that runs and appears good on Steam Deck and Xbox Sequence X. I additionally loved taking part in it on-line by way of Steam Distant Play Along with a pal of mine abroad. If you happen to aren’t certain about this one but, I like to recommend downloading the demo and making an attempt it out for your self.
Information and Trailers
Let’s begin this week’s part with a brand-new prolonged showcase for Atlus’ upcoming RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio. It continues to look wonderful and I can’t consider it is just a bit of over a month away. Watch the trailer under:
Following that, Sq. Enix simply posted new particulars for the upcoming Romancing SaGa 2 remake titled Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven coming to Steam and consoles this October. Try some new screenshots right here and one showcasing Glimmer under:
Now let’s shift gears to the Nintendo Indie Direct + Companion Showcase that had 99% video games coming to or on Steam. I’ve included the highlights right here. Marvelous USA had an impactful trailer for Rune Manufacturing facility: Guardians of Azuma coming to Swap and Steam in Spring 2025. Watch it under:
Bandai Namco introduced Tales of Graces f Remastered for January 2025 launch on Steam and all consoles with visible upgrades and DLC included. Watch the trailer under:
Konami and M2 have launched Castlevania Daybreak of Sorrow, Portrait of Damage, and Order of Ecclesia in a single assortment out now on Steam and all consoles. I’ll be reviewing this one subsequent week so keep tuned for that.
Capcom introduced Capcom Combating Assortment 2 that includes Capcom Vs SNK, Energy Stone, and 6 different video games coming in 2025 to Steam, Swap, and PlayStation. Capcom additionally introduced that the Marvel Vs Capcom assortment launches in underneath 2 weeks.
The superb Cuisineer from Marvelous USA is coming to Swap and different consoles early subsequent 12 months alongside a giant replace for the Steam launch. I’m positively getting the bodily version.
The Ghibli-inspired action-adventure sport Europa was showcased for Swap through the Nintendo Indie World showcase and can launch on October eleventh for Swap and Steam.
Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Reminiscences & the Envisioned Land, the following mainline Atelier sport is coming to Steam and all consoles together with Xbox, a collection first, in early 2025, and it seems to be unimaginable.
Tetris Eternally is the brand new Gold Grasp Sequence launch from Digital Eclipse coming this 12 months that includes greater than 15 playable basic video games from the collection’ historical past. Some have by no means seen a launch exterior Japan earlier than.
PowerWash Simulator goes deeper into the insanity with the Shrek Particular Pack coming quickly for Steam and all consoles.
FAIRY TAIL 2 from Gust and Koei Tecmo is lastly coming to Steam, Swap, and different consoles starting December eleventh. Watch the trailer under:
Implausible Video games: Introduced by Day of the Devs can be going down from September twentieth to twenty second, and the complete record of video games and builders has been revealed. I’m excited for fairly a number of of these, and I even have performed a number of of these already (however I can’t say which of them but!).
Channel: Dying by Evening Metropolis, Huge Sir Video games
darkwebSTREAMER by We Have All the time Lived within the Forest
Concern the Highlight by Cozy Sport Buddies and Blumhouse Video games
5 Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic by Metal Wool
Grunn by Sokpop Collective
Hollowbody by Headware Video games
Holstin by Sonka
Horses by Santa Ragione
Karma: The Darkish World by Pollard Studio, Wired Productions and Gamera Video games
Pinball M (DLC) by Zen Studios
Put up Trauma by Purple Soul Video games and Uncooked Fury
Skate Story by Sam Eng and Devolver Digital
Tom the Postgirl by Oopsie Daisies
SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream received two new character trailers this week. Try the Yui and Oberon trailers under:
D3 Writer launched the primary DLC pack for Earth Protection Drive 6 within the type of Earth Protection Drive 6 – Misplaced Days DLC 1. It’s out now on Steam and PS5.
Tremendous Evil Megacorp posted a roadmap for TMNT Splintered Destiny following its launch on Apple Arcade and Swap revealing that it will likely be Steam Deck Verified and extra.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Competition is coming to Steam and present consoles on November seventh with 120fps assist and extra. It performs wonderful on Steam Deck already. Strive the demo right here.
Panic’s latest showcase aired a number of days in the past and it’s completely value watching should you like attention-grabbing video games.
Forward of Tokyo Video games Present, SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio introduced the following RGG Summit for September twentieth at 3 AM PT. You’ll be able to watch it under when the occasion begins:
Pinball FX brings in Goat Simulator and The Princess Bride as DLC tables this week on Steam and different platforms. Keep tuned for my protection of each of those and the sport itself within the close to future:
The primary DLC for That Time I Received Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles, “A Unusual Destiny” is now accessible with Hinata as a brand new playable character and an unique story by the unique creator. Watch the launch trailer under:
SYNDUALITY: ECHO OF ADA has a brand new trailer with closed community check signal ups now dwell. Join right here and watch the trailer for it under:
The ultimate bit of stories is The First Descendant’s Season 1: Invasion now accessible bringing in a brand new descendent: Hailey, battle move rewards, new dungeon invasions, and far more.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable video games for the week
Plenty of attention-grabbing additions this week with the newly launched Castlevania assortment and Gundam Breaker 4 being marked as playable alongside Marvel Vs Capcom Combating Assortment: Arcade Classics getting Verified forward of its launch in underneath two weeks. I’m additionally glad to see the upcoming Dragon Quest Monsters launch and Regency Solitaire II get examined by Valve.
Age of Mythology: Retold – Playable
Castlevania Dominus Assortment – Playable
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Darkish Prince – Playable
GUNDAM BREAKER 4 – Playable
MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Combating Assortment: Arcade Classics – Verified
Pool Panic – Verified
Regency Solitaire II – Verified
Sam & Max: The Satan’s Playhouse – Verified
The Elder Scrolls On-line – Playable
Visions of Mana – Playable
Steam Deck Sport Gross sales, Reductions, and Specials
The notable gross sales of the week embrace a Tales of franchise sale the place I like to recommend Tales of Berseria as the most effective sport within the collection on Steam adopted by Tales of Come up, Kingdom Come Deliverance at 90% off, and Purple Lifeless Redemption II at 60% off on Steam. Observe that for Purple Lifeless Redemption II, you possibly can’t purchase the Steam model exterior Steam whilst you can for the opposite video games I’ve talked about right here.
That’s all for this version of the Steam Deck Weekly. As normal, you possibly can learn all our previous and future Steam Deck protection right here. When you have any suggestions for this characteristic or what else you’d wish to see us do across the Steam Deck, tell us within the feedback under. I hope you all have an ideal day, and thanks for studying.
