Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita enthusiasts. Fast forward to 2024, and Gundam Breaker 4's global multi-platform launch is a significant event for Western fans. Having logged 60 hours across various platforms, I'm largely enamored with the game, despite some minor shortcomings.

This release is monumental, marking a shift from region-locked releases to a truly global experience. Gundam Breaker 3, for instance, was an Asia English release only available on PlayStation consoles. Gundam Breaker 4, however, boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options, a welcome inclusion for a wider audience.

The story, while serviceable, has its ups and downs. Early dialogue can feel protracted, but the latter half offers more engaging character reveals and dialogue. Newcomers will find the game accessible, though the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior series experience. (Embargo restrictions prevent detailed story discussion beyond the first two chapters.)

However, the narrative is secondary to the core gameplay loop: Gunpla construction and combat. The customization is truly impressive, allowing for granular control over individual parts, weapon assignments (including dual-wielding), and even part scaling. This opens the door to creative, almost Frankensteinian, Gunpla designs.

Beyond basic parts, builder parts add further customization options and unique skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills determined by equipped parts and weapons, further enhanced by ability cartridges with various buffs and debuffs.

Missions reward parts and materials used for upgrading and enhancing rarity, unlocking additional skills. The game's difficulty curve is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on normal difficulty, though higher difficulties and optional quests (including a fun survival mode) provide additional challenges.

Customization extends to paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects, offering a deep level of personalization for Gunpla enthusiasts. The combat itself is consistently engaging, even on lower difficulties, thanks to varied weapons and skills.

Boss fights are satisfying, with the unique presentation of bosses emerging from Gunpla boxes adding a fun touch. Most battles involve targeting weak points and managing multiple health bars. While most encounters are straightforward, one specific boss fight proved challenging due to AI behavior.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Environments can feel somewhat bland early on, but the Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-done. The art style is vibrant and performs well even on lower-end hardware. The music is less memorable, lacking iconic tracks from the anime, which is a missed opportunity.

Voice acting, however, is a pleasant surprise, with both English and Japanese options being well-executed. I personally preferred the English dub for its immersion during action sequences.

Aside from a few minor annoyances (one specific mission type and some minor bugs), Gundam Breaker 4 is a polished experience. The game might feel repetitive for players who dislike grinding for better gear.

I encountered a few minor bugs, including save issues and some Steam Deck-specific problems (prolonged title screen load times and a mission crash). Online functionality remains untested on PC at the time of writing.

My personal Gunpla-building journey alongside the game’s playthrough provided a new appreciation for the intricate design process. The MG 78-2 Version 3.0 kit proved more challenging than previous HG kits.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports above 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller profiles. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck.
• PS5: Capped at 60fps, excellent visuals.
• Switch: Lower resolution and detail, noticeable performance issues in assembly and diorama modes.

DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer additional parts and diorama content, which enhance the experience but aren’t game-changers.

Overall: Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic entry in the series, excelling in customization and gameplay. While the story is enjoyable, the real draw is the deep and satisfying Gunpla building and combat. The PC version, especially on Steam Deck, provides a superb experience. The Switch version is playable but suffers from performance issues. Highly recommended for Gunpla fans and action game enthusiasts.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5