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 import for PS Vita enthusiasts. The announcement of a global, multi-platform release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a huge surprise, and after 60 hours across various platforms, I can confidently say it's a mostly fantastic game, though with a few caveats.

This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for the series' newfound 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).

The story, while serviceable, isn't the game's main draw. While the early dialogue can feel a bit protracted, the latter half features intriguing character reveals and more engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, although the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior experience in the series.

The true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies in its unparalleled Gunpla customization. You can adjust individual parts, weapons (including dual-wielding), and even the scale of components, allowing for truly unique creations. Builder parts add further customization options, some with unique skills. EX and OP skills, dependent on parts and weapons, and ability cartridges with buffs/debuffs further enhance strategic depth.

Missions reward materials for upgrading and enhancing parts, increasing rarity and unlocking more skills. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty, though higher difficulties and optional quests (including a fun survival mode) provide additional challenges. Paint customization, decals, and weathering effects add even more personalization options.

The gameplay is consistently engaging, even on normal difficulty. Weapon variety keeps combat fresh, and the unique skills and stats maintain a sense of progression. Boss fights involve targeting weak points and employing strategic weapon choices. While most are engaging, one particular fight presented a significant challenge due to AI behavior.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Environments can feel somewhat lacking early on, but the Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-done. The art style is stylized, not realistic, and scales well on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and the scale of boss battles is particularly noteworthy. The music is a mixed bag, with some forgettable tracks and a few standouts. The lack of music from the anime is a minor disappointment. Voice acting, however, is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese.

Aside from a few minor annoyances (one specific mission type and some bugs), Gundam Breaker 4 is largely polished. Repetitive mission replay for better gear might deter some players. I encountered a few minor bugs, including one related to name saving and a couple that seemed Steam Deck-specific (long title screen load times and a mission crash).

Online multiplayer functionality was partially tested pre-release, but a full review will follow once the PC servers are fully operational.

My parallel Gunpla-building project (an RG 78-2 MG 3.0) provided a unique perspective on the game's design and the intricate detail of the Gunpla kits themselves.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller options. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck.
• PS5: Capped at 60fps, excellent visuals.
• Switch: Runs around 30fps, with reduced resolution, detail, and reflections compared to PS5. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.

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

Overall: Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic addition to the series. While the story is secondary to the core gameplay loop, the customization depth, engaging combat, and impressive Gunpla visuals 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