The arrival of the Steam Deck has ushered in a new era of portability to games we had written off as PC or console staples. We take a look at some of the best retro games for the Steam Deck.
Source: Steam Store
A few years ago, it would have been unimaginable to play big titles like Witcher 3 in the waiting area of an airport or at the bank. However, the portability afforded by the Steam Deck makes it possible to have access to your entire Steam library on the go. For some of us, it also means that we can relive some of our fondest gaming memories by firing up some of the most groundbreaking games of the early era.
Quake
Source: Reddit | u/V3ctor_PT
Quake first came out for MS-DOS(!) and Windows in 1996. Players of the era welcomed the gory medieval-themed shooter, and the series blossomed and grew to be one of the best arena shooters of all time. With modern-day refinements like ADS and peeking absent, Quake’s gameplay translates seamlessly to the Steam Deck, where the simple controls will allow you to make quick work of the gnarly monsters in the game. The reliance on movements like jumping, strafing, and dodging makes for particularly exhilarating handheld gameplay.
Duke Nukem 3D
Source: Steam
Duke Nukem immortalized the legendary one-liner, “It’s time to kick ass and chew bubble gum, and I’m all out of gum,” and with good reason: the game involves an alien invasion, violent first-person shooter combat, and comical gaffs such as being able to shrink your enemies and then step on them. If you have a crass sense of humor, this game will give you endless laughs no matter where you play it on your Steam Deck.
Doom(1993) & Doom RPG
Source: Reddit | u/zandengoff
The iconic doom needs no introduction and is still relevant 20+ years after its initial release. Playing as a space marine, your objective in doom is to end a demonic invasion on mars. The game features Martian terrain and even lets you venture into the pits of hell to stomp your authority over every ungodly being that you encounter. The game’s gratuitous use of violence has led it to receive the M ESRB rating today, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying pixellated gore on your Steam Deck.
The mobile friendly developed Doom RPG is also easily portable on Steam Deck, and should keep you inside the Doom universe for hours on end.
Read also: How to transfer games from PC to Steam Deck with no Internet
Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast
Source: Steam Store
Seemingly, Jedi Knight 2 is the most memorable Jedi-centric Star Wars installation from over the years. The game’s storyline will introduce you to Kyle Katarn, who is a mercenary for the New Republic after the downfall of the Empire. On the Steam Deck, you can indulge in the long journey back to being a Jedi to combat the Imperial Sect. Combat gameplay in this release works exceptionally well on the Deck.
Half-Life
Source: Youtube | OnlyOnPSVR2
For those of us who were around the initial release, it’s hard to fathom that Valve’s debut first-person shooter is now available on a portable device. In Half-Life, you play as a scientist named Gordon Freeman and must fight through interdimensional aliens pouring out of a portal your research facility has opened. If you haven’t played it already, we won’t ruin the plot for you: just know that the 1998 classic works flawlessly on the Steam Deck.
Read next: Best Steam Deck Docks in 2023
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