Gundam Breaker 4 Review: Cross-Platform Gameplay Tested

Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms, Including Steam Deck Performance

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. This extended review covers my 60+ hours across various platforms, highlighting its strengths and addressing some current shortcomings.

The significance of Gundam Breaker 4 extends beyond the game itself; it marks a turning point for Western accessibility. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more), a stark contrast to its predecessors.

The story, while serviceable, has its ups and downs. Early dialogue can feel protracted, but the latter half delivers compelling character reveals and more engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be lost initially. (Embargo restrictions prevent detailed story discussion beyond the first two chapters.)

However, the narrative is secondary to the core gameplay loop: building, customizing, and upgrading your Gunpla. The customization is truly exceptional. Beyond individual part adjustments (arms, weapons, etc.), you can modify part size and scale, allowing for creative, even bizarre, combinations. Builder parts add further customization layers, some with unique skills. EX and OP skills, ability cartridges, and part leveling add further depth.

Mission progression involves breaking parts, earning rewards, and gathering materials for upgrades and rarity increases. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty. Higher difficulties unlock later, significantly increasing the challenge. Optional quests offer additional rewards and fun gameplay modes, such as survival mode.

Beyond combat and upgrades, extensive paint, decal, and weathering customization options cater to Gunpla enthusiasts. The sheer depth of customization is impressive.

The gameplay itself is satisfying. Combat remains engaging even on normal difficulty, with diverse weapons and skills maintaining freshness. Boss fights involve targeting weak points and overcoming various challenges. One particular boss fight proved difficult, but weapon swapping resolved the issue. The only significant issue was a specific fight with problematic AI.

Visually, the game ranges from excellent (Gunpla models and animations) to acceptable (environments). The art style is not realistic, but it's effective and scales well on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and boss fight scale is noteworthy.

The music is a mixed bag, with some forgettable tracks and a few standouts. The lack of anime music DLC is disappointing. Voice acting, however, is excellent in both English and Japanese.

Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs (some potentially Steam Deck-specific). Online multiplayer functionality was limited during testing; further evaluation is needed.

My personal Gunpla building project, an RG 78-2 MG 3.0, progressed alongside the game review. This provided a unique perspective on the game's design and the intricacies of Gunpla construction.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports >60fps, mouse & keyboard, and multiple controller options. Steam Deck performance is excellent, achieving 60fps+ with optimized settings. Minor text rendering issues were noted.
• PS5: 60fps cap, excellent visuals, good rumble and Activity Card support.
• Switch: Lower resolution, detail, and performance compared to PS5, with sluggish assembly and diorama modes. Portability is its main advantage.

DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer additional Gunpla parts and diorama content. The value proposition depends on individual preferences.

Conclusion:

Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic entry in the series, excelling in customization and gameplay. While the story is enjoyable, it's the building and battling that truly shine. The PC version, particularly on Steam Deck, offers a compelling experience. The Switch version is playable but suffers from performance limitations. The PS5 version provides the best visual experience. Overall, a highly recommended title for Gunpla fans and action game enthusiasts.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5