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. Now, Gundam Breaker 4 marks a significant milestone for Western fans, boasting a simultaneous global release across Steam, Switch, PS4, and PS5. After 60 hours of gameplay across multiple platforms, I can confidently say it's a fantastic entry, despite a few minor drawbacks.

The significance of this release can't be overstated. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 4 offers dual audio (English and Japanese) and extensive subtitle options, a vast improvement over previous installments.

The story, while serviceable, isn't the game's strongest point. While the latter half features compelling character reveals and dialogue, the early stages feel somewhat protracted. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though some character appearances might lack immediate context.

However, the core gameplay loop is undeniably captivating. The Gunpla customization is phenomenal, allowing for incredibly detailed adjustments to individual parts, weapons, and even scale. Mixing and matching parts, including SD (super deformed) components, opens a world of creative possibilities. Builder parts further enhance customization, adding unique skills and abilities. EX and OP skills, coupled with ability cartridges offering buffs and debuffs, add strategic depth to combat.

Progression involves completing missions, earning parts, and upgrading them using materials. The game's difficulty is well-balanced, with higher difficulty levels unlocking as the story progresses. Optional quests offer additional rewards and introduce fun modes like survival. Beyond parts and upgrades, players can customize their Gunpla's paint, decals, and weathering effects.

The combat itself is satisfying and consistently engaging, even on normal difficulty. The variety of weapons and skills keeps things fresh. Boss fights are particularly memorable, with bosses emerging from Gunpla boxes before the battle. While I encountered minor difficulty with specific weapon/weak point matchups on one boss, overall, the combat is expertly designed.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. While environments can feel somewhat sparse early on, the Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-rendered. The art style is distinct and performs well even on lower-end hardware. The music is less impressive, with a few standout tracks but a lack of iconic Gundam themes. The voice acting, however, is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese.

Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs (primarily related to Steam Deck). Online functionality remains to be fully tested on PC, but the PS5 version's online mode performed well in my limited testing.

My personal experience included building an MG 78-2 3.0 Gunpla alongside playing the game, highlighting the game's connection to the Gunpla hobby. This endeavor provided a new appreciation for the intricate design and construction of these models.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports above 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller presets. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck.
• PS5: Capped at 60fps, excellent visuals, and good haptic feedback.
• Switch: Lower resolution, detail, and performance compared to other platforms. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.

The Ultimate Edition's DLC offers additional parts and diorama content, but isn't essential.

Conclusion:

Gundam Breaker 4 is a triumph for the series. While the story is decent, the exceptional customization, engaging combat, and the sheer joy of building your ultimate Gunpla make it a must-have for fans and newcomers alike. The Steam Deck version is particularly impressive.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5