Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms
My journey with the Gundam Breaker series began in early 2016, importing PS Vita titles. The announcement of a global release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a huge surprise, and having logged 60 hours across various platforms, I can say it’s a fantastic game, albeit with minor flaws.
This release is significant for Western fans, marking the end of import-only titles and offering dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options. But how does the game itself fare?
The story, while functional, has its highs and lows. Early dialogue feels protracted, but later chapters deliver compelling character reveals and engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though some character appearances might lack context initially. I particularly enjoyed the main characters, with my personal favorites appearing later.
However, the true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies in its unparalleled customization. The depth is astounding; you can adjust individual parts, weapons (including dual-wielding), and even scale and size, allowing for truly unique Gunpla creations. Builder parts add further customization options, many with unique skills. EX and OP skills, dependent on your parts and weapons, further enhance combat strategy. Ability cartridges provide additional buffs and debuffs.
Progression involves completing missions, earning parts, and upgrading them using materials. Part rarity increases later, allowing for enhanced skills and the reuse of skills from older parts. The game’s difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty, but three higher difficulties unlock later for a greater challenge. Optional quests offer extra rewards and enjoyable modes like survival.
Beyond gameplay, the paint, decal, and weathering systems provide extensive visual customization options. The game’s dedication to detail is impressive.
Combat is consistently engaging, even on normal difficulty. The variety of weapons and skills keeps things fresh. Boss fights are exciting, involving targeting weak points and managing multiple health bars. While I encountered a minor difficulty with one boss's weak points, switching weapons resolved the issue. The only significant challenge involved a dual-boss encounter with some AI quirks.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Environments are initially underwhelming, but improve later. The Gunpla models and animations are exceptional. The art style, while not realistic, is effective and performs well on lower-end hardware.
The soundtrack is uneven, with some forgettable tracks and a few standout pieces. The absence of music from the anime and a lack of custom music options are disappointing. However, the voice acting, in both English and Japanese, is surprisingly good.
Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs (one seemingly Steam Deck-specific). Online multiplayer functionality was tested on PS5 and Switch, but PC server testing was unavailable pre-launch.
My personal Gunpla-building experience, alongside the game, highlighted the craftsmanship involved in these kits.
Platform Differences:
- PC: Supports above 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller options. Performed exceptionally well on Steam Deck (720p, 80-90fps). Minor font and menu issues observed.
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PS5: 60fps cap, excellent visuals.
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Switch: Lower resolution, detail, and reflections compared to PS5. Assembly and diorama modes are sluggish. Portability is its main advantage.
DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate editions offer early unlocks and diorama content, but these aren't game-changers.
Overall: Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic game for Gunpla enthusiasts and action fans. While the story is enjoyable, the customization, combat, and building aspects are the true highlights. The PC version, especially on Steam Deck, offers a great experience. The Switch version is playable but suffers from performance issues. The PS5 version provides the best visual experience.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5
