Gundam Breaker 4 Review – Steam Deck, Switch, and PS5 Tested

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 release is a monumental achievement for Western fans. Having logged 60+ hours across various platforms, I can confidently say it's a fantastic game, though not without its minor flaws.

The significance of Gundam Breaker 4 extends beyond the game itself. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 3's PlayStation-exclusive, region-locked release is a distant memory. Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish).

The narrative has its ups and downs. While some pre-mission dialogue feels protracted, the latter half delivers compelling character reveals and more engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, although the impact of certain characters might be lost without prior series experience. (Embargo restrictions prevent detailed story discussion beyond the first two chapters.)

However, the story takes a backseat to the core gameplay loop: Gunpla construction and customization. The depth is astonishing. Players can fine-tune individual parts, including weapon assignments for each arm, implement dual-wielding melee combat, and adjust part scaling. This allows for truly unique and often bizarre Gunpla creations, even incorporating SD (super deformed) parts.

Beyond the standard parts, builder parts add further customization options, some with unique skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills tied to parts and weapons, complemented by ability cartridges offering buffs and debuffs.

Missions reward parts, materials for upgrading, and materials for increasing part rarity. A recommended part level system guides players through the progression. Upgrading parts allows skill inheritance from older components. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty. Three higher difficulty levels unlock later, increasing the challenge. Optional quests, including a fun survival mode, offer additional rewards.

Customization extends to paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects. The sheer amount of content is impressive. Gameplay is consistently engaging, even on normal difficulty. Weapon variety keeps combat fresh, and the skill system adds strategic depth.

Boss fights are exciting, featuring Gunpla emerging from crates before engaging the player. Targeting weak points, managing health bars, and overcoming shields are common challenges. One specific boss fight proved difficult due to weapon limitations, but switching to a whip resolved the issue. The only significant difficulty spike involved a dual boss encounter.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat sparse, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-done. The art style is distinct, scaling well on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and boss fight scale is noteworthy.

The music is a letdown; some tracks are forgettable. The absence of iconic anime music is disappointing. Custom music loading, a feature in other Gundam games, is also missing.

Voice acting, however, is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese. The English dub is preferred during combat for better focus.

Minor issues include one repetitive mission type and a few bugs (one involving save names, and two seemingly Steam Deck-specific). The PC version's online functionality remains untested at the time of writing.

A personal anecdote: The review process coincided with my attempt to build an MG 78-2 3.0 Gunpla kit. This experience provided new appreciation for the design and construction of these models.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports above 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller profiles. Runs flawlessly on Steam Deck.
• PS5: Capped at 60fps. Excellent visuals and rumble support.
• Switch: Around 30fps. Lower resolution and detail compared to PS5. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.

DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer early unlocks and diorama content. The additional content enhances the experience but isn't game-changing.

Conclusion:

Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular game, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts. While the story is enjoyable, the true appeal lies in the extensive customization, engaging combat, and the sheer satisfaction of building your perfect Gunpla. The Steam Deck version is particularly impressive.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5