Gundam Breaker 4 Shines on Multiple Platforms

Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche import title for PS Vita enthusiasts. The announcement of a global release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a major surprise, marking a significant milestone for Western fans. Now available on Steam, Switch, PS4, and PS5, I've logged over 60 hours across multiple platforms, and while I adore it, some minor issues remain.

This release is monumental, not just for the game itself, but for the series' Western accessibility. Gone are the days of importing Asian English releases. Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish), a significant upgrade from its predecessors.

The story, while serviceable, features some drawn-out pre-mission dialogue early on. However, the latter half delivers more engaging character reveals and dialogue. Newcomers will find it easy to follow, though the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior series experience. The embargo restricts my discussion to the first two chapters, which feel relatively straightforward. While I grew fond of the main characters, my personal favorites appear much later.

The true appeal lies in Gunpla customization. The depth is astonishing. Beyond individual part adjustments (arms, weapons), you can fine-tune part size and scale, even mixing standard and SD (super deformed) parts for unique creations. Builder parts add further customization options, some with unique skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills based on equipped parts and weapons, complemented by ability cartridges offering buffs and debuffs.

Missions reward parts and materials for upgrading and increasing part rarity, unlocking additional skills. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty. Three higher difficulties unlock later, significantly increasing the challenge. Optional quests offer extra parts and money, and some, like survival mode, are particularly enjoyable.

Customization extends to paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects. The sheer amount of content is impressive. The gameplay itself is exceptionally well-executed. Combat remains engaging, even on normal difficulty, with diverse weapons and skills. Boss fights involve targeting weak points and managing multiple health bars, offering a consistently fresh experience. One specific boss fight proved challenging due to weapon limitations, but switching weapons quickly resolved the issue. The only significant challenge involved a two-on-one boss encounter, where AI presented a minor difficulty.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat lacking, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-done, prioritizing a stylistic approach over realism. Effects are impressive, and the scale of boss fights is breathtaking. The music ranges from forgettable to excellent, with some standout tracks in specific story missions. The absence of licensed anime music is disappointing.

Voice acting is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese. I preferred the English dub during missions due to the ease of focusing on combat without reading subtitles.

Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs (one impacting name saving, and two seemingly Steam Deck-specific). Online multiplayer functionality remains untested on PC at the time of writing. I will update this review once online play is available.

My personal Gunpla building project (MG 78-2 3.0) progressed alongside the game, offering a unique perspective on the game's design and the intricate process of building Gunpla kits.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller options. Excellent Steam Deck compatibility.
• PS5: 60fps cap, excellent visuals, good rumble and Activity Card support.
• Switch: Lower resolution and detail, performance issues in assembly and diorama modes. Portability is its main advantage.

DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer early access to parts and diorama content, but aren't game-changing.

Overall: Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic game, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts. While the story is enjoyable, the real draw is the unparalleled customization and engaging combat. The PC version, particularly on Steam Deck, shines. The Switch version, while portable, suffers from performance issues. The PS5 version offers the best visual experience. Highly recommended, especially for those who enjoy deep customization and action-packed gameplay.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5