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

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

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita players seeking import-friendly titles. Fast forward to 2024, and Gundam Breaker 4's global, multi-platform launch is a major milestone for Western fans. This extended review covers my 60+ hours across various platforms, highlighting its strengths and addressing some current shortcomings. This review also chronicles my simultaneous journey into building my first Master Grade Gunpla.

The game's narrative has its ups and downs. While some pre-mission dialogue feels protracted, the latter half delivers intriguing character reveals and more engaging conversations. Newcomers will find the game accessible, though the significance of certain character appearances might be lost without prior series experience. (Embargo restrictions prevent detailed plot discussion beyond the first two chapters, which felt relatively straightforward.) Despite this, I grew fond of the main characters, with my personal favorites appearing later in the storyline.

However, the true appeal of Gundam Breaker 4 lies not in its story, but in its unparalleled Gunpla customization. Beyond adjusting individual parts (arms, weapons, etc.), players can fine-tune part size and scale, even incorporating SD (super deformed) parts for unique creations.

Customization extends further with builder parts offering additional features and skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills dependent on equipped parts and weapons, later complemented by ability cartridges providing buffs and debuffs. Missions reward parts, materials for upgrading parts, and materials to increase part rarity, unlocking further skill options.

The game's difficulty curve is well-balanced. While optional quests provide extra income and parts, the standard difficulty of the main story avoids excessive grinding. Three higher difficulty levels unlock as the story progresses, increasing the challenge and recommended part levels. Survival mode, among other optional quest types, adds significant replayability.

Beyond combat, extensive paint, decal, and weathering options allow for truly personalized Gunpla. The sheer depth of customization is remarkable. The gameplay itself is consistently engaging, even on normal difficulty. Weapon variety and skill customization keep battles fresh. Boss fights, involving weak point targeting and multi-stage health bars, are generally well-designed, though one particular fight presented a challenge (details withheld to avoid spoilers).

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-rendered, prioritizing visual appeal over realism. Effects are impressive, and boss fight scale is noteworthy. The soundtrack is a mixed bag, with some forgettable tracks and a few standout pieces. The lack of music from the anime/movies is a slight disappointment. Voice acting, however, is surprisingly excellent in both English and Japanese.

Minor issues include one particularly annoying mission type (thankfully infrequent) and a few bugs. Some players might find the gameplay repetitive if they dislike replaying missions for better gear. I encountered a few bugs (name saving issues and a couple seemingly Steam Deck-specific crashes). Online functionality remains untested on PC at the time of writing, pending server activation.

My parallel Gunpla building project (an RG 78-2 MG 3.0) provided a unique perspective. The experience highlighted the intricate design and craftsmanship involved in these kits, deepening my appreciation for the game's meticulous Gunpla recreation.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports >60fps, mouse/keyboard, and controller (with multiple prompt options). Steam Deck performance is excellent (60fps+ easily achievable with some settings adjustments). Minor text rendering issues noted on Steam Deck.

• PS5: Capped at 60fps. Visually superior to Switch, with better detail and effects. Activity Card support is a nice addition.

• Switch: Runs around 30fps, with noticeable downgrades in resolution, detail, and reflections compared to PS5. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.

DLC:

The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer early unlocks (parts and builder parts), with additional diorama content. The early DLC access wasn't game-changing, but the builder parts proved helpful.

Overall:

Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular addition to the series, excelling in customization and gameplay. While the story is enjoyable, the game's true strength lies in its deep building and combat mechanics. The Steam Deck version is particularly impressive, offering a smooth and portable experience. Minor issues aside, it's a highly recommended title for Gunpla enthusiasts and action game fans alike.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5