Must-Play Indie Gems to Elevate Your Steam Deck Experience!

Whether you opened a brand new Steam Deck OLED during the holidays or have been enjoying the original model since its debut, you’re likely searching for captivating games at a reasonable price. Extra points if these titles feel like they were specifically crafted for Valve’s portable device. The great news is I have a handful of suggestions that meet those standards flawlessly.

These titles invoke a strong sense of nostalgia for the classic games that influenced them; they all consume minimal power leading to extended battery life, and they’re surprisingly affordable. At the moment of writing this, you can grab all three for under $40 combined.

The downside? You can bid farewell to your productivity, as these games are hard to set aside!

The Sega Saturn marked its 30th anniversary this year. At first glance, one might question whether Parking Garage Rally Circuit was somehow overlooked among the console’s brief yet celebrated lineup of iconic arcade racers — such as the legendary Sega Rally or Daytona USA. Not at all. It was launched only a few months ago but is unmistakably a sincere tribute to the unique appearance, feel, and sound of racing games from the Saturn era.

However, Parking Garage Rally Circuit isn’t included here merely for being a copy of a classic. It’s listed due to its outstanding demonstration of a game that respects its origins while introducing an impeccably executed twist: instead of standard racetracks or street courses, you’ll be racing and drifting through an array of creatively crafted parking garages filled with obstacles.

The core of the game lies in time trials where you compete against ghosts, representing podium finish times alongside your personal best. The ultimate goal is simply to navigate these chaotic courses as swiftly as possible. What makes it so engaging are the precise controls, exaggerated yet perfect physics, fantastic camera movement, cheerful and reverb-filled announcer, and that absurdly catchy and lively ska-inspired soundtrack. Seriously, the music — courtesy of the Holophonics — is remarkable. Go listen to it on Bandcamp!

The petite development team has also included bonuses for players looking to achieve the perfect retro vibe. Choose from graphics settings like Original Hardware, Modern Emulator, and PC Port (I suggest the Modern Handheld option for Deck players). Play with a 4:3 aspect ratio. You can even modify CRT scanlines and CRT warp effects.

I’m absolutely enamored with this game. It brings a smile to my face the instant I hear that infectious menu music. It’s the kind of game where the gameplay itself is the sole reward you require, where attempting to shave off those precious seconds feels exhilarating rather than burdensome. It’s one that seems ideal for experiencing on a portable device like the Steam Deck. Go pick it up!

After recently completing Sea of Stars, I hungered for more of that classic JRPG appeal and turn-based combat reminiscent of the 16-bit era. Thankfully, I stumbled upon Chained Echoes, which delivered copiously.

Do you enjoy challenging and fulfilling turn-based combat? Are you a fan of mechs, dragons, and airships? Do you appreciate the visual style of titles such as Chrono Trigger and Trials of Mana? Then it’s highly likely you’re going to adore this.

Created by a single individual over a span of 7 years, Chained Echoes takes all the JRPG conventions you cherished and enhances them in remarkable ways. Ingenious combat mechanics like the Overdrive System help balance your strategies and keep you alert. A fascinating “tag team” feature allows up to 8 characters to engage in and out of combat to dodge death and execute various combo moves. There are some unconventional yet refreshing elements, such as the upgrade system or the fact that party members recover all their HP and MP after each battle.

It may have its rough patches in certain areas, but Chained Echoes is brimming with character, memorable figures, and unforeseen moments (don’t skip the turtle race). If you’re uncertain, a free demo is available on Steam.

Have you ever wondered, “What would transpire if you merged a classic top-down adventure game like The Legend of Zelda with a bullet hell shooter?” No? Me neither! Fortunately for us, developer Soulgame Studio did pose that question, and the delightful response is Minishoot’ Adventures, a blend of twin-stick shooter + adventure game + RPG-Lite hybrid that is an absolute treasure.

It pays clear homage to The Legend of Zelda in numerous ways. There’s a vibrant overworld to explore, challenging underground dungeons to conquer, secrets to uncover, and hidden heart containers that increase your total health.

But there’s also a seamlessly executed twin-stick shooter component, which is how combat unfolds. Leveling up your character enhances various systems on your charming little ship, such as bullet range, damage, and movement speed. You also unlock new abilities that allow you to access more of the map; you know, the Zelda tradition of retracing your steps to that intriguing area you just spotted but couldn’t quite reach.

Boss confrontations are pure, chaotic, bullet hell ecstasy that maintain just the right level of challenge, and the dungeons leading to them are a joy to traverse. It’s a title that doesn’t aim to advance either genre into new territories; it’s simply a game that comprehends the genres it represents and executes them impeccably.

A recent update improved the UI’s readability on Steam Deck and alleviated some of the FPS dips that had been occurring during boss battles. If you’re uncertain whether this unique genre fusion is for you, there’s a demo available on Steam.