As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that 2024 has been an extraordinary year for gaming, especially for handheld devices like the Steam Deck. The variety and quality of games released this year are truly astounding, and I’ve found myself utterly captivated by the plethora of titles that cater to my portable gaming needs.
For many years, Nintendo has dominated the portable gaming industry. Although Sega and Sony have tried to challenge them, only a few have come close to the success of the Game Boy, the Nintendo DS, and the Nintendo Switch. However, Valve’s Steam Deck has managed to give Nintendo some serious competition.
Valve’s Steam Deck isn’t the first portable PC, but it is one of the most accessible. Players simply need to boot up the Steam Deck, log into their Steam account, and their entire Steam library will be waiting for them, ready to download and take on the go. Of course, some games run much better on the handheld than others, and this year saw a bevy of excellent, well-performing games hit the Steam Deck. These ten not only run well but are excellent games in their own right (listed below in alphabetical order).
Balatro
Check Out Balatro on OpenCritic
2024 saw the release of the highly acclaimed indie game, Balatro, a deck-building roguelike that draws inspiration from poker and is known for its captivating gameplay mechanics and sleek aesthetics. The alluring gameplay cycle of Balatro harmonizes perfectly with the Steam Deck, as the portable console’s design promotes players to play just one more round whenever they pick it up. Furthermore, Balatro has been nominated in the Steam Awards’ category for Best Game on Steam Deck.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Check Out Game Rant’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review
It’s undeniable that the game “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” performs unexpectedly well on the Steam Deck. Typically, extensive role-playing games (RPGs) and the Steam Deck go together like peas in a pod, and this trend continues here. From crafting a distinctive character in the character creator to traversing the world of Thedas, “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” is a substantial RPG. Combining this journey with a Steam Deck for portable gameplay is a dream come true for many fans, as they can now enjoy this adventure anytime, anywhere.
Fields of Mistria
Check Out Fields of Mistria on OpenCritic
In many cases, Fields of Mistria is likened to a more polished rendition of Stardew Valley. While Stardew Valley primarily concentrates on detailed farming and life-simulation aspects, Fields of Mistria presents a less complex farming experience infused with RPG components. This combination, along with an abundance of content for a game still in Early Access, sets it apart. The design of Fields of Mistria allows players to engage in short gaming sessions where they can accomplish their daily tasks and foster connections within the town, making it perfectly suited for the Steam Deck.
God of War Ragnarok
Check Out Game Rant’s God of War Ragnarok PC Review
Similar to its 2018 version, God of War Ragnarok garnered universal acclaim, providing an emotionally resonant, deeply layered narrative along with numerous gameplay enhancements and innovative features. Essentially, the God of War series is so highly regarded that it doesn’t need much introduction; there was significant anticipation for this game in 2022. In September, God of War Ragnarok made its debut on Steam, and thanks to its Verified status, it stands as one of the most stunning games available for the Steam Deck yet.
Hades 2
Check Out Hades 2 on OpenCritic
In May, Supergiant Games’ much-anticipated sequel to Hades, dubbed Hades 2, surprised and impressed both players and critics when it was released in Early Access. Far exceeding expectations, Hades 2 offers an abundance of features that fans have longed for in a sequel, and there’s still more to come. Packed with new weapons, mythological figures, adversaries, and bosses, as well as another compelling narrative, Hades 2 continues to captivate gamers. Similar to the game Balatro, the roguelike aspect of Hades 2 makes it perfect for short gaming sessions on the Steam Deck, and it has already earned a Verified rating.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
Check Out Game Rant’s Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Review
Hailing from the same creative minds behind 2019’s “Sayonara Wild Hearts”, the puzzle game, “Lorelei and the Laser Eyes”, is set in an eerie hotel that players must explore to unravel a captivating mystery. By navigating through a series of interconnected yet non-linear puzzles, you’ll be drawn into this atmospheric tale. In essence, “Lorelei and the Laser Eyes” offers a blend of the intricate puzzle solving of “Professor Layton” with the suspenseful horror elements of “Resident Evil”. The compact yet captivating nature of its puzzles makes it an ideal choice for the Steam Deck.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Check Out Game Rant’s Metaphor: ReFantazio Review
Despite being rated as only “Playable” on Steam, Metaphor: ReFantazio can perform surprisingly smoothly on the Steam Deck after a brief adjustment of its in-game settings. Similarly to Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the expansive RPG structure of Metaphor: ReFantazio seems purpose-built for handheld consoles like the Steam Deck, allowing players to pick up and advance the story in manageable chunks. What’s more, the story of Metaphor: ReFantazio is one that’s definitely worth experiencing, having clinched awards for Best Narrative, Best RPG, and Best Art Direction at the Game Awards 2024.
Nine Sols
Check Out Nine Sols on OpenCritic
Among the underrated indie treasures of 2024, the game titled “Nine Sols” stands out as a captivating 2D Metroidvania, boasting combat that’s reminiscent of FromSoftware’s masterpiece, “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice“. As you embark on your mission to vanquish the game’s titular bosses, you’ll traverse a vibrant Taopunk backdrop teeming with friendly companions, formidable foes, and numerous chances to delve deeper into this intricately detailed Sci-Fi universe. The Steam Deck has long been a hub for indie games, and “Nine Sols” is definitely worth exploring if you’re among the owners seeking an immersive FromSoft-inspired Metroidvania experience.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Check Out Game Rant’s Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Review
As a gamer, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the revival of the beloved 2D Metroidvania series, Prince of Persia, with its latest installment, The Lost Crown. This year, it resurrected the franchise in a spectacular comeback. Stunning visuals, rapid-fire combat, seamless platforming, and intriguing environmental puzzles that perfectly showcased its strengths made The Lost Crown stand out among the mediocre entries that preceded it. Initially exclusive to Ubisoft’s PC platform, The Lost Crown is now available on Steam, earning a Verified rating for compatibility with the Steam Deck.
UFO 50
Check Out UFO 50 on OpenCritic
This year, a standout indie title is UFO 50, an astoundingly extensive creation from the studio behind Spelunky, Mossmouth. UFO 50 comprises an astonishing 50 complete video games within a single bundle. This unique offering chronicles the fictional game company, UFO Soft, through a series of games supposedly produced by the imaginary firm between 1982 and 1989. Consequently, each of UFO 50‘s games accurately emulates the appearance, sensation, and audio of video games from the NES and SNES eras. The diverse collection of games within UFO 50‘s library spans various genres, many of which cater exceptionally well to the handheld capabilities of the Steam Deck.
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2024-12-26 18:45