Welcome to this week’s version of the Steam Deck Weekly. Should you missed my Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck evaluate, learn it here. At present’s article has Steam Deck impressions and opinions for Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Get together Sprint, Visions of Mana, Gori: Cuddly Carnage, Bloons Card Storm, and extra. This week additionally sees just a few notable new Steam Deck Verified video games and the same old slew of gross sales and reductions. Let’s get into the opinions and impressions first.
Steam Deck Sport Evaluations & Impressions
We’re formally within the very busy season of the 12 months, and I’m going to try to cowl as a lot as I can this week by just a few scored opinions and impressions of video games on Steam Deck with one preview as effectively.
Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Get together Sprint Steam Deck Impressions
Over time, we’ve seen Cygames try to develop its Umamusume property by oblique methods with DLC in its different video games, by 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 based mostly on Umamusume with Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Get together Sprint.
I would like a bit extra time for my full evaluate of Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Get together Sprint after 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 thought of how Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Get together Sprint is on Steam Deck.
Out of the field, Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Get together 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 accurately. One factor to bear in mind is Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Get together Sprint at present 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.
Except for the movies, Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Get together Sprint runs advantageous at its 60fps goal. I’m trying ahead to taking part in extra of it for my full evaluate that hopefully covers the console variations as effectively. As of now Umamusume: Fairly Derby – Get together Sprint doesn’t have a Steam Deck ranking 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 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 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 study 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 formidable video games with its story, setting, and seemingly easy fight. Over time, I normally find yourself clicking with Furyu sport tales and soundtracks, however one or two features all the time 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 appear to be it will likely be distinctive. I gained’t touch upon a lot of the gameplay till I strive it out for myself, however the English localization to date appears excellent. I’m a bit disillusioned at no English dub although.
Loads of people seemingly are considering 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 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 trying ahead to taking part in Reynatis myself hopefully quickly for evaluate, however it undoubtedly looks like this may find yourself one in all Furyu’s higher video games lately. Whereas the story and setting are undoubtedly highlights, I’m very considering 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 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. Once I tried the demo for Visions of Mana, I used to be involved as a result of there have been some features that didn’t work for me in any respect, however I used to be hopeful. Quick ahead to as we speak and Visions of Mana is out there 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 might have benefited from just a few months of polish and tweaking in relation to its normal motion. I’m going to deal with the sport on Steam Deck on this evaluate, but additionally cowl the way it feels on PS5.
Should you’re new to the Mana collection, you’ll be able to nonetheless begin with this one. Visions of Mana is a brand new sport within the collection protecting the Mana Tree and extra. Should you, 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 power is in its beautiful world, the fight, and normal gameplay. It’s a enormous 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 pace, I want it was snappier on the whole.
On the PC port facet, Visions of Mana is sort of bare-bones. You’ll be able to regulate display screen mode, decision, body fee goal (30fps to limitless), toggle v-sync, regulate FSR 2, and simply “graphics settings” presets. These presets are low, normal, and excessive. It doesn’t inform you what the three choices change, however 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 could have it regulate to 16:9 the place the weather and display screen are usually not stretched. A pal of mine advisable attempting 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 once 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, however it 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 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, however it additionally drops beneath 30fps. Some areas simply stutter on the whole, and even taking part in on Extremely Efficiency upscaling with the actually low picture high quality isn’t sufficient. Visions of Mana’s artwork model actually doesn’t work with heavy upscaling so I might not suggest 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 beneath to the excessive 20s.
Should you’re comfortable with round 30fps and common drops beneath to the excessive 20s, Visions of Mana is ok on Steam Deck, and appears glorious on the hand-held’s display screen when taking part in on the excessive graphics preset. I might suggest downloading the free Visions of Mana demo to check out the completely different graphics choices, however word 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 on the whole although. I’d additionally love for the PC port to truly see extra detailed graphics choices added in order that gamers can regulate issues individually quite 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 all the time 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 pace to 10 resulted in a massively higher feeling expertise. The default gave me movement illness in components. I might additionally suggest toggling on auto-run. Should you, like me, play on each present consoles or Steam Deck, I might seize Visions of Mana on PS5 for positive over Steam Deck till it will get some patches on the latter.
Visions of Mana has increased highs but additionally decrease lows than Trials of Mana, however it’s a sport I’m glad I received to expertise by the tip. Should you 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 anticipate 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 quite 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 Evaluate
Once I first noticed promotional artwork for Gori: Cuddly Carnage, I believed it might 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 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 permits you to regulate 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 regulate 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 sweet for taking part in with 45fps at 90hz on Steam Deck OLED. If you wish to intention for 60fps or increased, I like to recommend taking part in with increased visuals however XeSS. Taking issues all the way in which 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 assist.
In the case of the sport itself, Gori: Cuddly Carnage has some digital camera points that have an effect on platforming sections and in addition just a few boss battles that aggravated me. Whereas the latter may simply be sure encounters not clicking with me, I hope the previous might be addressed.
General, 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 shocked 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 dwelling on Steam Deck from begin to end. It’s simply held again by just a few 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 inquisitive about 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 fascinating expertise. Having performed the Bloons video games on iOS with contact controls, I wasn’t positive what to anticipate with Bloons Card Storm, however it feels proper at dwelling on Steam Deck with contact controls. As of now there is no such thing as a controller assist within the preview construct, however 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 just a few ranges of the PvE mode and like how the workforce introduced over Bloons characters and skills to this world. Should you’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’ll be able to nonetheless play and revel 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 undoubtedly going to get just a few 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 assist and a incredible port. The corporate sadly didn’t deliver 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 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 assist even on Steam. This was sufficient for me to pre-order the sport’s Premium Version just a few 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 truly couldn’t get it as well up in any respect on my Steam Deck OLED or LCD fashions. It saved freezing or crashing. Shifting 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 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 mixture of medium settings with FSR 2 set to high quality. It’s going to be fascinating 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 advantageous 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 permits you to regulate 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 dwelling 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 up to now, it has gotten a wonderful launch that runs and appears excellent on Steam Deck and Xbox Collection X. I additionally loved taking part in it on-line by Steam Distant Play Along with a pal of mine out of the country. Should you aren’t positive 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 is just just a little 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 here and one showcasing Glimmer beneath:
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 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 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 beneath 2 weeks.
The superb Cuisineer from Marvelous USA is coming to Swap and different consoles early subsequent 12 months 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 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 appears to be like unbelievable.
Tetris Eternally is the brand new Gold Grasp Collection 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 beneath:
Implausible Video games: Offered by Day of the Devs can be going down from September twentieth to twenty second, and the total listing of video games and builders has been revealed. I’m excited for fairly just a few of these, and I even have performed just a few of these already (however I can’t say which of them but!).
- Channel: Demise by Evening Metropolis, Large Sir Video games
- darkwebSTREAMER by We Have At all times 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 Pink 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. 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 Swap 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 assist and extra. It performs wonderful on Steam Deck already. Attempt the demo here.
Panic’s newest showcase aired just a few days in the past and it’s completely value watching in case you like fascinating 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 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 Obtained 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 beneath:
SYNDUALITY: ECHO OF ADA has a brand new trailer with closed community check signal ups now stay. Enroll here and watch the trailer for it beneath:
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 rather more.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable video games for the week
Loads of fascinating 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 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 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 Pink Lifeless Redemption II at 60% off on Steam. Observe that for Pink Lifeless 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 regular, you’ll be able to learn all our previous and future Steam Deck protection here. If in case 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 amazing day, and thanks for studying.
