Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms
Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita import enthusiasts. Fast forward to 2024, and Gundam Breaker 4's global, multi-platform release is a monumental achievement for Western fans. Having logged 60+ hours across various platforms, I can confidently say it's a fantastic game, albeit with a few minor drawbacks.
This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for what it represents: accessible Gundam gaming in the West. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options, a stark contrast to previous iterations. But how does the game itself fare across different platforms?
The story, while serviceable, is a mixed bag. Early dialogue can feel protracted, but the latter half delivers intriguing character reveals and more engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be lost initially. The embargo limits my discussion to the first two chapters, which felt somewhat straightforward. While I grew to appreciate the main characters, my personal favorites appear much later.
However, the narrative is secondary to the core gameplay loop: building the ultimate Gunpla. The customization is astounding. Individual part adjustments, dual-wielding capabilities, and even the ability to mix and match parts of varying scales (including SD parts) provide unparalleled creative freedom.
Beyond basic parts, "builder parts" add further customization options, some with unique skills. EX and OP skills, dependent on parts and weapons, enhance combat. Ability cartridges offer additional buffs and debuffs. Mission rewards include materials for leveling up and increasing part rarity, unlocking more skills and allowing for strategic part cannibalization.
The game's difficulty is well-balanced. While optional quests provide extra income and parts, the standard difficulty doesn't necessitate grinding during the main story. Three higher difficulties unlock later, significantly increasing the challenge. Optional quests, particularly survival mode, offer engaging side content.
Customization extends to paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects, offering endless possibilities for Gunpla enthusiasts. The gameplay itself is superb. Combat remains engaging, even on normal difficulty, with varied weapons and skills maintaining freshness.
Boss fights are thrilling, with enemies emerging from Gunpla boxes before engaging in battles. Targeting weak points, managing health bars, and overcoming shields are key strategies. While I encountered minor difficulties with specific weapon/weak point matchups, these were easily overcome by adjusting my loadout. The only significant challenge was a dual-boss encounter with some AI quirks.
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. The art style is intentionally non-realistic, differing from games like Gundam Evolution. Effects are impressive, and the scale of boss fights is awe-inspiring.
The soundtrack is a mixed bag, ranging from forgettable to excellent, with a notable absence of licensed anime music. Custom music loading, a feature in other Gundam games, is also absent. The voice acting, however, is a pleasant surprise, with both English and Japanese dubs being high-quality.
Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs. One mission crashed on my monitor but worked fine on the Steam Deck. Load times are significantly longer on Switch compared to PS5 and Steam Deck.
Online functionality was tested pre-release on PS5 and Switch, but PC server testing is pending.
My personal Gunpla building project, an RG 78-2 MG 3.0, progressed alongside the game review, providing a unique perspective on the game's design and the intricate detail of Gunpla kits.
Platform Differences:
- PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller presets. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck.
- PS5: Capped at 60fps, excellent visuals.
- Switch: Lower resolution, detail, and frame rate; assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.
DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer additional parts and diorama content. The value proposition depends on individual preferences.
Conclusion:
Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular game, especially on PC and PS5. The customization is unparalleled, the combat is engaging, and the overall experience is highly rewarding. While the Switch version suffers from performance issues, it remains playable, particularly for portable enthusiasts without a Steam Deck. The story is a decent addition, but the true draw lies in the building and battling aspects. Highly recommended for Gunpla fans and action game enthusiasts alike.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5
