Welcome to this week’s version of the Steam Deck Weekly. For those who missed my Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck evaluate, learn it right here. Immediately’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 couple 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 Opinions & 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 couple of scored critiques and impressions of video games on Steam Deck with one preview as nicely.
Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint Steam Deck Impressions
Through the years, we’ve seen Cygames try to develop 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 nicely on cellular, and Cygames has launched a celebration sport primarily based on Umamusume with Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint.
I want a bit extra time for my full evaluate of Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint after I’ll probably additionally cowl the Change 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 offer 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 so it shows appropriately. One factor to remember is Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint at present has some video playback codec points leading to a colour 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.
Apart from the movies, Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration 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 nicely. As of now Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Celebration Sprint doesn’t have a Steam Deck score from Valve, and I think about it will likely be marked unsupported till the cut-scene problem 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 Change 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 few of 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 one in all Furyu’s extra bold video games with its story, setting, and seemingly clean fight. Through the years, I often find yourself clicking with Furyu sport tales and soundtracks, however one or two elements at all times really feel missing. With Reynatis, I’ve been within the narrative and fight as nicely. Reynatis takes place in a recreation of modern-day Tokyo and the completely different views make it appear 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 thus far appears excellent. I’m a bit disillusioned at no English dub although.
A variety of of us probably are thinking 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 Closing 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 wanting ahead to taking part in Reynatis myself hopefully quickly for evaluate, nevertheless it undoubtedly looks like this would possibly find yourself one in all Furyu’s higher video games in recent times. Whereas the story and setting are undoubtedly highlights, I’m very thinking about seeing how the fight system feels. Keep tuned for extra Reynatis protection within the close to future.
Visions of Mana Steam Deck Overview
When Visions of Mana was introduced, I used to be very joyful to see the collection again after we noticed the very good Assortment of Mana after which the remake of Trials of Mana launched throughout a number of platforms. Once I tried the demo for Visions of Mana, I used to be involved as a result of there have been some elements that didn’t work for me in any respect, however I used to be hopeful. Quick ahead to right now and Visions of Mana is accessible on PS5, Xbox Sequence X, and Steam. I’ve been taking part in it on each Steam Deck and PS5 for evaluate, and it ended up shocking me in a great way, however I really feel like it might have benefited from a couple of months of polish and tweaking in the case of its normal motion. I’m going to concentrate on the sport on Steam Deck on this evaluate, but additionally cowl the way it feels on PS5.
For those who’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 masking the Mana Tree and extra. For those who, like me, have performed prior video games, it will really feel nice in some methods, however you could be let down in components, particularly for the story. Visions of Mana’s energy is in its beautiful world, the fight, and normal gameplay. It’s a big step up over Trials of Mana in its scope and visuals, identical 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 normal 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 kind of bare-bones. You possibly can modify display mode, decision, body charge 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, nevertheless it does have an effect on draw distance, post-processing, and extra. Whereas the sport boots up seemingly fullscreen at 16:10, it’s truly stretched. Don’t be fooled into pondering the sport helps the native decision. Altering the show mode from borderless to windowed or fullscreen can have it modify to 16:9 the place the weather and display should not stretched. A buddy of mine really useful making an attempt out forcing a decrease decision within the demo to get higher efficiency, however that appears to come back 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 present rated as Steam Deck Playable by Valve, nevertheless it has notable efficiency points proper now. Whatever the settings I used in the case of body charge goal or upscaling, I couldn’t get a locked body charge 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 components, nevertheless it additionally drops beneath 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 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.
For those who’re comfortable with round 30fps and common drops beneath to the excessive 20s, Visions of Mana is okay on Steam Deck, and appears glorious on the hand-held’s display 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 be aware that the ultimate sport runs a bit otherwise. 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 really see extra detailed graphics choices added in order that gamers can modify issues individually slightly than counting on console-like modes.
On the management facet, Visions of Mana has help for controller and keyboard + mouse inputs. You too can 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 might additionally advocate toggling on auto-run. For those who, 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 greater highs but additionally decrease lows than Trials of Mana, however it’s a sport I’m glad I acquired to expertise by the tip. For those who 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 had 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 count on it to achieve 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 slightly 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 Overview
Once I first noticed promotional artwork for Gori: Cuddly Carnage, I believed it might be a brief horror sport. I didn’t count on 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 may not 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 allows you to modify graphics presets (low, medium, excessive, very excessive), decision, show mode, FOV, body charge 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 sport like this, and it controls completely on Steam Deck with good rumble as nicely.
On Steam Deck taking part in on the very excessive preset with no upscaling used, count on to play with a 30fps goal. I didn’t need to accept simply 30fps in fact. Utilizing the medium preset with no upscaling is sweet for enjoying with 45fps at 90hz on Steam Deck OLED. If you wish to purpose 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 leads to 90fps with some drops. It doesn’t look dangerous even now, however it’s undoubtedly 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.
Relating to the sport itself, Gori: Cuddly Carnage has some digital camera points that have an effect on platforming sections and in addition a couple of boss battles that aggravated me. Whereas the latter may simply be sure 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 count on it to get Verified very quickly. The sport itself shocked me with its high quality, and it’s one I received’t overlook for some time. It excels with its enjoyable gameplay, good writing, and nice fight and feels proper at house on Steam Deck from begin to end. It’s simply held again by a couple of annoyances.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage Steam Deck evaluate rating: 4/5
Bloons Card Storm Steam Deck Gameplay Impressions
Once I realized about Bloons Card Storm, a collectible card sport set within the Bloons sport universe, I used to be interested in it. I had entry to a Steam preview construct of the sport forward of its full launch later this yr on cellular 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, nevertheless it feels proper at house on Steam Deck with contact controls. As of now there is no such thing as a controller help within the preview construct, nevertheless it 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 couple of ranges of the PvE mode and like how the staff introduced over Bloons characters and talents to this world. For those who’re new to Bloons, I like to recommend taking part in the tremendous common Bloons TD 6 or TD Battles 2 earlier than, however you possibly can nonetheless play and revel in this one. I simply hope the monetization is dealt with nicely 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 sport, and the cross platform multiplayer means I’m undoubtedly going to get a couple of associates to offer 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 want 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 deliver 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 pretty much 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 check on Steam, and after 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 couple of days in the past to play on Steam Deck. Thus far, 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 truly 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 fastened this problem 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 want 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 Challenge and NatsumeAtari’s latest remake of a basic, and it’s a rattling high quality launch general. 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 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 house on Valve’s handheld with quick loading and no efficiency points.
Whereas Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn’s supply sport isn’t as superb because the likes of Pocky and Rocky and even The Ninja Warriors like we’ve seen from Tengo Challenge prior to now, it has gotten a superb launch that runs and appears excellent 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 buddy of mine out of the country. For those who 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 superb and I can’t imagine it’s only a little bit 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. Take a look at some new screenshots right here and one showcasing Glimmer beneath:
Now let’s shift gears to the Nintendo Indie Direct + Associate 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 Change 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 Smash, 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, Change, 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 Change and different consoles early subsequent yr alongside an enormous replace for the Steam launch. I’m undoubtedly getting the bodily version.
The Ghibli-inspired action-adventure sport Europa was showcased for Change through the Nintendo Indie World showcase and can launch on October eleventh for Change 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 Endlessly is the brand new Gold Grasp Sequence launch from Digital Eclipse coming this yr that includes greater than 15 playable basic video games from the collection’ historical past. Some have by no means seen a launch outdoors 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, Change, and different consoles starting December eleventh. Watch the trailer beneath:
Implausible Video games: Introduced by Day of the Devs can 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 couple of of these, and I even have performed a couple of of these already (however I can’t say which of them but!).
- Channel: Demise 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
- Submit 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 acquired two new character trailers this week. Take a look at the Yui and Oberon trailers beneath:
D3 Writer launched the primary DLC pack for Earth Protection Power 6 within the type of Earth Protection Power 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 Change revealing that it will likely be Steam Deck Verified and extra.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Pageant is coming to Steam and present consoles on November seventh with 120fps help and extra. It performs superb on Steam Deck already. Attempt the demo right here.
Panic’s latest showcase aired a couple 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 possibly can 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 Bought Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles, “A Unusual Destiny” is now obtainable with Hinata as a brand new playable character and an authentic story by the unique writer. Watch the launch trailer beneath:
SYNDUALITY: ECHO OF ADA has a brand new trailer with closed community check signal ups now dwell. Enroll right here and watch the trailer for it beneath:
The ultimate bit of reports is The First Descendant’s Season 1: Invasion now obtainable 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
A variety 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 embrace a Tales of franchise sale the place I like to recommend Tales of Berseria as one of the best 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 outdoors 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 ordinary, 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 prefer to see us do across the Steam Deck, tell us within the feedback beneath. I hope you all have an awesome day, and thanks for studying.