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Deus Ex: The Conspiracy Hits PS Plus Classics

PLUS: Setting Up RetroDECK Flatpak on Steam Deck

June 25, 2025

Fun Fact: Mario 2 was originally not a Mario game—it was a Japanese title (Doki Doki Panic) re-skinned for the U.S.

In today’s email:

Deus Ex: The Conspiracy Hits PS Plus Classics

Sony just dropped a big surprise. On June 17, PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers got access to Deus Ex: The Conspiracy—the PS2 version of the legendary 2000 original—as part of the Classics & Game Catalog. It’s not just emulation; Sony is bringing modern features to this retro gem.

What’s new and why it matters

• Rewind support: Missed a jump? Want to retry a stealth-takedown? You can rewind on-the-fly.
• Save‑state support: Save anywhere, anytime—no more searching for save rooms.
• CRT filters: Feeling nostalgic? Rock the scanlines and curvature for that authentic PS2 look.
• PS4/PS5 compatibility: Play fluidly with modern displays, frame rates, and resolution support. (threads.com, comicbook.com)

More than nostalgia—it’s preservation

The PS2 version—The Conspiracy—differs from its PC counterpart. Maps are split into smaller sections with load screens, and controls have been reworked to suit a controller (comicbook.com). Its levels feel more modular, and some purists even call it “a strange beast” (pcgamer.com). But love it or not, this version is part of console history—now updated for accessibility.

Metacritic rated it 81/100, a respectable score that confirms it wasn't just a simple port (reddit.com, comicbook.com). And critics agree: its grand orchestral soundtrack and new character models—JC Denton even got a neck—add something unique (pcgamer.com).

Why you should fire it up today

  1. Ultimate accessibility. Hard starts? Limited saves? Rewind and save-states fix that.

  2. Choose your vibe. Prefer old-school visuals? Hit the CRT filter.

  3. Replayability. Discover subtleties in level layouts and narrative pacing shaped by PS2’s hardware.

  4. A head start on July’s drops. Sony plans to add classic PlayStation hits like Twisted Metal III & IV and even original Resident Evil 2 & 3 (pcgamer.com, gematsu.com).

Final take

Sony mined a quirky yet important piece of gaming heritage. Deus Ex: The Conspiracy isn’t just an add-on—it’s a slice of history, fully upgraded.

Got PS Plus Premium? Dive in. Rewind that iconic intro. Sneak into UNATCO HQ again. And maybe this time, you’ll take the time to explore all the side paths.

Retro Arcadia’s Game of the Year 2025—Homebrew & Indie Highlights

We’re halfway through Retro Arcadia’s Game of the Year 2025 countdown, and the community vote is in full swing. And wow—what a mix! From minimalist Atari 2600 shooters to narrative-packed indie RPGs, this list has something for every retro fan.

1) Retro Minimalism Meets High Score — 2600 Shooters

Surprise contender: a sleek, fast-paced homebrew shooter for the Atari 2600. It's minimalist but maddeningly addictive, with gameplay that harkens back to Space Invaders, yet boasts a pinpoint precision modern players crave. Clearly, core skills—timing, pattern memorization—are shining through.

2) Console Classics Reimagined

Predicted winners like “Looney Landers” (from the Cash Cow DX devs) have hit the radar again (retroarcadia.blog). It’s a vibrant, arcade-style romp with solo and party modes. Expect big retro vibes with a fresh twist.

3) Action-Puzzlers Breaking Out

The icing on the community cake? NULLPTR, a sleek, hacker-themed action‑puzzler that balances quick thinking with twitchy moves. Described as “deceptively simple” yet compelling, it’s building a cult following (retroarcadia.blog). Early buzz says it's here to stay.

4) Narrative Depth from Indie RPGs

On the indie front, a “reimagined Ultima-style RPG with Lovecraftian vibes” is proving a breakout hit. Think turn-based combat, character builds, atmospheric pixel-art, and that satisfying crunch of rolling dice on-screen. Skald: Against the Black Priory—yeah, that's the one (retroarcadia.blog).

Why It Matters?

  • Broad homebrew range. From 8-bit shooters to polished PC releases, the community vote honors diversity.

  • Old-school charm, new-school touches. That one-button simplicity or pixel-perfect challenge meets modern UX, story, and aesthetics.

  • Community-powered picks. This isn’t just top-down editorial; these are the games that retro fans are actively playing and loving.

🧭 What’s Still to Come?

We’re only at the halfway mark. Expect fresh challengers—maybe Project X: Light Years, another hot indie shooter in the wings (retroarcadia.blog, retroarcadia.blog). Plus, it’s retro season: remakes, Genesis and Amiga-style throwbacks, and hidden pixel gems are still rolling in.

It’s More Than a Countdown

This cross-section of titles shows exactly why retro gaming isn't stuck in the past. It’s evolving, creative—powered by community, nostalgia, and boundless imagination.

Stay tuned: the final top 10 will drop just before Christmas. Until then, keep those votes coming—and maybe fire up your Atari 2600 for high-score glory. ಅನ್ನ

Setting Up RetroDECK Flatpak on Steam Deck

Want a seamless retro gaming experience on your Steam Deck? RetroDECK’s flatpak lets you skip custom firmware and get straight to gaming. Here’s how to set it up with the latest kernels, controller configs, and dock support.

1) Why RetroDECK Is a Game‑Changer

RetroDECK packs all major emulators—RetroArch, MAME, PCSX2, Dolphin, Yuzu—into one sandboxed flatpak. You don’t need to juggle scripts or OS modifications. Update via Flathub, stay safe from SteamOS updates, and roll back easily without touching your ROMs or BIOS (flathub.org).

Reddit users love it:

“Use RetroDeck instead … handles everything in an isolated fashion without cluttering up your install” (steamcommunity.com)

2) Installing and Updating RetroDECK

  1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam ‑> Power ‑> Switch to Desktop)

  2. Open Discover, search “RetroDECK,” and install (retrodeck.readthedocs.io).

  3. Launch it, choose where to store ~/retrodeck/ (internal, SD, or custom).

  4. Opt in to install Steam Controller Templates during setup (retrodeck.readthedocs.io).

  5. After install, press ✓ when prompted to Add to Steam Library.

  6. Add your BIOS files to ~/retrodeck/bios/ and ROMs to ~/retrodeck/roms/ (retrodeck.readthedocs.io).

Updating RetroDECK

Use Discover or Flathub to update. Because it’s sandboxed, updates don’t disturb other system components (retrodeck.readthedocs.io).

3) Latest Kernels & Optimal Emulation Performance

Your Steam Deck runs Valve’s latest SteamOS kernel for maximum compatibility. RetroDECK’s emulators automatically detect the underlying system and use appropriate settings for CPU, GPU, and performance. Any manual optimization—like frame rate caps or shader tweaks—is done through the RetroDECK Configurator (github.com).

4) Steam Controller Configs & Hotkeys That Just Click

RetroDECK provides custom Steam Input templates for Deck and external controllers:

To apply:

  • Launch RetroDECK in Game Mode, go to Controller Settings → Layouts → Templates, and select "RetroDECK: Steam Deck – Neptune". Works with external controllers, too (retrodeck.readthedocs.io).

Hotkeys let you:

5) Dock & Shield Dock Integration

Using a USB-C dock or Valve Dock? RetroDECK seamlessly adapts:

  • Video output: matches resolution and refresh rate to your monitor.

  • Controller input: Steam Input works flawlessly with connected gamepads.

  • Performance: emulators auto-detect external display and optimize performance.

No manual toggles needed—just dock, launch RetroDECK, and enjoy.

6) Tuning with RetroDECK Configurator

Head to the Configurator tool to fine‑tune:

Tweaking is fast and safe—press reset if anything goes sideways.

7) Staying on Top of New Releases

RetroDECK is still in beta—version 0.9.2b launched just two months ago, adding improvements to stability and configurator options (reddit.com).

Check the RetroDECK blog and update through Flathub as new versions roll out (retrodeck.net).

✅ TL;DR Setup Checklist

  • Install via Discover in Desktop Mode

  • Add Steam template, BIOS, ROMs

  • Launch in Game Mode

  • Apply Neptune controller layout

  • Dock → automatic video & input tuning

  • Use Configurator for tweaks & sync

  • Keep flatpak updated

Take the Controls

RetroDECK combines ease-of-use with powerful options. You get centralized configuration, Steam-mode gaming, dock compatibility, and no OS tinkering—all in one flatpak.

Pro tip: If you ever tweak or break something, Configurator's reset is just one click away.

Ready to relive those favorites—bebump, blippy, pixel-powered glory? Install RetroDECK now and dive back into the classics.

Happy retro gaming, Deck warriors!

We hope you tune back in for our next issue, where we'll dive deep into more retro gaming news!

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