Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review – From PS Vita Imports to Steam Deck Domination
Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita enthusiasts seeking import-friendly titles. Its blend of hack-and-slash action, RPG elements, and extensive Gunpla customization resonated deeply. The announcement of a localized Gundam Breaker 3 for PS4 and PS Vita was a revelation, sparking my own journey into the Gundam game universe. Now, Gundam Breaker 4's global multi-platform launch in 2024 is a significant milestone, marking a new era for Western fans. After 60+ hours across various platforms, I'm enamored with Gundam Breaker 4, despite a few minor shortcomings.
This release transcends mere gameplay; it signifies a significant leap for the series' Western accessibility. No more import woes! The days of relying on Asia English releases are over. Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more), a feature rarely seen in past Gundam titles. This review covers the game's core mechanics, story, and platform-specific experiences, culminating in my personal Master Grade Gunpla building journey.
The narrative in Gundam Breaker 4 presents a mixed bag. While some pre-mission dialogue feels protracted, the latter half delivers compelling character reveals and engaging conversations. Newcomers will find the game approachable, though the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior series experience. (Embargo restrictions limit my discussion to the first two chapters, which feel relatively straightforward.) While I grew fond of the main cast, my personal favorites don't appear until later in the story.
However, the story is secondary to the core appeal: crafting the ultimate Gunpla. The customization is truly astounding. Beyond adjusting individual parts (arms, legs, etc.), you can fine-tune ranged and melee weapons, and even manipulate part size and scale, allowing for quirky SD part integrations.
The customization extends beyond basic parts with the addition of Builder Parts, each offering unique skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills determined by your equipped parts and weapons, further enhanced by ability cartridges with variable buffs/debuffs.
Missions reward materials for part upgrades and rarity increases, unlocking additional skills and allowing for strategic part cannibalization. While optional quests provide extra income and parts, the standard difficulty feels well-balanced, minimizing the need for excessive grinding during the main story. Three higher difficulty levels unlock progressively, escalating the challenge. However, don't overlook optional quests; some, like survival mode, are particularly enjoyable.
Beyond combat and upgrades, players can customize Gunpla paint schemes, decals, and weathering effects. The depth of customization is remarkable, providing endless possibilities for Gunpla enthusiasts.
The gameplay itself is largely successful. Combat remains engaging, even on normal difficulty, offering diverse weapon options and skill combinations. Boss encounters are particularly well-designed, with the spectacle of Gunpla emerging from their boxes before battle never losing its charm. While I encountered minor difficulties with specific boss weak points and AI in one instance, the overall combat experience is highly satisfying.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat sparse, though overall variety is acceptable. The focus is clearly on Gunpla models and animations, which are exceptionally well-rendered. The art style is intentionally stylized, not aiming for realism. Effects are impressive, and the scale of many boss battles is visually stunning.
The soundtrack is a letdown, ranging from forgettable to occasionally excellent. The absence of music from the anime and movies is disappointing, especially given the usual DLC practice in previous iterations. Custom music loading, a feature present in other Gundam games, is also absent.
Voice acting, however, is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese. I preferred the English dub during action sequences, minimizing the need for extensive subtitle reading during intense battles.
Minor issues include a few bugs (some seemingly Steam Deck-specific) and one particularly annoying mission type (though thankfully infrequent). The game might feel repetitive for players averse to replaying missions for better gear, but this is a common element in similar games like Earth Defense Force and Monster Hunter.
Online functionality remains untested on PC at the time of writing, pending server activation. I will update this review upon testing the online modes.
My parallel MG 78-2 Version 3.0 Gunpla building project, unfortunately, remains unfinished due to time constraints. However, this experience has deepened my appreciation for the intricate design and construction of these kits.
Platform Differences and Features:
- PC: Supports >60fps, mouse & keyboard, multiple controller presets, customizable settings. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck, likely a future Steam Deck Verified title.
- PS5: 60fps cap, excellent visuals, good rumble and Activity Card support.
- Switch: Lower resolution and detail compared to PS5, longer load times, sluggish assembly and diorama modes.
DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer additional Gunpla parts and diorama content. Early access to these doesn't drastically alter gameplay, but the Builder Parts are particularly useful.
Conclusion:
Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic entry in the series, excelling in customization, combat, and Gunpla building. While the story is decent, the game's true strength lies in its gameplay loop. The PC version, particularly on Steam Deck, shines, offering excellent performance and control options. The Switch version, while portable, suffers from performance limitations, especially in assembly and diorama modes. For those prioritizing performance and visual fidelity, PS5 is the superior choice. Overall, Gundam Breaker 4 is a must-have for Gunpla enthusiasts and action game fans alike.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5
