Linux Crack Tips

For some strange reason, this game doesn't seem to work with goldberg emu, despite the fact that it doesn't even have any DRM/SteamStub (running it through Steamless fails). A few months ago, someone from another community helped me get the game setup via something called "Smart Steam Emu" and now I have to launch the game via something called "SmartSteamEmu.exe" (Disclaimer: Idk anything about this stuff, so I'm talking out of my ass tbh).

Well I'm trying to transfer the game to my Steam Deck, but nothing seems to work! I tried getting the game precracked from several different websites. I tried getting the clean steam files and replacing the steam_api64.dll with Goldberg's. I've tried adding as a non-steam game and enabling proton, I've tried Bottles (using both the game.exe's as well as the SmartSteamEmu.exe).

Idk why this little indie game that doesn't even have DRM is giving me such a hard time, when a hundred other games like it have worked fine! Any help would be greatly appreciated!