The Misplaced Crown Steam Deck OLED Evaluation, Information, Trailers, Gross sales, New Verified Video games and Extra – TouchArcade

Welcome to this week’s version of the Steam Deck Weekly. Forward of my Black Fantasy: Wukong evaluation later within the week, right now’s article encompasses a evaluation of the just lately launched (on Steam) Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown, Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers, impressions of Bandai Namco’s That Time I Obtained Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles, information highlights, notable gross sales, and the newest Steam Deck Verified and Playable video games. Let’s get into the critiques and impressions first.

Steam Deck Sport Evaluations & Impressions

Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown Steam Deck Evaluation

Again in January, Shaun mentioned Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown was a shocking entry not only for the Prince of Persia collection, but additionally for the Metroidvania style. I didn’t play it at launch, however lastly acquired round to it in a while and liked it on Nintendo Swap and PS5. Again then, it felt prefer it is likely to be the most effective video games within the style regardless of its lengthy runtime, however I hoped it might see a Steam launch and be good on Steam Deck. It took a bit, however Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown has launched on Steam Deck, and for those who held off on shopping for it to play on Valve’s handheld, your wait has been price it.

Since launching earlier within the yr, Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown has added a speedrun mode, permadeath mode, boss rush, cosmetics, and extra. It’s even getting a brand new story DLC subsequent month. Whereas I believed Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown was price it even with out these updates, the asking value on Steam now coupled with all of the free updates and content material being included from the beginning makes it even simpler to suggest, however how does it play on Steam Deck?

Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown is among the finest multi-platform releases with how effectively it ran on absolutely anything at launch. Having revisited it on PS5, Nintendo Swap, and Xbox Collection X earlier than the Steam launch, I’ve discovered myself gravitating to Xbox Collection X for the perfect expertise on the massive display screen and Nintendo Swap OLED for an important transportable model. The PS5 model when performed at 120fps doesn’t really feel nice, and I’d suggest taking part in at 60fps there until you may have a VRR show. Mine doesn’t help VRR on PS5, however does on Xbox Collection X.

After taking part in Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown on Steam Deck LCD and Steam Deck OLED, the latter is now my favourite platform for the sport. The default settings run like a dream, however Ubisoft promoted extremely settings for Steam Deck OLED. At Extremely, it drops from 90fps to the mid 80s, however by no means feels too unhealthy. Settling for the excessive preset is a lot better right here, however Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown feels unimaginable on Steam Deck with its quick loading, improved visuals over Swap, and nice efficiency.

On the PC port aspect, Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown enables you to alter show mode (fullscreen, windowed, borderless), decision (no 16:10 help), toggle v-sync, alter SMAA high quality (none, FXAA, SMAA), graphics high quality (regular, excessive, extremely), and alter HUD scale for graphics and show choices. You too can alter issue and tweak issues fairly a bit to your liking to make for a difficult or relaxed expertise similar to on different platforms.

Talking of different platforms, the one benefit of Ubisoft Join is that Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown helps cross development. Sure, I introduced my previous save from PS5 and Swap to Xbox Collection X, after which acquired that over to Steam Deck to proceed my later save. I additionally began a brand new save to see how the opening hour feels on Steam Deck, and it truly acquired me to begin a brand-new playthrough. Given how lengthy Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown is, I’m stunned at how nice it has been to chip away at on Deck, after which pickup my new save on no matter platform I’m on. I hope different publishers additionally work on cross development like Ubisoft has.

One factor I’ve seen in discussions on-line is that Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown is just not playable offline. The preliminary setup required me to be on-line to hyperlink my account, however I’ve performed 9 instances with my Steam Deck in offline mode and Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown lets me play high-quality as soon as I hit the “offline” choice on the Ubisoft Join menu. I’m unsure if this has a cooldown of some days or one thing due to DRM, however I’ve not had points taking part in it offline as of right now a minimum of. You do have to stop the sport from Steam as a result of it doesn’t stop correctly by itself. I hope that is additionally mounted.

Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown is superb on Nintendo Swap, however it’s elegant on Steam Deck. Apart from the Ubisoft Join annoyance whenever you launch the sport for the primary time, I’ve no complaints with Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown on Steam Deck. The present model additionally contains all prior updates that already improved what was an important sport. I haven’t loved the few Prince of Persia video games I performed after the unique two a lot, however Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown is great and important on Steam Deck.

Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown Steam Deck evaluation rating: 5/5

Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers Steam Deck Evaluation

Again when everybody together with myself was obsessive about Balatro, I began seeing associates submit about video games that felt just like it. One such sport was Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers. I had my eye on it some time in the past, however solely just lately remembered it was set to launch quickly, and ended up reaching out to cowl it after seeing Balatro developer LocalThunk submit about it. I’m glad I did as a result of I’ve been fairly obsessive about it alongside Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown and Doom + Doom II just lately.

Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers brings in roguelike mechanics into Blackjack the place you begin with your individual set of chips and HP, and try to hit (draw playing cards) or stand in opposition to your opponent. Your deck initially has the standard playing cards, however the go well with conduct retains issues contemporary. For example, you begin drawing (hit) whereas attempting to get as near 21 (the sum of your playing cards) as doable whereas your opponent does the identical. Injury in Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers is the same as the distinction between each palms. In case your playing cards add as much as 17, you’ll be able to threat hitting once more to attract one within the hope of getting near 21, however for those who overshoot, you find yourself with nothing. If you happen to determine to face at 17 and the opponent is at say 16, you’ll do 1 harm to the opponent. In case your opponent attracts additional and overshoots to say 25, you’ll do all 17 factors of injury to your opponent.

Past the traditional Blackjack mechanics, there are completely different deck sorts you begin with, extra to unlock, guess sorts, playing cards to get to your assortment, hilarious designs throughout the board, modifiers, and extra in Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers. Initially, I anticipated it to indicate its hand after a couple of hours, however Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers has much more than meets the attention, and it’s one other stunning (in a great way) launch by a solo developer. Even days later, I’m continually stunned by what Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers has to supply.

I often wouldn’t examine two video games a lot, however given they each launched in 2024, it’s attention-grabbing to see how completely different every one performs even other than the truth that one tackles Poker (Balatro) whereas Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers tackles Blackjack. Proper from the beginning, Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers felt prefer it had potential in the way it slowly began throwing completely different mechanics at me. Each run felt very completely different as I attempted to progress, however what caught with me was how developer Purple Moss Collectors managed to make me need to hold taking part in regardless of not even figuring out a fraction of the mechanics exterior Blackjack for a couple of runs.

On Steam Deck, Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers is nearly good. It doesn’t play superb with the Deck’s personal bodily controls or a controller with a couple of interactions both not working with a controller, or requiring the mouse or contact. When taking part in with contact controls although, Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers is at its finest. Since I performed most of Balatro on the touchscreen on each Deck and Swap, I discovered myself naturally utilizing that enter choice right here, and it was an important expertise. There aren’t any graphics choices of be aware right here, and Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers runs at 16:9 with Steam Cloud help. It additionally runs at 90fps on the Steam Deck OLED display screen whereas it hits 144hz with out problem when performed docked on my monitor.

I hope the few management points I bumped into are addressed with a greater onboarding expertise for these unfamiliar with card video games. Past that, Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers is in an important state proper now, and it’ll possible be in my favourite video games of 2024 on Steam Deck by the top of the yr.

Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers is superb, however it’s a few updates away from being really particular. Proper now, I completely suggest it for those who’re prepared to study by means of expertise although. It additionally appears like a pleasant center floor between Balatro and Luck Be a Landlord when it comes to how a lot luck performs a component in your run. If that sounds good to you, I urge you to present it a shot. I hope to see it come to cellular and console sooner or later.

Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers Steam Deck evaluation rating: 4/5

That Time I Obtained Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles Steam Deck Impressions

Forward of our full evaluation, I wished to cowl how That Time I Obtained Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles feels on Steam Deck proper now contemplating I’ve not seen anybody actually discuss concerning the PC model. I performed That Time I Obtained Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles with Proton Experimental on my Steam Deck OLED at 90hz and it had no points with loading something together with cut-scenes that performed as they need to. The one problem I bumped into was adjusting the graphics choices from the title display screen which had some freezing. Doing this in-game was high-quality.

The graphics choices are restricted. You’ll be able to alter anti-aliasing (off, 2x, 4x, 8x), toggle v-sync, alter texture high quality (low, medium, excessive), shadow high quality (low, medium, excessive), and toggle depth of subject. You’ll be able to rebind the buttons for assaults, particular strikes, bounce, dodge, and secret expertise as effectively.

Thus far, I’ve performed the opening hour of That Time I Obtained Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles on my Steam Deck LCD and OLED fashions. The notable takeaway is that it had the least points when utilizing Proton Experimental. It additionally appears to run high-quality at fullscreen. The one problem is the body fee cap doesn’t appear nice. Enjoying on a 90hz show and even my 144hz monitor resulted in poor body pacing. The repair for that is setting your show refresh fee to 60 or 59. As soon as I did that on Steam Deck, it ran flawlessly. Even the pre-rendered cut-scenes play high-quality.

Keep tuned for our evaluation of the Swap model of That Time I Obtained Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles within the close to future. Till then, I’ll be taking part in extra of this mix of a side-scroller, builder, and motion RPG based mostly on That Time I Obtained Reincarnated as a Slime.

Information and Trailers

Let’s begin the information with DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake’s new particulars and screenshots. Each Shaun and myself are hyped for this one. DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake goes to incorporate new story episodes starring the protagonist’s father, Ortega. It should even have new bosses and extra when it arrives this November. Take a look at one of many beautiful new screenshots from DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake under:

Lifeless Rising Deluxe Remaster acquired a brand new director’s report video showcasing the standard of life enhancements, options, and extra forward of the sport’s launch subsequent month with a bodily for PS5 and Xbox Collection X coming in November. Watch the video under:

Forward of its launch subsequent week, Sport Science printed the ultimate trailer for the upcoming motion RPG Black Fantasy: Wukong. It launches for PS5 and Steam on August twentieth. I can be protecting it within the close to future. Watch the brand new trailer under:

Playism had its Playism Sport Present with a number of reveals and trailers for indie video games. The highlights embrace Nitro Categorical (Grayfax Software program’s pixel artwork motion sport), Homura Hime (third individual motion sport from Crimson Nightfall), Valkyrie of Illusion (Touhou Mission shmup from AREAZERO), Outrider Mako (2D motion sport), and extra. Watch the complete showcase under:

Arc System Works America posted the Opening Trailer for River Metropolis Saga: Three Kingdoms Subsequent, forward of its launch this November on Steam, Swap, and PS4 worldwide. Watch it under:

Capcom’s wonderful Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess has crossed 500k gamers, and the staff has launched three Mazo Talismans as free DLC for all gamers. They’re:

• Jubilee – Equip this Talisman and watch because the villagers close to Soh burst right into a joyous dance.
• Dancing Crane – Remodel Soh’s regular assaults right into a mesmerizing dance, together with bursts of fireworks.
• Amaterasu – With this Talisman, vibrant flowers will bloom beneath Soh’s ft when touring.

Bokeh Sport Studio posted a brand new screenshot for Slitterhead forward of its launch this November. Slitterhead may have a playable demo at PAX West later this month as effectively. I’m wanting ahead to taking part in this one. Take a look at the picture under:

Following the Nice Sword weapon video, Capcom has showcased a number of weapon movies for Monster Hunter Wilds forward of its launch in 2025 on PS5, Xbox Collection X, and Steam. The one different weapons I care about are Looking Horn and Hammer. They each look unimaginable thus far. Take a look at the movies under:

Deadly Fury: Metropolis of the Wolves has two extra character trailers out now. Take a look at the Terry Bogard and Hotaru Futaba trailers under whereas the sport continues to look wonderful:

Warhammer 40k: House Marine 2 acquired a brand new multiplayer gameplay showcase, and it seems to be very spectacular. I hope to verify this one out on Steam Deck and PS5 quickly. Watch the video under:

Bandai Namco’s upcoming SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream has gotten a brand new trailer showcasing the Administrator who performs the mage position within the sport. Watch her trailer under:

The latest Bleach: Rebirth of Souls trailer from Bandai Namco showcases Yoruichi who seems to be superior as anticipated. Watch her gameplay trailer under:

Wired Productions and Indignant Demon Studio have launched a free demo for Gori: Cuddly Carnage on Steam and consoles. Take a look at the demo trailer under:

Enshrouded has crossed 3 million gamers because the staff heads to 1.0 on Steam and consoles subsequent yr. Watch the latest replace video under:

New Steam Deck Verified & Playable video games for the week

The highlights for the week embrace Earth Protection Drive 6, Prince of Persia: The Misplaced Crown, Afterplace, and extra getting examined by Valve. There’s additionally Rain Code Plus which can see an English launch this October. I’m excited to strive that one once I can.

• Afterplace – Verified
• Aooni – Playable
• Cataclismo – Playable
• Clank! – Playable
• Creatures of Ava – Verified
• EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 6 – Verified (through TouchArcade reader Mor)
• Été – Unsupported
• Kitsune Tails – Verified
• Mahjong Soul – Playable
• Grasp Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus – Verified (through TouchArcade reader Mor)
• Prince of Persia The Misplaced Crown – Playable (through TouchArcade reader Mor)
• SCHiM – Verified
• Tavern Discuss – Playable
• The Crush Home – Playable
• The Star Named Eos – Verified
• Zet Zillions – Playable

Steam Deck Sport Gross sales, Reductions, and Specials

The notable gross sales for the week are the massive Capcom Summer time 2024 Humble Bundle and Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley with its greatest low cost but. I do know 20% on Steam isn’t a lot of a reduction, however I believed it was price full value from day one. Learn my evaluation right here. Capcom’s bundle has Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, The Nice Ace Legal professional Chronicles, Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle, and far more. It is among the finest Capcom bundles but.

That’s all for this version of the Steam Deck Weekly. As normal, you’ll be able to learn all our previous and future Steam Deck protection right here. When you’ve got any suggestions for this function or what else you’d wish to see us do across the Steam Deck, tell us within the feedback under. I hope you all have an important day, and thanks for studying.