After completing Dark Forces 1 (DF1) on the Deck, also happy to report that, this version of Dark Forces (DF2), after control mapping, also runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck at 60FPS! At the time of the review, currently at the last level, and it was a delight playing it on the Deck - and soon will try out the MotS expansion - for which will also publish a how-to run it. However, for the moment, would like to highlight both the weaknesses and strengths of the game: Strengths: ● SW atmosphere still present (despite the dated graphics). ● Light saber addition and the basic skills tree/choices allows a new SW immersion level. ● Like DF1, the story flow feels natural and consistent. Weakness: ● Aged graphics sometimes don't fare that well. ● Level bosses are, at best, just ok and at worst repetitive... sometimes they brake the story flow. ● Jedi powers usage are rarely needed to in order to progress, more of a nice-to-have. Overall, if you enjoyed DF1, then DF2 its a sequel worth playing! If DF1 was not your cup of tea, then its unlikely that the improvements of DF2 will change your mind.
A different take on Dark Forces 1 (DF1) from a veteran gamer that played the original back in 1995. Happy to report that, this version, after control mapping, runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck with FSR on! These QoL features allow a slight improvement in the gameplay mechanics and visuals which makes DF1 sessions, at least, as fun as they were back in 1995 and on less than 10W!! At the time of the review, currently on level 7 out of 14, and it is a delight playing DF1 on the Deck, to the extent am pondering publishing a "how to guide" in the forum or building a website for a full review as to also share the setup for the GoG version so that fellow gamers can also enjoy the experience - for this and other titles as well. However, for the moment, would like to highlight both the weaknesses and strengths of the game: Strengths: ● SW atmosphere, with strong first level! ● Level design generally ahead of its time! ● Story flow feels natural and consistent! Weakness: ● Despite FSR, aged graphics. ● Some weapons aren't great. ● No save feature, painful at times. For older gamers, the weaknesses are not a surprise and thus not a deal breaker; for modern gamers, it may take a bit of time to adjust and enjoy gameplay without modern standards. Good gaming sessions, more than the lastest and best hw, need a good game and DF1 definitely still worth the hours! Update: now that is possible to edit reviews ;) - have indeed finished the game on the Deck wo any issues!
