Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review – Master Grade Fun with a Few Minor Tweaks

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche import for PS Vita enthusiasts. Now, Gundam Breaker 4 arrives on Steam, Switch, PS4, and PS5, marking a significant leap for Western fans. This extensive review covers 60+ hours of gameplay across multiple platforms, highlighting both its triumphs and minor shortcomings.

The significance of Gundam Breaker 4 extends beyond the game itself. 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 multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more).

The narrative, while serviceable, offers a mixed bag. Early dialogue can feel protracted, but the latter half introduces compelling character reveals and more engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be initially unclear. (Embargo restrictions limit discussion to the first two chapters, which felt fairly straightforward.) While I grew to appreciate the main cast, my personal favorites appear later in the story.

However, the story is secondary to the core gameplay loop: building the ultimate Gunpla. The customization is breathtaking. Individual part adjustments (arms, weapons, scaling) are complemented by builder parts with unique skills. EX and OP skills, ability cartridges, and part upgrades add further depth. The ability to mix and match, even using SD parts on regular Gunpla, unlocks truly creative possibilities.

Progressing through missions earns parts, materials for upgrades, and increased part rarity. While optional quests offer extra income and parts, the main story's standard difficulty feels well-balanced, minimizing the need for grinding. Three higher difficulty levels unlock as the story unfolds, significantly increasing the challenge. The optional quests, particularly survival mode, add considerable replay value.

Customization extends beyond parts and skills. Players can adjust paint schemes, decals, and weathering effects. The sheer depth of customization is astounding, making it a dream for Gunpla enthusiasts.

Gameplay is mostly excellent. Combat, even on normal difficulty, remains engaging, thanks to diverse weapon types and skill combinations. Boss fights are thrilling, featuring the dramatic reveal of Gunpla from their boxes before the battle. Targeting weak points, managing health bars and shields, provides strategic depth. While one specific boss fight proved challenging due to weapon limitations (easily solved by switching to a whip), and another presented AI difficulties, the overall experience is highly satisfying.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat sparse, but overall variety is good. Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-rendered. The art style, while not realistic, is effective and scales well on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and boss fight scale is particularly impressive.

The soundtrack is a mixed bag, with some forgettable tracks and a few standout pieces. The absence of music from the anime and movies is a minor disappointment, as is the lack of custom music import.

Voice acting, however, is a pleasant surprise. Both English and Japanese dubs are well-executed, with a personal preference for the English during action-heavy missions to minimize distraction.

Minor issues include one repetitive mission type and a few bugs (one save file issue, two potentially Steam Deck-specific issues). The game's long loading times are also worth noting, especially on Switch.

Online multiplayer was only briefly tested on PS5 and the PC version's servers were offline pre-launch. A future update will include online testing on Steam Deck.

My personal Gunpla-building journey mirrored the game's progress. Attempting an MG 78-2 MG 3.0 kit alongside the game highlighted the intricate detail and craftsmanship involved in Gunpla construction.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse/keyboard, and controller. Steam Deck compatibility is excellent (Proton Experimental recommended).
• PS5: 60fps capped, excellent visuals.
• Switch: Lower resolution, detail, and performance, with sluggish assembly and diorama modes.

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

Overall: Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic game, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts. While the story is decent, the true appeal lies in the unparalleled customization, engaging combat, and the joy of building your perfect Gunpla. The PC version, particularly on Steam Deck, offers a superior experience. The Switch version, while portable, suffers from performance issues.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5