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 players seeking import-friendly titles. Fast forward to 2024, and Gundam Breaker 4's global, multi-platform launch is a monumental achievement for Western fans. Having logged 60 hours across various platforms, I wholeheartedly recommend it, despite a few minor drawbacks.

This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for what it represents: accessible Gundam gaming. 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 previous entries. But how does the game fare across different platforms? Let's explore.

The story, while serviceable, isn't the main attraction. While the initial chapters feel somewhat straightforward, the latter half delivers intriguing character reveals and more engaging dialogue. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, although the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior experience.

The true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies in its unparalleled customization. Beyond simply equipping parts, players can fine-tune individual components, adjust weapon placement (including dual-wielding), and even manipulate part scale. Mixing and matching parts, including SD (super deformed) elements, allows for truly unique Gunpla creations.

This extends beyond basic parts; "builder parts" add extra features and skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills tied to equipped parts and weapons, further enhanced by ability cartridges with various buffs and debuffs. Missions reward parts, materials for upgrading, and opportunities to increase part rarity, unlocking additional skills.

The game's difficulty is well-balanced. While optional quests offer extra rewards, the standard difficulty doesn't necessitate grinding. Three higher difficulty levels unlock as the story progresses, significantly increasing the challenge. The survival mode, unlocked through optional quests, is a standout addition.

Customization extends to paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects, offering extensive options for Gunpla enthusiasts. The gameplay itself is polished, with satisfying combat that remains engaging despite the easier standard difficulty. Weapon variety keeps things fresh, and skill/stat combinations encourage experimentation.

Boss battles are a highlight, with enemies emerging from Gunpla boxes before engaging in combat. Targeting weak points, managing health bars, and overcoming shields are key strategies. While I encountered some minor difficulty with specific boss weak points and AI in one particular fight, the overall boss design is excellent.

Visually, Gundam Breaker 4 is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat lacking, but overall variety is decent. The Gunpla models and animations are superb, prioritizing style over realism. Effects are impressive, and the scale of boss battles is spectacular. The game scales well on lower-end hardware.

The soundtrack is a letdown; while some tracks are memorable, others are forgettable, and the absence of music from the anime/movies is disappointing. Custom music loading, a feature in other Gundam games, is also missing.

Voice acting, however, is a pleasant surprise. Both English and Japanese voiceovers are well-executed, with a personal preference for the English dub during action sequences.

Minor issues include a slightly annoying mission type (thankfully infrequent) and a few bugs. Players averse to mission replaying for better gear might find the game repetitive. I encountered some minor bugs, including save issues and a couple of Steam Deck-specific problems (long title screen return time and a mission crash).

Online play (tested on PS5 and Switch during pre-release) was generally smooth, but PC server testing was unavailable pre-launch.

My concurrent Gunpla building project (MG 78-2 Version 3.0) provided a unique perspective, highlighting the intricate detail and craftsmanship involved in Gunpla creation.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller presets. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck.
• PS5: 60fps cap, excellent visuals, and PS5 Activity Card support.
• Switch: Lower resolution and detail, noticeable performance issues in assembly and diorama modes.

DLC: The Deluxe/Ultimate Editions offer additional Gunpla parts and diorama content.

Conclusion:

Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic entry in the series, offering deep customization, engaging combat, and a surprisingly enjoyable story. While minor issues exist, the overall experience is highly rewarding, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts. The PC version, particularly on Steam Deck, shines, but the PS5 version offers superior visuals. The Switch port, while portable, suffers from performance limitations. Highly recommended, especially for Steam Deck and PS5 players.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5