Welcome to this week’s version of the Steam Deck Weekly. I bear in mind considering Might can be a leaner month to atone for the backlog with. I couldn’t have been extra flawed. There are simply too many nice video games releasing currently, and I’ve been enjoying most of the ones I used to be concerned about on Steam Deck. A few of these have been lined right now by means of opinions and impressions. Along with that, an excellent Humble Bundle, fascinating information, and Steam Deck Playable & Verified titles from Valve, spherical off this week’s characteristic. Let’s get into the opinions and impressions first.
Steam Deck Sport Evaluations & Impressions
Cryptmaster Steam Deck Assessment
Cryptmaster would possibly simply be essentially the most fascinating sport of 2024 to this point that feels completely tailor-made to my style. I like phrase video games and dungeon crawlers, and Cryptmaster blends each collectively whereas continually shocking me throughout its runtime. I’ve even began replaying it simply to attempt to see how a lot the builders considered with the textual content enter mechanic and dialog.
Cryptmaster is stuffed with thriller, pretty NPC interactions, good fight (that isn’t too deep), and a whole lot of wordplay (inputting phrases to guess misplaced expertise) that ended up making it one in every of my favourite video games of the 12 months to this point simply after my first play session of three hours. I’ve since continued that, began over recent, and principally tried my finest to exploit this sport of all it has to supply in its voiced dialog and whereas additionally making an attempt the alternate fight possibility. I undoubtedly advocate enjoying in turn-based mode to your first run.
Cryptmaster allows you to select between keyboard or controller enter whenever you boot up the sport. You’ve gotten a number of management choices to allow you to modify rotation pace, stick sensitivity, skipping dialog choices, prompt rotation snap, and headbob. The graphics choices allow you to modify decision from 720p all the way in which as much as 3840×1600 on Steam Deck when docked. There are high quality presets from low to extremely, draw distance choices, a shade tint possibility in the event you aren’t a fan of the black and white aesthetic, FOV choices, and three audio sliders for speech, results, and music. I left every part on default other than decision that I tweaked relying on the show I used.
Enjoying at 1440p on my monitor labored out high quality for a 30fps goal on Deck. If you’d like a locked 60 or 70fps, you might want to play at 720p. Setting every part to the bottom or off resulted in round 95fps when performed at 720p. The aesthetic scales effectively by means of decrease resolutions as effectively, and it seems wonderful on the Steam Deck display.
I needed to play Cryptmaster on Steam Deck for 2 causes. The primary is as a result of the sport’s premise was fairly rattling cool, however I additionally needed to see how a sport that was clearly constructed for keyboard gameplay would really feel on Steam Deck. The builders have made positive it’s playable even for many who solely use a controller or play on the Deck itself, however I might nonetheless advocate enjoying it with a keyboard attached for the absolute best expertise.
Except for the management points in the event you don’t use a keyboard and a few issue spikes I bumped into, I’ve no complaints with Cryptmaster as a sport. It’s a good mix of two genres that labored out effectively, and I hope it does effectively sufficient to get console ports down the road. I do hope the PC model will get patched with Steam Cloud help although.
In the event you like phrase video games and dungeon crawlers, Cryptmaster will possible be one in every of your favourite video games in years. It oozes humor, appeal, and continually retains you engaged with its placing aesthetic and mechanics. I additionally like how the builders cater to those that play with a controller right here, although I like to recommend a keyboard for the smoothest expertise.
Cryptmaster Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 4.5/5
Gigantic: Rampage Version Steam Deck Assessment
I initially was skeptical of Gigantic: Rampage Version on Steam Deck as a result of it’s a MOBA, and on-line video games can typically have points with Proton because of anti-cheat measures. After I ultimately did get despatched assessment codes for Gigantic: Rampage Version, I used to be shocked to see it work out of the field. I’ve slowly been enjoying it with randoms and with buddies since launch to see the way it feels. I’m going to cowl the way it performs on Steam Deck and whether or not it’s price your time proper now.
Gigantic: Rampage Version is a brand new model of an older sport that I hadn’t heard of till studying about this new launch. It hit PC and consoles final month with cross platform play. In the event you, like me, have been new to Gigantic, Gigantic: Rampage Version is a 5v5 MOBA hero shooter that goals to attraction to each genres with its mix of fascinating heroes, modes, and extra. Proper off the bat, I’m going to say that I not often play MOBAs, and the final one I really frolicked with for greater than a month was Heroes of the Storm. With that out of the way in which, I’ve loved the gameplay throughout the modes in Gigantic: Rampage Version with buddies. I’ve nonetheless not seen what all heroes have to supply, and I want there was some kind of correct story mode to construct up the heroes right here.
In its present state, Gigantic: Rampage Version is a paid launch at $20 or regional equal. Extra hero skins and a ranked mode are due by means of free updates. I used to be shocked to see this arrive as a paid launch, however I received’t fault the builders for making an attempt. It being a one and accomplished buy has undoubtedly made it simpler for me to get buddies to attempt it out, however the ones who bounced off it have related complaints as I do. Gigantic: Rampage Version wanted a bit extra time to cook dinner and flesh out sure elements of the sport extra. It isn’t remotely a nasty expertise, and I like to recommend it, nevertheless it may’ve been extra.
The PC model of Gigantic: Rampage Version allows you to modify show mode, decision, toggle v-sync, graphics high quality, texture particulars, dynamic shadows, and numerous ranges of anisotropic filtering. With out altering something, Gigantic: Rampage Version held 60fps fairly effectively even in visually busy parts of the sport. Turning every part to low resulted in much less drops from 60fps, however I like to recommend leaving issues on the default preset.
Gigantic: Rampage Version is formally marked as Steam Deck Playable by Valve resulting from needing to manually invoke the keyboard for some textual content entry and for small textual content measurement. In my expertise with it enjoying on my Steam Deck OLED and likewise on my monitor by means of the docking station, I’ve had no points even grouping up with buddies internationally. There have been some hiccups, however these have an effect on all platforms.
In future updates, I’d like to see an offline mode added to play with simply bots, however I perceive which may not be doable.
Gigantic: Rampage Version with cross platform play and with how effectively it performs on Steam Deck is price your time when you have individuals to play with regardless of the few points I’ve with sure facets of the expertise. I fear for the web inhabitants, however this can be a strong base at a low asking value. I simply hope some kind of story mode may be added as future DLC or in an replace.
Gigantic: Rampage Version Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 3.5/5
Crow Nation Steam Deck Assessment
After I performed Signalis, I believed it will principally don’t have any competitors for throwback horror video games given how good it was. It seems I used to be flawed, and I’m glad about that. SFB Video games’ Crow Nation is an excellent 90s model survival horror sport with a surprisingly good mix of recent options to make it really feel proper at house right now. SFB Video games nailed what I pictured in my head for a retro horror sport constructed for contemporary audiences right here.
Crow Nation is stuffed with surprises, attractive 90s visuals, easy controls, wonderful puzzles, riddles, and even an choice to play it as an exploration sport in the event you aren’t a fan of horror. The builders actually considered nearly every part right here with it even having a touch system. One other facet I like is the final design language that applies to environments, character designs, enemies, and the UI. SFB Video games completely knocked this one out of the park as its first survival horror sport.
Crow Nation on Steam Deck is formally Steam Deck Verified, and it principally is the model of the sport I like to recommend. I liked enjoying Signalis handheld on Swap and Steam Deck, and will probably be replaying Crow Nation if it ever hits Swap. I’ve zero complaints with the way it runs on Swap each enjoying on my Steam Deck OLED and when docked on the 1440p monitor. The one graphics choices it has are adjusting display mode, displaying exit arrows, and displaying the gameplay HUD.
The one factor I don’t like about Crow Nation is the traps unfold throughout the sport. They aren’t at all times unhealthy, however in some cases I simply acquired aggravated with the location and regardless of a few of them additionally engaged on enemies, I might fairly the quantity be decreased basically as an possibility. Except for the roadmap already introduced, I hope Crow Nation involves Swap and will get a bodily launch.
Crow Nation joins Signalis as top-of-the-line survival horror video games in recent times. It’s shockingly good, and I can’t wait to revisit it when its subsequent replace arrives. I urge you to at the least attempt the free demo. It feels excellent on Steam Deck. What I believed can be a pleasant throwback horror sport ended up being top-of-the-line in years for the style, and a standout title in an already wonderful 2024 for video games.
Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 4.5/5
INDIKA Steam Deck Assessment
INDIKA is a really fascinating third-person journey sport that at all times tiptoes between a number of kinds, however manages to be its personal factor by the top with surreal and humorous moments. You play as a younger nun in the course of self discovery with spiritual themes, torment, and extra. When it launched, it had points on Steam Deck, and nonetheless does in elements, however it’s now at a degree the place I can advocate experiencing it on Valve’s handheld.
In relation to gameplay, INDIKA is principally a strolling simulator, albeit one which feels a lot larger funds than the norm, and one which has some mini-games sprinkled throughout. It performs effectively and appears wonderful on Steam Deck, however suffers from drops beneath 30fps in some elements. Total, it’s a sport I’m glad I acquired to play, and one it’s best to attempt in the event you’re within the premise.
The PC model of INDIKA doesn’t have any graphics choices outdoors disabling the UD, movement blur, and gamma. You possibly can modify the FOV or controller sensitivity, however don’t have any management over capping the body price or the rest in-game. I capped it to 30fps from the Steam Deck’s personal menu. I additionally advocate turning the subtitle measurement to 150% in the event you plan on enjoying in handheld mode solely, and likewise disabling the pixel font. The pixel font would’ve been high quality in the event you may tweak the UI measurement throughout the board.
INDIKA was a recent journey expertise that constantly shocked me all through with how its narrative flowed, and one I’m undoubtedly going to replay on PS5 when it releases there. As a fan of strolling simulators, that is one in every of my favorites within the style, and I’m simply shocked it even exists. It’d even be one in every of my favourite video games 11 bit studios has revealed to this point.
Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 4/5
Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs Steam Deck Assessment
Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs is a sport I had no concept existed till I noticed it get Steam Deck Verified pre-release. It initially launched on Swap final 12 months, and arrived on Steam a month in the past. Whereas most Miku followers know and love the rhythm video games, she does additionally see video games in different genres. Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs is a brief journey sport with mini-games included that you may get by means of in about two hours or much less.
At its asking value of $30, that’s a tough tablet to swallow. In the event you look past the value, Miku followers will benefit from the interactions and mini-games. I undoubtedly preferred the time I put into it, however I simply can’t advocate it at that value. Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs is Steam Deck Verified like I discussed, nevertheless it has a scrolling challenge the place the sport doesn’t really feel easy at 60fps or 90fps. I mounted this by forcing the Steam Deck’s show to 50hz. This can be a bug I’ve skilled in a number of different video games as effectively, and I hope it may be mounted so the scrolling is easy even at greater body charges.
Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs is a sport I like to recommend on a giant low cost in the event you like Miku. I attempt to play nearly each Hatsune Miku sport I can throughout platforms, and Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs would’ve been simpler to advocate if it value about half of what it does and didn’t have a relentless scrolling challenge. As a brief journey sport for Miku followers, it will get the job accomplished, however the asking value makes it a non starter proper now.
Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 2.5/5
Samurai Warriors 4 DX Steam Deck Assessment
I’ve very fond reminiscences of Samurai Warriors 4 as a result of it was principally the primary correct Warriors sport I performed after stepping into the style by means of Hyrule Warriors. After I purchased Samurai Warriors 4 again on PS4, I used to be blown away by how easy it felt, but additionally with how addictive the gameplay was all through the principle story. I ended up sticking with the collection and shopping for Samurai Warriors 4-II and Samurai Warriors 4 Empires (my favourite of the lot) as they got here out. Again then, additionally Koei Tecmo ported Samurai Warriors 4-II to PC, nevertheless it was a middling conversion that used outdated era property and simply wasn’t pretty much as good of a port. Instances have modified since with Koei Tecmo video games often finest on PC lately.
Samurai Warriors 4 was PlayStation unique, and it hadn’t seen any re-release till Samurai Warriors 4 DX hit PS4 and Nintendo Swap in a number of years in the past in Japan. Since Koei Tecmo launched Dynasty Warriors 8’s full (roughly) version on Swap, I hoped Samurai Warriors 4 DX would make its means over. That ship appeared to have sailed because the years glided by, however we had a shock announcement and launch of Samurai Warriors 4 DX for Steam this week, and it arrived Steam Deck Verified to my shock.
In the event you’ve by no means performed a Warriors sport earlier than, Samurai Warriors 4 DX is without doubt one of the finest introductions to the style, and a unbelievable model of Omega Drive and Koei Tecmo’s hack and slash motion video games. Samurai Warriors 4 specifically additionally has wonderful storytelling and has you slowly experiencing totally different characters throughout areas that each one construct in direction of the grand finale. It stays one top-of-the-line Warriors video games on the market as effectively even in its base format. With Samurai Warriors 4 DX, it consists of all of the DLC from the PS4 model, and simply shopping for the DLC on PS4 seems like it will value greater than Samurai Warriors 4 DX does on Steam. This DLC consists of edit elements, costumes, eventualities, weapons, BGM, and extra. You possibly can see all of the DLC on the PSN retailer web page right here.
Samurai Warriors 4 DX on PC additionally consists of on-line co-op help and splitscreen. I didn’t check the latter, however enjoying on-line labored completely with a buddy of mine out of the country. There was no delay, and we acquired out and in of a mission near-instantly.
The PC port of Samurai Warriors 4 DX allows you to modify decision right down to 640×360, body price goal (30 or 60fps solely), toggle film playback, modify total high quality preset, dynamic shadows, texture filtering, reflections, and ambient occlusion. It has Xbox button prompts solely so far as I can inform, and has Steam Cloud help. The sport is 16:9 solely as effectively.
On my Steam Deck OLED, out of the field Samurai Warriors 4 DX runs with a 60fps goal, however drops to the mid 40s typically throughout busy fight when performed at 720p. I turned every part low or off and had it operating across the 50s within the check space. I then turned every part on and used the excessive preset. That is good for a 30fps goal as a result of the sport hovered between 30 and 40fps. As of this writing, a locked 60fps just isn’t doable at 720p so far as I can inform. I hope this may be improved in patches. The excessive and medium presets look excellent on the hand-held display.
In the event you’ve by no means performed a Warriors sport earlier than, Samurai Warriors 4 DX is excellent worth and a unbelievable sport to start out with. Some facets are dated in comparison with newer Omega Drive video games and the value ought to’ve been a bit decrease although. That apart, it’s unimaginable to lastly have it on PC over a decade later, and it’s virtually excellent on Steam Deck out of the field. I hope it may be optimized a bit for a locked 60fps as a result of I at all times love enjoying Warriors video games on a conveyable, and Samurai Warriors 4 DX on Steam Deck is a tremendous model of one in every of my favourite Warriors video games.
Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 4.5/5
Capes Steam Deck Impressions
I’ve had a preview construct for Capes since some time now, however didn’t get round to enjoying it a lot till a number of weeks in the past. With it set to launch later this month, I needed to put in writing up some temporary impressions of how the pre-release preview construct performs on Steam Deck. Issues are trying good already, however what shocked me essentially the most, is how a lot enjoyable I used to be having enjoying Capes on Steam Deck.
Spitfire Interactive and Daedalic Leisure’s latest sport is a sci-fi turn-based tactical RPG the place you develop your crew of heroes, improve, degree up, tackle extra, and progress by means of the assorted marketing campaign missions. I didn’t have entry to greater than the opening hours within the preview construct, however it’s undoubtedly polished and enjoyable to this point.
A reductive means of describing Capes can be Marvel’s Midnight Suns with much less of the downtime, no licensed characters, and extra comedian e book aesthetic. If that sounds good to you, Capes ought to be in your radar. It additionally performs nice out of the field on Steam Deck. I’ll save my full ideas on the PC port for when I’ve entry to the assessment construct within the close to future. We’ll possible be masking it on Swap as effectively for our assessment protection.
PO’ed: Definitive Version Steam Deck Impressions
Shaun is doing a full assessment of PO’ed: Definitive Version on Swap, however I needed to cowl how it’s on Steam Deck from day one on this impressions characteristic. PO’ed: Definitive Version is a supercharged and enhanced model of the 1995-released 3DO and PlayStation shooter that I had by no means heard of till Nightdive Studios introduced this launch. It’s humorous, easy, and principally feels wonderful to play right now because of a superb launch from Nightdive, who’ve but to disappoint me.
On Steam Deck, PO’ed: Definitive Version is marked as Steam Deck Playable by Valve. It is because Valve says some textual content is likely to be too small to learn. I’ve had no points with PO’ed: Definitive Version on Steam Deck enjoying at 90fps in handheld on the Steam Deck OLED, or enjoying at 144hz on my monitor. It simply works out of the field, and has been a really fascinating expertise. Shaun will cowl how the sport itself has aged in his full assessment, however I’m happy with what Nightdive has launched right here.
Information and Trailers
That positive was an extended opinions and impressions part wasn’t it? Let’s get into the information with a brand new Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance trailer from Atlus showcasing the brand new places included on this enhanced and expanded model of one in every of 2021’s finest RPGs. Watch the Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance New Areas trailer beneath:
Alongside my full assessment of the PC port above, right here’s Koei Tecmo’s announcement and launch trailer for the superb Samurai Warriors 4 DX. That is unimaginable worth in the event you’re new to the sport, however I nonetheless want it was $40 as an alternative of $50 on PC. I hope Koei Tecmo brings Samurai Warriors 4 Empires to Steam subsequent so we’ve the entire set of video games from that era of Samurai Warriors on PC. Watch the trailer for it beneath:
Sega is bringing the recently-released Swap sport Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba -Sweep the Board! is coming to Steam and different consoles on July sixteenth. Digital pre-orders are stay on Steam that includes some stamps to make use of and three premium tickets. Test it out on Steam right here.
This week, Day of the Devs revealed the companions for the Summer season Sport Fest Version showcase stream together with: Calligram Studio, Clapperheads, Crescent Moon Video games, Furnishings & Mattress, Mossmouth, Oopsie Daisies Studio, Optillusion Video games, Pikselnesia, Pollard Studio, Rocket Adrift, Soup Island, Studio Tolima, Tan Ant Video games, These Dang Video games and extra. The showcase will happen on-line on June seventh at 4 PM PT. It would stream on YouTube, Twitch, and extra.
Spike Chunsoft introduced that it is going to be bringing The Quintessential Quintuplets – Recollections of a Quintessential Summer season, The Quintessential Quintuplets – 5 Recollections Spent With You, and The Quintessential Quintuplets Double Pack to Steam, PlayStation, and Nintendo Swap on Might twenty third. There will probably be a reduction for launch week. I’m not aware of the supply materials, however it’s good to see extra visible novels get localized for PC and consoles within the West.
Warhammer Skulls returns on Might twenty third that includes Rahul Kohli who will probably be internet hosting it to cowl updates on Rogue Dealer, Boltgun, Darktide, and Area Marine 2. I’m very concerned about all of these barring Darktide which I nonetheless have to play extra. Watch the showcase trailer beneath:
Cygames confirmed that Beatrix, the following playable DLC character coming to Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, will launch worldwide for Steam, PS5, and PS4 subsequent week on Might twenty third. I’m trying ahead to getting again to the sport to attempt her. Watch the Beatrix Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising trailer beneath:
The ultimate bit of stories is Prime Video saying a brand new collection based mostly on Tomb Raider which is the primary information we’ve had for the IP after Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Video games introduced a multiplatform sport mission. Try the announcement for the present right here.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable video games for the week
Nothing out of the peculiar this week other than the shock launch of Samurai Warriors 4 DX which arrived Steam Deck Verified.
- ASTROLANCER – Playable
- Class of Heroes 2G: Remaster Version – Verified
- Command & Conquer Tiberian Solar and Firestorm – Playable
- Command & Conquer: Crimson Alert 2 and Yuri’s Revenge – Playable
- Days With Ollie – Verified
- Footgun: Underground – Playable
- Hell Let Free – Playable
- Kill It With Fireplace 2 – Playable
- Laysara: Summit Kingdom – Playable
- Maid of the Useless – Playable
- Nuclear Blaze – Unsupported
- Piczle Cross Story of Seasons – Unsupported
- Echoes of the Plum Grove – Playable
- PO’ed: Definitive Version – Playable
- Swimming pools – Verified
- Rainbow Cotton – Verified
- Salt 2 – Verified
- SAMURAI WARRIORS 4 DX – Verified
- The Colonists – Playable
- The Settlers: New Allies – Playable
Steam Deck Sport Gross sales & Reductions
The spotlight gross sales of the week are the Monster Hunter Humble Bundle together with each Rise and World throughout totally different tiers and Devolver Digital’s fifteenth anniversary sale. For the Monster Hunter bundle, I like to recommend the $30 bundle so you could have World with Iceborne and Rise with Sunbreak. Whereas you may get by with simply World, the bottom Monster Hunter Rise just isn’t price enjoying. Iceborne and Sunbreak make their base releases superlative. Try the bundle right here. Word that the Deluxe kits are usually not price grabbing on their very own afterward.
Devolver has boatloads of nice video games discounted, however in the event you needed to simply choose one of many current releases, I’d go along with The Talos Precept 2 at 40% off. I’d additionally say Loop Hero, however that’s finest on cellular now. Devolver Digital’s sale is on from now till Might thirtieth.
Steam has its Endlessly Replayable fest with reductions on Useless Cells, Crusader Kings III, Balatro, Danger of Rain 2, and way more. This sale undoubtedly has a whole lot of video games I would like, however I fortunately personal most of what I would like already. This sale is on till Might twentieth.
That’s all for this week’s version of the Steam Deck Weekly. As common, you’ll be able to learn all our previous and future Steam Deck protection right here. When you’ve got 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 important day, and thanks for studying.
Welcome to this week’s version of the Steam Deck Weekly. I bear in mind considering Might can be a leaner month to atone for the backlog with. I couldn’t have been extra flawed. There are simply too many nice video games releasing currently, and I’ve been enjoying most of the ones I used to be concerned about on Steam Deck. A few of these have been lined right now by means of opinions and impressions. Along with that, an excellent Humble Bundle, fascinating information, and Steam Deck Playable & Verified titles from Valve, spherical off this week’s characteristic. Let’s get into the opinions and impressions first.
Steam Deck Sport Evaluations & Impressions
Cryptmaster Steam Deck Assessment
Cryptmaster would possibly simply be essentially the most fascinating sport of 2024 to this point that feels completely tailor-made to my style. I like phrase video games and dungeon crawlers, and Cryptmaster blends each collectively whereas continually shocking me throughout its runtime. I’ve even began replaying it simply to attempt to see how a lot the builders considered with the textual content enter mechanic and dialog.
Cryptmaster is stuffed with thriller, pretty NPC interactions, good fight (that isn’t too deep), and a whole lot of wordplay (inputting phrases to guess misplaced expertise) that ended up making it one in every of my favourite video games of the 12 months to this point simply after my first play session of three hours. I’ve since continued that, began over recent, and principally tried my finest to exploit this sport of all it has to supply in its voiced dialog and whereas additionally making an attempt the alternate fight possibility. I undoubtedly advocate enjoying in turn-based mode to your first run.
Cryptmaster allows you to select between keyboard or controller enter whenever you boot up the sport. You’ve gotten a number of management choices to allow you to modify rotation pace, stick sensitivity, skipping dialog choices, prompt rotation snap, and headbob. The graphics choices allow you to modify decision from 720p all the way in which as much as 3840×1600 on Steam Deck when docked. There are high quality presets from low to extremely, draw distance choices, a shade tint possibility in the event you aren’t a fan of the black and white aesthetic, FOV choices, and three audio sliders for speech, results, and music. I left every part on default other than decision that I tweaked relying on the show I used.
Enjoying at 1440p on my monitor labored out high quality for a 30fps goal on Deck. If you’d like a locked 60 or 70fps, you might want to play at 720p. Setting every part to the bottom or off resulted in round 95fps when performed at 720p. The aesthetic scales effectively by means of decrease resolutions as effectively, and it seems wonderful on the Steam Deck display.
I needed to play Cryptmaster on Steam Deck for 2 causes. The primary is as a result of the sport’s premise was fairly rattling cool, however I additionally needed to see how a sport that was clearly constructed for keyboard gameplay would really feel on Steam Deck. The builders have made positive it’s playable even for many who solely use a controller or play on the Deck itself, however I might nonetheless advocate enjoying it with a keyboard attached for the absolute best expertise.
Except for the management points in the event you don’t use a keyboard and a few issue spikes I bumped into, I’ve no complaints with Cryptmaster as a sport. It’s a good mix of two genres that labored out effectively, and I hope it does effectively sufficient to get console ports down the road. I do hope the PC model will get patched with Steam Cloud help although.
In the event you like phrase video games and dungeon crawlers, Cryptmaster will possible be one in every of your favourite video games in years. It oozes humor, appeal, and continually retains you engaged with its placing aesthetic and mechanics. I additionally like how the builders cater to those that play with a controller right here, although I like to recommend a keyboard for the smoothest expertise.
Cryptmaster Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 4.5/5
Gigantic: Rampage Version Steam Deck Assessment
I initially was skeptical of Gigantic: Rampage Version on Steam Deck as a result of it’s a MOBA, and on-line video games can typically have points with Proton because of anti-cheat measures. After I ultimately did get despatched assessment codes for Gigantic: Rampage Version, I used to be shocked to see it work out of the field. I’ve slowly been enjoying it with randoms and with buddies since launch to see the way it feels. I’m going to cowl the way it performs on Steam Deck and whether or not it’s price your time proper now.
Gigantic: Rampage Version is a brand new model of an older sport that I hadn’t heard of till studying about this new launch. It hit PC and consoles final month with cross platform play. In the event you, like me, have been new to Gigantic, Gigantic: Rampage Version is a 5v5 MOBA hero shooter that goals to attraction to each genres with its mix of fascinating heroes, modes, and extra. Proper off the bat, I’m going to say that I not often play MOBAs, and the final one I really frolicked with for greater than a month was Heroes of the Storm. With that out of the way in which, I’ve loved the gameplay throughout the modes in Gigantic: Rampage Version with buddies. I’ve nonetheless not seen what all heroes have to supply, and I want there was some kind of correct story mode to construct up the heroes right here.
In its present state, Gigantic: Rampage Version is a paid launch at $20 or regional equal. Extra hero skins and a ranked mode are due by means of free updates. I used to be shocked to see this arrive as a paid launch, however I received’t fault the builders for making an attempt. It being a one and accomplished buy has undoubtedly made it simpler for me to get buddies to attempt it out, however the ones who bounced off it have related complaints as I do. Gigantic: Rampage Version wanted a bit extra time to cook dinner and flesh out sure elements of the sport extra. It isn’t remotely a nasty expertise, and I like to recommend it, nevertheless it may’ve been extra.
The PC model of Gigantic: Rampage Version allows you to modify show mode, decision, toggle v-sync, graphics high quality, texture particulars, dynamic shadows, and numerous ranges of anisotropic filtering. With out altering something, Gigantic: Rampage Version held 60fps fairly effectively even in visually busy parts of the sport. Turning every part to low resulted in much less drops from 60fps, however I like to recommend leaving issues on the default preset.
Gigantic: Rampage Version is formally marked as Steam Deck Playable by Valve resulting from needing to manually invoke the keyboard for some textual content entry and for small textual content measurement. In my expertise with it enjoying on my Steam Deck OLED and likewise on my monitor by means of the docking station, I’ve had no points even grouping up with buddies internationally. There have been some hiccups, however these have an effect on all platforms.
In future updates, I’d like to see an offline mode added to play with simply bots, however I perceive which may not be doable.
Gigantic: Rampage Version with cross platform play and with how effectively it performs on Steam Deck is price your time when you have individuals to play with regardless of the few points I’ve with sure facets of the expertise. I fear for the web inhabitants, however this can be a strong base at a low asking value. I simply hope some kind of story mode may be added as future DLC or in an replace.
Gigantic: Rampage Version Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 3.5/5
Crow Nation Steam Deck Assessment
After I performed Signalis, I believed it will principally don’t have any competitors for throwback horror video games given how good it was. It seems I used to be flawed, and I’m glad about that. SFB Video games’ Crow Nation is an excellent 90s model survival horror sport with a surprisingly good mix of recent options to make it really feel proper at house right now. SFB Video games nailed what I pictured in my head for a retro horror sport constructed for contemporary audiences right here.
Crow Nation is stuffed with surprises, attractive 90s visuals, easy controls, wonderful puzzles, riddles, and even an choice to play it as an exploration sport in the event you aren’t a fan of horror. The builders actually considered nearly every part right here with it even having a touch system. One other facet I like is the final design language that applies to environments, character designs, enemies, and the UI. SFB Video games completely knocked this one out of the park as its first survival horror sport.
Crow Nation on Steam Deck is formally Steam Deck Verified, and it principally is the model of the sport I like to recommend. I liked enjoying Signalis handheld on Swap and Steam Deck, and will probably be replaying Crow Nation if it ever hits Swap. I’ve zero complaints with the way it runs on Swap each enjoying on my Steam Deck OLED and when docked on the 1440p monitor. The one graphics choices it has are adjusting display mode, displaying exit arrows, and displaying the gameplay HUD.
The one factor I don’t like about Crow Nation is the traps unfold throughout the sport. They aren’t at all times unhealthy, however in some cases I simply acquired aggravated with the location and regardless of a few of them additionally engaged on enemies, I might fairly the quantity be decreased basically as an possibility. Except for the roadmap already introduced, I hope Crow Nation involves Swap and will get a bodily launch.
Crow Nation joins Signalis as top-of-the-line survival horror video games in recent times. It’s shockingly good, and I can’t wait to revisit it when its subsequent replace arrives. I urge you to at the least attempt the free demo. It feels excellent on Steam Deck. What I believed can be a pleasant throwback horror sport ended up being top-of-the-line in years for the style, and a standout title in an already wonderful 2024 for video games.
Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 4.5/5
INDIKA Steam Deck Assessment
INDIKA is a really fascinating third-person journey sport that at all times tiptoes between a number of kinds, however manages to be its personal factor by the top with surreal and humorous moments. You play as a younger nun in the course of self discovery with spiritual themes, torment, and extra. When it launched, it had points on Steam Deck, and nonetheless does in elements, however it’s now at a degree the place I can advocate experiencing it on Valve’s handheld.
In relation to gameplay, INDIKA is principally a strolling simulator, albeit one which feels a lot larger funds than the norm, and one which has some mini-games sprinkled throughout. It performs effectively and appears wonderful on Steam Deck, however suffers from drops beneath 30fps in some elements. Total, it’s a sport I’m glad I acquired to play, and one it’s best to attempt in the event you’re within the premise.
The PC model of INDIKA doesn’t have any graphics choices outdoors disabling the UD, movement blur, and gamma. You possibly can modify the FOV or controller sensitivity, however don’t have any management over capping the body price or the rest in-game. I capped it to 30fps from the Steam Deck’s personal menu. I additionally advocate turning the subtitle measurement to 150% in the event you plan on enjoying in handheld mode solely, and likewise disabling the pixel font. The pixel font would’ve been high quality in the event you may tweak the UI measurement throughout the board.
INDIKA was a recent journey expertise that constantly shocked me all through with how its narrative flowed, and one I’m undoubtedly going to replay on PS5 when it releases there. As a fan of strolling simulators, that is one in every of my favorites within the style, and I’m simply shocked it even exists. It’d even be one in every of my favourite video games 11 bit studios has revealed to this point.
Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 4/5
Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs Steam Deck Assessment
Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs is a sport I had no concept existed till I noticed it get Steam Deck Verified pre-release. It initially launched on Swap final 12 months, and arrived on Steam a month in the past. Whereas most Miku followers know and love the rhythm video games, she does additionally see video games in different genres. Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs is a brief journey sport with mini-games included that you may get by means of in about two hours or much less.
At its asking value of $30, that’s a tough tablet to swallow. In the event you look past the value, Miku followers will benefit from the interactions and mini-games. I undoubtedly preferred the time I put into it, however I simply can’t advocate it at that value. Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs is Steam Deck Verified like I discussed, nevertheless it has a scrolling challenge the place the sport doesn’t really feel easy at 60fps or 90fps. I mounted this by forcing the Steam Deck’s show to 50hz. This can be a bug I’ve skilled in a number of different video games as effectively, and I hope it may be mounted so the scrolling is easy even at greater body charges.
Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs is a sport I like to recommend on a giant low cost in the event you like Miku. I attempt to play nearly each Hatsune Miku sport I can throughout platforms, and Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs would’ve been simpler to advocate if it value about half of what it does and didn’t have a relentless scrolling challenge. As a brief journey sport for Miku followers, it will get the job accomplished, however the asking value makes it a non starter proper now.
Hatsune Miku – The Planet Of Marvel And Fragments Of Needs Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 2.5/5
Samurai Warriors 4 DX Steam Deck Assessment
I’ve very fond reminiscences of Samurai Warriors 4 as a result of it was principally the primary correct Warriors sport I performed after stepping into the style by means of Hyrule Warriors. After I purchased Samurai Warriors 4 again on PS4, I used to be blown away by how easy it felt, but additionally with how addictive the gameplay was all through the principle story. I ended up sticking with the collection and shopping for Samurai Warriors 4-II and Samurai Warriors 4 Empires (my favourite of the lot) as they got here out. Again then, additionally Koei Tecmo ported Samurai Warriors 4-II to PC, nevertheless it was a middling conversion that used outdated era property and simply wasn’t pretty much as good of a port. Instances have modified since with Koei Tecmo video games often finest on PC lately.
Samurai Warriors 4 was PlayStation unique, and it hadn’t seen any re-release till Samurai Warriors 4 DX hit PS4 and Nintendo Swap in a number of years in the past in Japan. Since Koei Tecmo launched Dynasty Warriors 8’s full (roughly) version on Swap, I hoped Samurai Warriors 4 DX would make its means over. That ship appeared to have sailed because the years glided by, however we had a shock announcement and launch of Samurai Warriors 4 DX for Steam this week, and it arrived Steam Deck Verified to my shock.
In the event you’ve by no means performed a Warriors sport earlier than, Samurai Warriors 4 DX is without doubt one of the finest introductions to the style, and a unbelievable model of Omega Drive and Koei Tecmo’s hack and slash motion video games. Samurai Warriors 4 specifically additionally has wonderful storytelling and has you slowly experiencing totally different characters throughout areas that each one construct in direction of the grand finale. It stays one top-of-the-line Warriors video games on the market as effectively even in its base format. With Samurai Warriors 4 DX, it consists of all of the DLC from the PS4 model, and simply shopping for the DLC on PS4 seems like it will value greater than Samurai Warriors 4 DX does on Steam. This DLC consists of edit elements, costumes, eventualities, weapons, BGM, and extra. You possibly can see all of the DLC on the PSN retailer web page right here.
Samurai Warriors 4 DX on PC additionally consists of on-line co-op help and splitscreen. I didn’t check the latter, however enjoying on-line labored completely with a buddy of mine out of the country. There was no delay, and we acquired out and in of a mission near-instantly.
The PC port of Samurai Warriors 4 DX allows you to modify decision right down to 640×360, body price goal (30 or 60fps solely), toggle film playback, modify total high quality preset, dynamic shadows, texture filtering, reflections, and ambient occlusion. It has Xbox button prompts solely so far as I can inform, and has Steam Cloud help. The sport is 16:9 solely as effectively.
On my Steam Deck OLED, out of the field Samurai Warriors 4 DX runs with a 60fps goal, however drops to the mid 40s typically throughout busy fight when performed at 720p. I turned every part low or off and had it operating across the 50s within the check space. I then turned every part on and used the excessive preset. That is good for a 30fps goal as a result of the sport hovered between 30 and 40fps. As of this writing, a locked 60fps just isn’t doable at 720p so far as I can inform. I hope this may be improved in patches. The excessive and medium presets look excellent on the hand-held display.
In the event you’ve by no means performed a Warriors sport earlier than, Samurai Warriors 4 DX is excellent worth and a unbelievable sport to start out with. Some facets are dated in comparison with newer Omega Drive video games and the value ought to’ve been a bit decrease although. That apart, it’s unimaginable to lastly have it on PC over a decade later, and it’s virtually excellent on Steam Deck out of the field. I hope it may be optimized a bit for a locked 60fps as a result of I at all times love enjoying Warriors video games on a conveyable, and Samurai Warriors 4 DX on Steam Deck is a tremendous model of one in every of my favourite Warriors video games.
Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 4.5/5
Capes Steam Deck Impressions
I’ve had a preview construct for Capes since some time now, however didn’t get round to enjoying it a lot till a number of weeks in the past. With it set to launch later this month, I needed to put in writing up some temporary impressions of how the pre-release preview construct performs on Steam Deck. Issues are trying good already, however what shocked me essentially the most, is how a lot enjoyable I used to be having enjoying Capes on Steam Deck.
Spitfire Interactive and Daedalic Leisure’s latest sport is a sci-fi turn-based tactical RPG the place you develop your crew of heroes, improve, degree up, tackle extra, and progress by means of the assorted marketing campaign missions. I didn’t have entry to greater than the opening hours within the preview construct, however it’s undoubtedly polished and enjoyable to this point.
A reductive means of describing Capes can be Marvel’s Midnight Suns with much less of the downtime, no licensed characters, and extra comedian e book aesthetic. If that sounds good to you, Capes ought to be in your radar. It additionally performs nice out of the field on Steam Deck. I’ll save my full ideas on the PC port for when I’ve entry to the assessment construct within the close to future. We’ll possible be masking it on Swap as effectively for our assessment protection.
PO’ed: Definitive Version Steam Deck Impressions
Shaun is doing a full assessment of PO’ed: Definitive Version on Swap, however I needed to cowl how it’s on Steam Deck from day one on this impressions characteristic. PO’ed: Definitive Version is a supercharged and enhanced model of the 1995-released 3DO and PlayStation shooter that I had by no means heard of till Nightdive Studios introduced this launch. It’s humorous, easy, and principally feels wonderful to play right now because of a superb launch from Nightdive, who’ve but to disappoint me.
On Steam Deck, PO’ed: Definitive Version is marked as Steam Deck Playable by Valve. It is because Valve says some textual content is likely to be too small to learn. I’ve had no points with PO’ed: Definitive Version on Steam Deck enjoying at 90fps in handheld on the Steam Deck OLED, or enjoying at 144hz on my monitor. It simply works out of the field, and has been a really fascinating expertise. Shaun will cowl how the sport itself has aged in his full assessment, however I’m happy with what Nightdive has launched right here.
Information and Trailers
That positive was an extended opinions and impressions part wasn’t it? Let’s get into the information with a brand new Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance trailer from Atlus showcasing the brand new places included on this enhanced and expanded model of one in every of 2021’s finest RPGs. Watch the Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance New Areas trailer beneath:
Alongside my full assessment of the PC port above, right here’s Koei Tecmo’s announcement and launch trailer for the superb Samurai Warriors 4 DX. That is unimaginable worth in the event you’re new to the sport, however I nonetheless want it was $40 as an alternative of $50 on PC. I hope Koei Tecmo brings Samurai Warriors 4 Empires to Steam subsequent so we’ve the entire set of video games from that era of Samurai Warriors on PC. Watch the trailer for it beneath:
Sega is bringing the recently-released Swap sport Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba -Sweep the Board! is coming to Steam and different consoles on July sixteenth. Digital pre-orders are stay on Steam that includes some stamps to make use of and three premium tickets. Test it out on Steam right here.
This week, Day of the Devs revealed the companions for the Summer season Sport Fest Version showcase stream together with: Calligram Studio, Clapperheads, Crescent Moon Video games, Furnishings & Mattress, Mossmouth, Oopsie Daisies Studio, Optillusion Video games, Pikselnesia, Pollard Studio, Rocket Adrift, Soup Island, Studio Tolima, Tan Ant Video games, These Dang Video games and extra. The showcase will happen on-line on June seventh at 4 PM PT. It would stream on YouTube, Twitch, and extra.
Spike Chunsoft introduced that it is going to be bringing The Quintessential Quintuplets – Recollections of a Quintessential Summer season, The Quintessential Quintuplets – 5 Recollections Spent With You, and The Quintessential Quintuplets Double Pack to Steam, PlayStation, and Nintendo Swap on Might twenty third. There will probably be a reduction for launch week. I’m not aware of the supply materials, however it’s good to see extra visible novels get localized for PC and consoles within the West.
Warhammer Skulls returns on Might twenty third that includes Rahul Kohli who will probably be internet hosting it to cowl updates on Rogue Dealer, Boltgun, Darktide, and Area Marine 2. I’m very concerned about all of these barring Darktide which I nonetheless have to play extra. Watch the showcase trailer beneath:
Cygames confirmed that Beatrix, the following playable DLC character coming to Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, will launch worldwide for Steam, PS5, and PS4 subsequent week on Might twenty third. I’m trying ahead to getting again to the sport to attempt her. Watch the Beatrix Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising trailer beneath:
The ultimate bit of stories is Prime Video saying a brand new collection based mostly on Tomb Raider which is the primary information we’ve had for the IP after Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Video games introduced a multiplatform sport mission. Try the announcement for the present right here.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable video games for the week
Nothing out of the peculiar this week other than the shock launch of Samurai Warriors 4 DX which arrived Steam Deck Verified.
- ASTROLANCER – Playable
- Class of Heroes 2G: Remaster Version – Verified
- Command & Conquer Tiberian Solar and Firestorm – Playable
- Command & Conquer: Crimson Alert 2 and Yuri’s Revenge – Playable
- Days With Ollie – Verified
- Footgun: Underground – Playable
- Hell Let Free – Playable
- Kill It With Fireplace 2 – Playable
- Laysara: Summit Kingdom – Playable
- Maid of the Useless – Playable
- Nuclear Blaze – Unsupported
- Piczle Cross Story of Seasons – Unsupported
- Echoes of the Plum Grove – Playable
- PO’ed: Definitive Version – Playable
- Swimming pools – Verified
- Rainbow Cotton – Verified
- Salt 2 – Verified
- SAMURAI WARRIORS 4 DX – Verified
- The Colonists – Playable
- The Settlers: New Allies – Playable
Steam Deck Sport Gross sales & Reductions
The spotlight gross sales of the week are the Monster Hunter Humble Bundle together with each Rise and World throughout totally different tiers and Devolver Digital’s fifteenth anniversary sale. For the Monster Hunter bundle, I like to recommend the $30 bundle so you could have World with Iceborne and Rise with Sunbreak. Whereas you may get by with simply World, the bottom Monster Hunter Rise just isn’t price enjoying. Iceborne and Sunbreak make their base releases superlative. Try the bundle right here. Word that the Deluxe kits are usually not price grabbing on their very own afterward.
Devolver has boatloads of nice video games discounted, however in the event you needed to simply choose one of many current releases, I’d go along with The Talos Precept 2 at 40% off. I’d additionally say Loop Hero, however that’s finest on cellular now. Devolver Digital’s sale is on from now till Might thirtieth.
Steam has its Endlessly Replayable fest with reductions on Useless Cells, Crusader Kings III, Balatro, Danger of Rain 2, and way more. This sale undoubtedly has a whole lot of video games I would like, however I fortunately personal most of what I would like already. This sale is on till Might twentieth.
That’s all for this week’s version of the Steam Deck Weekly. As common, you’ll be able to learn all our previous and future Steam Deck protection right here. When you’ve got 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 important day, and thanks for studying.