Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms – PC, Switch, and PS5
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. Having logged 60 hours across various platforms, I can confidently say it's a fantastic game, though not without a few minor flaws.
This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for what it represents. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more). This review covers the game's strengths and weaknesses, and also chronicles my personal journey into Master Grade Gunpla building (after mastering High Grade kits).
The narrative, while serviceable, features some drawn-out pre-mission dialogue at times. However, the latter half delivers compelling character reveals and more engaging conversations. While newcomers will quickly catch up, the impact of certain character appearances might be lost without prior series experience. (Due to embargo restrictions, I can only discuss the first two chapters, which felt relatively straightforward.) The main characters are likable, though my personal favorites appear later in the story.
However, the story is secondary to the core gameplay loop: designing your ultimate Gunpla, enhancing it, acquiring superior gear, and conquering increasingly challenging missions. The customization depth is astounding. You can modify individual parts, equip diverse ranged and melee weapons, and even adjust part size and scale – allowing for truly unique creations, even incorporating SD (super deformed) components.
Beyond basic part customization, Builder Parts add extra features and skills. EX and OP skills, dependent on your equipped parts and weapons, add strategic depth, further enhanced by ability cartridges offering buffs and debuffs.
Completing missions yields materials for part upgrades and rarity increases, unlocking additional skills. The game’s difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn’t necessary on normal difficulty, though three harder difficulties unlock later, significantly increasing the challenge. Optional quests offer extra rewards and fun modes like survival.
Further customization options include paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects. Gundam Breaker 4 is a dream for Gunpla enthusiasts. But does it play well?
The combat is consistently engaging, even on easier difficulties. Weapon variety keeps things fresh, and the unique skill sets provide a rewarding experience. Boss fights are exciting, often involving the dramatic reveal of the boss Gunpla from its box before the battle. Most involve targeting weak points and managing multiple health bars, though I did encounter some difficulty with specific weapon/weak point matchups on one boss. One particular dual-boss fight presented a significant challenge due to AI behavior.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments are somewhat lacking, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are beautifully rendered, prioritizing style over realism. Effects are impressive, and the scale of many boss battles is breathtaking. The soundtrack features a mix of forgettable and excellent tracks, though the absence of iconic anime music is disappointing. The voice acting, however, is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese.
Minor issues include one repetitive mission type and a few bugs (one save name issue and two potential Steam Deck-specific issues: long title screen loading and a mission crash only occurring when docked). The online functionality remains untested on PC at the time of this writing.
My personal Gunpla building project (RG 78-2 MG 3.0) progressed alongside the game, providing a unique perspective on the design process. I encountered a minor setback, but ultimately persevered.
Platform Differences:
- PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse & keyboard, and multiple controller options. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck (tested with Proton Experimental).
- PS5: Capped at 60fps, excellent visuals. Features haptic feedback and Activity Card support.
- Switch: Runs around 30fps, with compromises in resolution, detail, and reflections. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.
Conclusion:
Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic game, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts. While the story is decent, the real draw is the unparalleled customization and engaging gameplay. The PC version, particularly on Steam Deck, shines. The Switch version is playable but suffers from performance issues. The PS5 version offers excellent visuals and performance, but the 60fps cap is a slight disappointment. The Ultimate Edition's DLC adds worthwhile content. Overall, a highly recommended title, deserving of a 4.5/5 rating on Steam Deck.
