Gundam Breaker 4 Review – Steam Deck, Switch, and PS5 Tested

Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms, Including Steam Deck Performance

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita players seeking import-friendly titles. Its blend of hack-and-slash action, RPG elements, and extensive Gunpla customization resonated strongly. The announcement of a global release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a major surprise, finally bringing the series to a wider audience on Steam, Switch, PS4, and PS5. After 60 hours of gameplay across multiple platforms, my overall impression is overwhelmingly positive, despite some minor drawbacks.

Gundam Breaker 4’s significance extends beyond the game itself; it marks a significant milestone for Western accessibility within the franchise. No more importing Asia English releases! The game boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options, a significant improvement over previous installments. This review covers the game's core mechanics, story, and platform-specific performance, culminating in my experience building my first Master Grade Gunpla.

The narrative, while serviceable, features some pacing issues. Early dialogue can feel protracted, but the latter half delivers more compelling character reveals and engaging interactions. Newcomers will find the game accessible, though the impact of certain character appearances might be lessened without prior series experience. The embargo restricts my discussion to the first two chapters, which feel relatively straightforward. Despite this, I grew to appreciate the main characters, though my personal favorites emerge later in the story.

However, the true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies in its unparalleled customization. The depth of Gunpla creation is astonishing. Players can meticulously adjust individual parts, including weapon assignments for each arm (allowing for dual wielding), and even manipulate part size and scale. This opens the door to truly unique creations, blending parts from different Gunpla models in unexpected ways.

Beyond basic part customization, builder parts add further layers of personalization, many with unique skills. EX and OP skills enhance combat, influenced by equipped parts and weapons. Ability cartridges introduce further strategic depth, offering buffs and debuffs.

Completing missions yields materials for upgrading parts and increasing their rarity. Each mission features a recommended part level, guiding progression. The game’s difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty. Three higher difficulty levels unlock as the story progresses, significantly increasing the challenge. While optional quests offer extra rewards, they aren't essential for standard difficulty playthroughs. Survival mode, among other optional quest types, provides engaging diversions.

Customization extends to paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects, offering a wealth of creative options. The gameplay itself is consistently engaging, with varied combat mechanics and satisfying progression. Weapon experimentation is encouraged, and the skill system keeps things fresh.

Boss encounters are dynamic, with Gunpla emerging from their boxes before engaging in battle. Targeting weak points and managing multiple health bars are key strategies. While most boss fights are straightforward, one specific encounter presented a challenge, easily overcome by adapting weapon choices.

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

The soundtrack is a mixed bag, with some forgettable tracks and a few standouts. The absence of licensed music from the anime series is a minor disappointment. The voice acting, however, is excellent in both English and Japanese.

Minor bugs and one particularly annoying mission type (thankfully infrequent) were encountered. Repetitive gameplay might deter players averse to replaying missions for better gear. I experienced a few minor bugs, including save issues and some Steam Deck-specific problems (long title screen load times and a mission crash).

Online functionality was limited to pre-release testing on PS5 and Switch, with PC server testing pending.

My parallel Gunpla building project (MG 78-2 Version 3.0) provided a unique perspective on the game's design. The experience highlighted the intricate detail and craftsmanship involved in Gunpla creation.

Platform Differences:

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

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 fantastic entry in the series, offering exceptional customization, engaging gameplay, and a surprisingly enjoyable story. While minor issues exist, they don't detract significantly from the overall experience. The Steam Deck version is particularly impressive. The game is highly recommended for Gunpla enthusiasts and fans of action RPGs.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5