Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review – From PS Vita Imports to Steam Deck Domination

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita enthusiasts. Fast forward to 2024, and Gundam Breaker 4's global, multi-platform release is a monumental achievement for Western fans. This extensive review covers my 60+ hours across various platforms, highlighting its strengths and addressing a few current shortcomings. The journey also includes my personal experience building a Master Grade Gunpla, a significant undertaking after mastering High Grade kits.

Gundam Breaker 4's significance extends beyond the game itself; it represents a major leap for the series' Western accessibility. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 3's PlayStation-exclusive, region-locked release is a distant memory. Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and extensive subtitle support (EFIGS and more).

The narrative offers a mixed bag. While some pre-mission dialogue feels drawn out, the latter half delivers compelling character reveals and engaging conversations. Newcomers will be quickly brought up to speed, although the impact of certain character appearances might be lost without prior series experience. (Embargo restrictions prevent detailed story discussion beyond the first two chapters.) While the initial story is straightforward, I found myself genuinely attached to the main characters by the end, though my personal favorites appear later.

However, the core appeal lies not in the story, but in the unparalleled Gunpla customization. Beyond individual part adjustments (arms, weapons, etc.), you can fine-tune part size and scale, even incorporating SD (super deformed) parts for truly unique creations.

The customization extends beyond basic parts with builder components adding extra features and skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills determined by parts and weapons, further enhanced by ability cartridges offering various buffs and debuffs.

Missions reward parts, materials for upgrading, and materials to increase part rarity. Each mission suggests a recommended part level, guiding progression. Upgrading allows for skill enhancement and repurposing older parts.

While optional quests offer extra income and parts, the main story's standard difficulty feels well-balanced, minimizing the need for excessive grinding. Three higher difficulties unlock as the story progresses, significantly increasing the challenge and recommended part levels. However, don't overlook the optional quests; some, like survival mode, are highly enjoyable.

Customization also includes paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects, adding depth for dedicated players. The sheer amount of content is impressive.

Gameplay is largely excellent. Combat remains engaging despite the easier normal difficulty, offering diverse weapons and skill combinations. Boss encounters are thrilling, featuring dramatic entrances from Gunpla boxes and targeting weak points. One specific boss fight proved challenging, but switching weapons quickly resolved the issue. The only significant difficulty arose from a dual boss fight, where AI presented a minor obstacle.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat sparse, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-done, prioritizing visual fidelity over realism. Effects are impressive, and the scale of boss fights is breathtaking.

The soundtrack is uneven, with some forgettable tracks alongside genuinely memorable pieces. The absence of music from the anime and movies, a common feature in past releases, is disappointing. Custom music loading, present in other Gundam titles, is also absent.

Voice acting is surprisingly excellent in both English and Japanese. I preferred the English dub for its immersion during action sequences.

Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs (one affecting name saving, others potentially Steam Deck-specific). Load times, particularly returning to the title screen, are lengthy on Steam Deck. One mission crashed on my monitor but worked fine on the Deck itself.

Online multiplayer functionality on PC was unavailable pre-launch, preventing thorough testing. Further updates will address this.

My concurrent MG 78-2 Version 3.0 Gunpla build provided a fascinating parallel to the game's development process. The experience fostered a new appreciation for the intricate design and construction of these kits.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller profiles. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck, achieving 60fps+ at medium settings. Minor text rendering issues were observed.
• PS5: Capped at 60fps, visually impressive, with good rumble and Activity Card support.
• Switch: Runs around 30fps, with visual downgrades in resolution, detail, and reflections. Assembly and diorama modes are sluggish.

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

Conclusion:

Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular entry in the series. While the story is enjoyable, the true highlight is the extensive customization and engaging gameplay. The PC version, particularly on Steam Deck, shines. The Switch version, while portable, suffers from performance issues. Overall, a highly recommended title for Gunpla enthusiasts and action game fans alike.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5