Welcome to this week’s version of the Steam Deck Weekly. If you happen to missed my Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck evaluate, learn it right here. Right now’s article has Steam Deck impressions and critiques for Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Social gathering 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 Evaluations & Impressions
We’re formally within the very busy season of the yr, and I’m going to try 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 properly.
Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Social gathering Sprint Steam Deck Impressions
Over time, we’ve seen Cygames try to increase 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 yr as properly on cell, and Cygames has launched a celebration recreation based mostly on Umamusume with Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Social gathering Sprint.
I would like a bit extra time for my full evaluate of Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Social gathering Sprint once I’ll seemingly 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 needed to present you an concept of how Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Social gathering Sprint is on Steam Deck.
Out of the field, Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Social gathering 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 remember is Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Social gathering Sprint at present has some video playback codec points leading to a coloration 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 except I used Proton Experimental.
Except for the movies, Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Social gathering Sprint runs high quality at its 60fps goal. I’m wanting ahead to taking part in extra of it for my full evaluate that hopefully covers the console variations as properly. As of now Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Social gathering Sprint doesn’t have a Steam Deck ranking from Valve, and I think about will probably be marked unsupported till the cut-scene situation is addressed.
Reynatis English Launch Preview
Reynatis from NIS America and Furyu is about 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 among the English construct. Often, I don’t trouble 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 certainly one of Furyu’s extra formidable video games with its story, setting, and seemingly easy fight. Over time, I normally find yourself clicking with Furyu recreation tales and soundtracks, however one or two facets all the time really feel missing. With Reynatis, I’ve been within the narrative and fight as properly. Reynatis takes place in a recreation of modern-day Tokyo and the completely different views make it appear to be will probably be distinctive. I gained’t touch upon a lot of the gameplay till I strive it out for myself, however the English localization to this point appears superb. I’m a bit disenchanted at no English dub although.
Quite a lot of of us seemingly are enthusiastic about Reynatis as a result of it has music by Yoko Shimomura and a situation from Kazushige Nojima each of whom are well-known to Sq. Enix followers for his or her work on Last Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and extra. If we do get a demo within the close to future, I like to recommend attempting it out to see how you discover it for your self.
I’m wanting ahead to taking part in Reynatis myself hopefully quickly for evaluate, but it surely positively looks like this would possibly find yourself certainly one of Furyu’s higher video games in recent times. Whereas the story and setting are positively highlights, I’m very enthusiastic about seeing how the fight system feels. Keep tuned for extra Reynatis protection within the close to future.
Visions of Mana Steam Deck Evaluation
When Visions of Mana was introduced, I used to be very completely satisfied 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 at the moment and Visions of Mana is offered on PS5, Xbox Collection X, and Steam. I’ve been taking part in it on each Steam Deck and PS5 for evaluate, 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 with regards to its basic motion. I’m going to give attention to the sport on Steam Deck on this evaluate, but in addition cowl the way it feels on PS5.
If you happen to’re new to the Mana collection, you’ll be able to nonetheless begin with this one. Visions of Mana is a brand new recreation within the collection masking the Mana Tree and extra. If you happen to, like me, have performed prior video games, this can really feel nice in some methods, however you could be let down in elements, particularly for the story. Visions of Mana’s energy is in its beautiful world, the fight, and basic gameplay. It’s a big step up over Trials of Mana in its scope and visuals, similar to Tales of Come up felt in a method 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 pace, I want it was snappier usually.
On the PC port aspect, Visions of Mana is kind of bare-bones. You may modify display screen mode, decision, body price goal (30fps to limitless), toggle v-sync, modify FSR 2, and simply “graphics settings” presets. These presets are low, customary, 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 modify to 16:9 the place the weather and display screen aren’t stretched. A pal of mine beneficial attempting 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 increased decision on the Deck’s personal show.
Visions of Mana is at present rated as Steam Deck Playable by Valve, but it surely has notable efficiency points proper now. Whatever the settings I used with regards to body price goal or upscaling, I couldn’t get a locked body price even focusing on 30fps with it dropping beneath in crowded areas. When utilizing the low preset and completely different upscaling strategies for testing functions, the sport runs above 60fps in elements, but it surely additionally drops beneath 30fps. Some areas simply stutter usually, 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 might not advocate it. After spending about 5 hours simply testing out completely different settings throughout my save recordsdata 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 beneath to the excessive 20s.
If you happen to’re pleased with round 30fps and common drops beneath to the excessive 20s, Visions of Mana is okay on Steam Deck, and appears wonderful on the hand-held’s display screen when taking part in on the excessive graphics preset. I might advocate downloading the free Visions of Mana demo to check out the completely different graphics choices, however word that the ultimate recreation 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 usually although. I’d additionally love for the PC port to really see extra detailed graphics choices added in order that gamers can modify issues individually moderately than counting on console-like modes.
On the management aspect, Visions of Mana has help for controller and keyboard + mouse inputs. It’s also possible to change the controller glyphs which is all the time a welcome choice.
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 pace to 10 resulted in a massively higher feeling expertise. The default gave me movement illness in elements. I might additionally advocate toggling on auto-run. If you happen to, like me, play on each present consoles or Steam Deck, I might seize Visions of Mana on PS5 for certain over Steam Deck till it will get some patches on the latter.
Visions of Mana has increased highs but in addition decrease lows than Trials of Mana, however it’s a recreation I’m glad I obtained 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 aspect, Visions of Mana is value your time. I simply want the motion and PC port have been higher. In its present state, it’s wonderful to have a contemporary Mana recreation 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 evaluate rating: 3.5/5
Gori: Cuddly Carnage Steam Deck Evaluation
After I first noticed promotional artwork for Gori: Cuddly Carnage, I believed it will be a brief horror recreation. I didn’t anticipate it to be a mix of Ratchet & Clank, Cyril Cyberpunk, and an motion recreation 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 latest recreation within the style. Whereas the aesthetic may not work for some, I discovered it completely fits the writing and was impressed by the sleek animations and visuals all through my time taking part in it.
On PC, Gori: Cuddly Carnage allows you to modify graphics presets (low, medium, excessive, very excessive), decision, show mode, FOV, body price goal (30fps to limitless), toggle v-sync, toggle movement blur, toggle ray tracing, upscale technique (off, DLSS, XeSS), and in addition modify the standard for anti-aliasing, shadows, textures, results, and post-processing. The PC model is kind of a characteristic packed port for a recreation like this, and it controls completely on Steam Deck with good rumble as properly.
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 after all. Utilizing the medium preset with no upscaling is nice for enjoying with 45fps at 90hz on Steam Deck OLED. If you wish to goal for 60fps or increased, I like to recommend taking part in with increased visuals however XeSS. Taking issues all the best way down on the low preset and XeSS set to extremely efficiency leads to 90fps with some drops. It doesn’t look dangerous 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 help.
In relation 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 certain encounters not clicking with me, I hope the previous will 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 gained’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 evaluate rating: 4/5
Bloons Card Storm Steam Deck Gameplay Impressions
After I discovered about Bloons Card Storm, a collectible card recreation set within the Bloons recreation 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 yr 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 a controller help 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 crew 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 standard Bloons TD 6 or TD Battles 2 earlier than, however you’ll be able to nonetheless play and luxuriate in this one. I simply hope the monetization is dealt with properly 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 help at or round launch although. It’s shaping as much as be a pleasant and accessible card recreation, and the cross platform multiplayer means I’m positively going to get a number of buddies to present 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 could be questioning why that issues for a Steam Deck evaluate, 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 help and a incredible port. The corporate sadly didn’t carry this controller help 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 help. 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 once they first launched.
Age of Mythology: Retold had a beta take a look at on Steam, and once I tried it out, I used to be glad to see it included controller help 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 in addition 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 situation for me. I haven’t performed sufficient to do a full evaluate but, however I’m glad at how good Age of Mythology: Retold feels and appears on Steam Deck proper now. I’m wanting ahead to taking part in it extra over the approaching weeks.
As for one of the best 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’s going to 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 traditional, and it’s a rattling high quality launch total. Shaun is engaged on a full evaluate of this one, however I needed to cowl the way it feels on Steam Deck and in addition Xbox briefly.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn on PC allows you to modify decision and display screen mode (borderless, windowed, and fullscreen). It solely has 16:9 help, 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 recreation isn’t as wonderful because the likes of Pocky and Rocky and even The Ninja Warriors like we’ve seen from Tengo Undertaking prior to now, it has gotten a superb launch that runs and appears excellent on Steam Deck and Xbox Collection 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 attempting 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 imagine it’s only slightly over a month away. Watch the trailer beneath:
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 beneath:
Now let’s shift gears to the Nintendo Indie Direct + Accomplice 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 unit: Guardians of Azuma coming to Swap and Steam in Spring 2025. Watch it beneath:
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 beneath:
Konami and M2 have launched Castlevania Daybreak of Sorrow, Portrait of Wreck, 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 Preventing 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 beneath 2 weeks.
The wonderful Cuisineer from Marvelous USA is coming to Swap and different consoles early subsequent yr alongside a giant replace for the Steam launch. I’m positively getting the bodily version.
The Ghibli-inspired action-adventure recreation Europa was showcased for Swap throughout the Nintendo Indie World showcase and can launch on October eleventh for Swap and Steam.
Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Recollections & the Envisioned Land, the subsequent mainline Atelier recreation is coming to Steam and all consoles together with Xbox, a collection first, in early 2025, and it appears unimaginable.
Tetris Perpetually is the brand new Gold Grasp Collection launch from Digital Eclipse coming this yr that includes greater than 15 playable traditional 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 beneath:
Improbable Video games: Offered by Day of the Devs might be happening from September twentieth to twenty second, and the complete listing 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: Demise by Night time Metropolis, Massive Sir Video games
- darkwebSTREAMER by We Have All the time Lived within the Forest
- Concern the Highlight by Cozy Sport Friends 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
- Submit Trauma by Crimson 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 obtained two new character trailers this week. Try the Yui and Oberon trailers beneath:
D3 Writer launched the primary DLC pack for Earth Protection Pressure 6 within the type of Earth Protection Pressure 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 will probably be Steam Deck Verified and extra.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Competition is coming to Steam and present consoles on November seventh with 120fps help and extra. It performs wonderful on Steam Deck already. Attempt the demo right here.
Panic’s latest showcase aired a number of days in the past and it’s completely value watching for those who like attention-grabbing video games.
Forward of Tokyo Video games Present, SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio introduced the subsequent RGG Summit for September twentieth at 3 AM PT. You may watch it beneath when the occasion begins:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
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 Acquired Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles, “A Unusual Destiny” is now out there with Hinata as a brand new playable character and an authentic story by the unique creator. Watch the launch trailer beneath:
SYNDUALITY: ECHO OF ADA has a brand new trailer with closed community take a look at signal ups now reside. Enroll right here and watch the trailer for it beneath:
The ultimate bit of stories is The First Descendant’s Season 1: Invasion now out there bringing in a brand new descendent: Hailey, battle move rewards, new dungeon invasions, and rather more.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable video games for the week
Quite a lot of attention-grabbing additions this week with the newly launched Castlevania assortment and Gundam Breaker 4 being marked as playable alongside Marvel Vs Capcom Preventing Assortment: Arcade Classics getting Verified forward of its launch in beneath 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 Preventing 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 embody a Tales of franchise sale the place I like to recommend Tales of Berseria as one of the best recreation within the collection on Steam adopted by Tales of Come up, Kingdom Come Deliverance at 90% off, and Crimson Useless Redemption II at 60% off on Steam. Notice that for Crimson Useless Redemption II, you’ll be able to’t purchase the Steam model exterior Steam when 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 typical, you’ll be able to learn all our previous and future Steam Deck protection right here. When you have any suggestions for this characteristic or what else you’d prefer to see us do across the Steam Deck, tell us within the feedback beneath. I hope you all have an excellent day, and thanks for studying.
