Welcome to this week’s version of the Steam Deck Weekly. After a little bit of a busy few weeks, issues are calm proper now. In the event you’ve not been maintaining with our latest Steam Deck protection, I reviewed Persona 3 Reload, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and Tekken 8 that each one ended up being superb. What a begin to 2024 proper? For the reason that final function, there have been many notable bulletins and releases on the planet of Steam Deck together with new Verified video games, Steam Subsequent Fest, Lunar New 12 months gross sales, and extra. The highlights of at present’s function are Steam Deck impressions of Expertise Inc and Aksys Video games’ Dying Mark II and Bitwave Video games’ Toaplan Arcade Shmups assortment quantity 3 critiques. Let’s get into the critiques and impressions first.
Steam Deck Sport Impressions & Opinions
Spirit Hunter: Dying Mark II Steam Deck Impressions
Spirit Hunter: Dying Mark II, is the third entry within the Spirit Hunter sequence from Expertise Inc. I beloved each Spirit Hunter: Dying Mark and Spirit Hunter: NG, however was curious to see how Dying Mark II would really feel years later. I gained’t go into too many particulars for the story and such right here as a result of I’m reviewing the Swap model subsequent week, however I needed to cowl how the sport feels on Steam Deck proper now after a couple of pre-release updates.
After I acquired Spirit Hunter: Dying Mark II on Swap and Steam Deck, it really wasn’t playable on the latter in any respect, so I ended up taking part in it on Swap, and beloved it. I am keen on Expertise Inc’s horror video games, however I believe Spirit Hunter: Dying Mark II may be the perfect one to date for its story, visuals, and characters. The aesthetic within the developer’s video games is at all times prime notch.
Whereas Dying Mark II had a couple of points final month on Steam Deck after I acquired overview code, the builders have fully mounted it. In reality, barring manually forcing the Steam Deck to run this sport at 720p on the inner show which additionally appears to have been addressed as of at present, I’ve not had any points taking part in it on my LCD and OLED Steam Decks. It even appropriately invokes the Steam Deck onscreen keyboard for textual content entry. It appears to be like and runs with out points now together with cut-scenes primarily based on the time I’ve put into it on Steam Deck.
I hope future updates can add in-game graphics choices so you may really set it to 720p in-game or greater for those who play docked and never must manually pressure it. That’s my solely grievance with the PC port proper now. Spirit Hunter: Dying Mark II performs and appears great on Steam Deck. I’m trying ahead to replaying it alongside the Swap model for my overview and comparability subsequent week. In the event you have been hoping to play this one on Valve’s handheld system, I can’t think about it not being Steam Deck Verified within the close to future.
Spirit Hunter: Dying Mark II launches on February fifteenth for PS5, Swap, and PC through Steam worldwide.
Toaplan Arcade Shoot’em Ups 3 Steam Deck Opinions
Bitwave Video games is again with one other set of Toaplan Arcade Shoot’em Ups in its third assortment for PC platforms to date. Toaplan Arcade Shoot’em Ups Quantity 3 contains Batsugun, Fixeight, Vimana, and Tiger Heli from Toaplan. Out of those, I’ve performed Batsugun’s Saturn launch via Metropolis Connection’s port and Tiger Heli via M2 ShotTriggers’ Toaplan Arcade Storage launch. Vimana and Fixeight have been fully new to me. On this Toaplan Arcade Shoot’em Ups Quantity 3 overview, I’m going to cowl the video games themselves, but additionally the gathering itself because it presents unbelievable worth at its low asking value.
When the developer and writer introduced over the primary 4 video games within the Toaplan Arcade Shoot’em Ups Quantity 1 launch, there was plenty of potential with superb responsiveness, however the video games had some points. Quantity 2 additionally launched with a couple of points however as traditional, the developer has been rapidly addressing and fixing the releases. In plenty of methods, I felt like these video games ought to’ve launched as early entry releases in order that Bitwave may get suggestions from gamers and enhance them for 1.0 launches.
Proper now, the video games in Toaplan Arcade Shoot’em Ups Quantity 3 have been patched a couple of occasions throughout the pre-release and post-launch interval, and they’re already in a significantly better place. I gained’t name them good emulation releases, however I don’t have any main complaints left, and Bitwave delivered one other set of responsive and tremendous quick video games right here. I say tremendous quick as a result of you may actually faucet the play button on Steam and be in-game in a second or two. There isn’t any time losing right here.
In the event you’re new to Bitwave Video games’ re-issues of Toaplan classics, the video games are offered of their arcade variations with totally different regional editions, save states, rewind choices, a couple of visible choices, sound choices, help choices, and extra. These are very light-weight releases as effectively clocking in at a couple of MB every. The one disappointment for the general packages are the fonts used within the menus are fairly dangerous. I don’t know why this ugly font remains to be getting used two volumes later, however right here we’re. Now, onto the video games themselves.
Tiger Heli Steam Deck Assessment
Toaplan’s 1985 traditional vertical shmup Tiger Heli feels nice to play on this launch from Bitwave, however the sound pitch is a bit off even now. It has gotten up to date as just lately as a couple of hours in the past from this writing, but it surely nonetheless doesn’t sound precisely just like the prior launch I’ve performed on Swap. Barring that, I’ve no actual complaints with this particular model of Tiger Heli. It delivers a responsive model of the sport with an excellent quick boot up on Steam Deck.
Tiger Heli Steam Deck overview rating: 3.5/5
Batsugun Steam Deck Assessment
Batsugun is one other vertical shmup from Toaplan and it was launched again in 1993 in arcades. It’s most recognized for its soundtrack, bullet patterns, hitbox, and extra. My first expertise with Batsugun was via the Saturn model in CityConnection’s S-Tribute launch on Steam and Swap, so I can’t touch upon how Bitwave’s launch feels in comparison with the arcade authentic, but it surely has been a blast to play on Steam Deck.
Bitwave’s new model of Batsugun additionally contains the Batsugun Particular Model launch that features a number of loops, modified enemies, totally different visuals, and extra. In the event you’re new to Batsugun, this launch is superb, and price grabbing even standalone for those who aren’t within the different video games within the assortment. This new model is a way more responsive model of Batsugun in comparison with the CityConnection launch as effectively.
Batsugun Steam Deck overview rating: 4.5/5
Vimana Steam Deck Assessment
Toaplan’s 1991-released vertical shmup Vimana is the primary of two video games on this assortment I had by no means performed in any kind earlier than. I used to be shocked by the distinctive setting and visuals for a sport launched again in 1991, however Vimana’s gameplay excels fairly a bit in its ranges and weapons. This model has a couple of sound-related points that I hope are addressed in patches although. I seen audio reducing out and in if I used the quick ahead or rewind choices loads, and I solely did to check and see how the sport would deal with issues. Barring that, Vimana has been a great addition to this assortment.
Vimana Steam Deck overview rating: 3.5/5
Fixeight Steam Deck Assessment
Fixeight is the one non shmup on this assortment from Bitwave Video games. The 1992-released vertical run and gun sport from Toaplan had by no means been delivered to any console or fashionable platform till this new launch, and it has been very attention-grabbing to play as a fan of Out Zone from a previous assortment. I appreciated that fairly a bit, and Fixeight has been a noticeable enchancment in lots of components. It isn’t important for those who solely care about Toaplan’s shmups, however I’m glad it was lastly launched on PC. It additionally performs with out points on Steam Deck.
Fixeight Steam Deck overview rating: 4/5
As with prior releases from Bitwave, I want we had some form of extras right here like scans, interviews, or design paperwork. The entire Toaplan Arcade Shoot’em Ups 3 bundle is priced at round $20 and it’s a simple suggestion if you wish to pattern some nice Toaplan video games. It isn’t as polished as what you’d see in an M2 ShotTriggers launch, however this can be a fraction of the value you’d pay for that. I like these Bitwave releases as accessible and tremendous responsive variations for PC as a result of they don’t price a lot and play nice on Steam Deck. In the event you simply need to have the ability to rapidly play Batsugun, Fixeight, Tiger Heli, and Vimana, this launch delivers and has many helpful emulation options, visible choices, and extra.
Toaplan Arcade Shoot’em Ups 3 Bundle Steam Deck Assessment Rating: 4/5
Information
Sokobond Specific from Jose Hernandez and Draknek & Mates releases on February twenty second for Steam and itch.io. I’m very excited for this puzzle sport that blends chemical bonds and pathfinding in what appears to be like like a really attention-grabbing method. I’ve not regarded into this an excessive amount of but, but it surely is without doubt one of the best purchases given the Draknek & Mates’ prior releases. You possibly can wishlist it on Steam right here.
KEIZO and WhisperGames introduced that the DLC for Astlibra Revision, a sport we featured in a number of Sport of the 12 months lists, is launching on February thirteenth within the type of Astlibra Revision Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist. This DLC goes deeper into the lore and characters of the unique sport with randomized components. It’s a standalone expertise with high quality of life enhancements over the unique sport. Whereas the date is only for Steam, KEIZO confirmed that it’ll hit Swap quickly as effectively. This DLC is meant to be 20 hours lengthy. I’ll be reviewing it on Steam Deck within the close to future.
Persona 3 Reload, which has bought greater than 1 million copies worldwide already, is superb on Steam Deck, but it surely has gotten even higher since launch because of a brand new Proton Hotfix replace. Areas that dropped under 40fps are actually locked 60fps for me, and I’ve even been testing the sport on the OLED at 90fps to see. I’ll have extra on this quickly.
Capcom introduced that Ed will be part of Avenue Fighter 6 (our Steam Deck Sport of the 12 months for 2023) because the twenty first playable character on February twenty seventh. Ed might be accessible standalone or as part of the character move within the Deluxe Version or the Final Cross within the Final Version of the sport. After Ed, the one introduced DLC character left for Avenue Fighter 6 is Akuma. I’m curious to see who arrives following Akuma.
Alongside Avenue Fighter 6’s information, this week additionally noticed the reveal of the whole EVO 2024 lineup. EVO 2024 will function Avenue Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Responsible Gear Attempt, The King of Fighters XV, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes, Mortal Kombat 1, and Avenue Fighter III third Strike. Out of these, solely Mortal Kombat 1 isn’t an amazing expertise on Steam Deck proper now.
Right here is the complete roster of featured titles at #Evo2024!
Tickets for the occasion can be found now. Click on the hyperlink under to seize yours!https://t.co/WgXv1e2Nui pic.twitter.com/HG861lPaUr
— EVO (@EVO) February 7, 2024
Nitro Plus introduced that the 3D mecha motion sport Dolls Nest will launch this yr for Steam worldwide with English help. I’ve had my eye on this one because it was introduced, and the brand new story trailer which you’ll watch under appears to be like nice.
Destiny/Samurai Remnant DLC Quantity 1 “File’s Fragment: Keian Command Championship” is now accessible worldwide on Steam, Swap, PS5, and PS4. It’s included within the Season Cross, the Digital Deluxe Version, and in addition bought individually on Steam for homeowners of the bottom sport. I beloved Destiny/Samurai Remnant, however won’t have time to play this DLC till subsequent week. In the event you do find yourself taking part in it, let me know the way you discover it.
Daedalic Leisure and Yaza Video games introduced that the beautiful turn-based technique sport with a medieval manuscript aesthetic Inkulinati will launch on February twenty second following its early entry debut in January final yr. I’ve had my eye on this one for some time, and it possible might be beautiful on the OLED on Swap and Steam Deck.
Wo Lengthy: Fallen Dynasty Full Version launched a couple of days in the past with all prior DLC included and a brand new DLC merchandise which seemingly isn’t available for purchase for current homeowners. In the event you skipped the sport earlier than or performed it, learn my interview with Group NINJA right here.
Alongside the launch of the whole version, the wonderful Lies of P is getting Wo Lengthy crossover content material subsequent week. Watch the trailer for it under:
Disney Speedstorm Season 6 “Underneath the Sea” is now reside with The Little Mermaid-themed content material just like the Atlantica racetrack, new racers (Ariel, Prince Eric, and extra), the bonus racer EVE, and new crew members (Flounder, Sebastian, Max, and extra). The season is now reside on all platforms together with Steam.
Sega introduced that the excellent Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth that I scored 5/5 has bought over 1 million items worldwide making it the quickest promoting sport within the sequence. I’ve been chipping away at 100%, and certain will get there in a month or two.
Capcom launched Resident Evil 4 Gold Version bringing the superb remake and all DLC collectively. That is the bottom sport, the Separate Methods story DLC, and the Further DLC Pack. For some cause the Mercenaries mode isn’t included within the bundle, however accessible as free DLC. Watch the trailer for it under:
Homeworld 3 from Gearbox Publishing and Blackbird Interactive has been delayed to Could thirteenth from March eighth. After getting exterior suggestions, the staff determined to delay the sport to implement the extra suggestions and insights from others into the sport to make it nearly as good as attainable. I’m unsure how it will run on Steam Deck but, however I undoubtedly might be making an attempt it after I can. You possibly can obtain a demo for it till February twelfth on Steam.
Uncooked Fury might be releasing a free content material replace and paid DLC pack on February thirteenth to have a good time Valentine’s Day in Moonstone Island. This can embrace the power to get married to any NPC, new objects, interactions, and extra.
Developer BeXide introduced that its roguelike deckbuilder Yohane the Parhelion – NUMAZU within the MIRAGE – which is a Love Dwell spinoff sport, will launch on February twenty second for Steam, PS5, and Swap worldwide. I’m trying ahead to this one after its latest Steam demo.
The ultimate little bit of notable information is Overwatch 2’s latest season, Season 9: Champions, that has new Jade Weapon rewards, the brand new co-op occasion mode: Cosmic Disaster, and a brand new Season 9 Battle Cross. This doesn’t sound out of the strange, however the cause I needed to spotlight this trailer is the ending teasing a Cowboy Bebop crossover. I’m in for that for certain.
New Steam Deck Verified & Playable video games for the week
For some cause, Valve marked Granblue Fantasy: Relink as unsupported after I’ve performed it myself on Steam Deck and examined it on-line and offline each pre-release and post-launch together with an hour earlier than I wrote this text on my Steam Deck OLED and LCD (to verify one thing). Hopefully Valve can replace the score quickly.
- Enshrouded – Unsupported (Graphics configuration)
- Gangs of Sherwood – Playable
- Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Unsupported (through TouchArcade reader Mor)
- Mercenaries Saga 3: Grey Wolves of Conflict – Playable
- Sleeping Canines: Definitive Version – Playable
- Smurfs Kart – Unsupported
- Star Trek: Infinite – Playable
- Stray Souls – Playable
- TEKKEN 8 – Playable (Textual content enter requires manually invoking keyboard)
- Threes! – Verified
- Turnip Boy Robs a Financial institution – Verified
- Ultros – Verified
- Conflict Hospital – Playable
Steam Subsequent Fest Demo Suggestions
Steam Subsequent Fest may be over by the point you learn this, however I needed to suggest the next sport demos (on PC and in no explicit order) you probably have time to play some this weekend, and are searching for one thing attention-grabbing. In the event you do play one thing you suppose I ought to strive, let me know within the feedback.
Steam Deck Sport Gross sales & Reductions
As for reductions and sport gross sales, Sega has a 12 months of the Dragon sale with a number of Yakuza video games low-cost. I additionally suggest testing Sq. Enix’s Lunar New 12 months Sale for Last Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and in addition Dragon Quest video games. I grabbed a couple of older Last Fantasy video games I didn’t have with this sale together with Lightning Returns (an amazing sport!). The ultimate notable sale is Rockstar Video games’ catalog together with GTA V and Pink Useless Redemption 2 discounted.
That’s all for this week’s version of the Steam Deck weekly. As traditional, you may learn all our previous and future Steam Deck protection right here. In case you have any suggestions for this function or what else you’d prefer to see us do across the Steam Deck, tell us within the feedback under. I hope you all have an amazing weekend, and thanks for studying.
