Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review – Master Grade Fun with a Few Minor Issues
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 deeply. The announcement of a global release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a major surprise, and now, with 60+ hours played across multiple platforms, I can confidently say it's a fantastic entry, despite some minor drawbacks.
This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for the series' Western expansion. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more), a welcome change from previous iterations. But how does the game itself fare across platforms? Let's explore.
The narrative is a mixed bag. While the early game's pre-mission dialogue can feel protracted, the latter half delivers compelling character reveals and more engaging conversations. Newcomers will find the game accessible, though the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior series experience. My review is limited to the first two chapters, which felt straightforward, but I grew fond of the main cast by the end. My personal favorites, however, appear much later.
However, the true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies not in its story, but in the unparalleled Gunpla customization. The depth is astounding. You can adjust individual parts, weapons (including dual-wielding), and even the scale of components, allowing for truly unique creations. Mixing standard and SD (super deformed) parts opens up a world of creative possibilities.
Customization extends beyond the core parts with builder components that add extra features and skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills, dependent on equipped parts and weapons, further enhanced by ability cartridges offering buffs and debuffs.
Completing missions yields parts, materials for upgrading, and increased part rarity. Each mission suggests a recommended part level, ensuring a balanced challenge. Material acquisition allows for both leveling and rarity upgrades, enabling skill diversification and part repurposing.
While optional quests offer additional parts and funds, the main story on standard difficulty feels well-balanced, minimizing the need for grinding. Three higher difficulties unlock as the story progresses, significantly increasing the challenge and recommended part levels. However, don't overlook the optional quests; some, especially survival mode, are highly entertaining.
Beyond combat and upgrades, you can customize your Gunpla's paint schemes using unlocked colors and DLC options. Decals and weathering effects further enhance personalization. Gundam Breaker 4 is a Gunpla enthusiast's dream, but does the gameplay deliver?
The gameplay excels across story missions, side content, and boss battles, with one notable exception (a specific, thankfully infrequent, mission type). Combat remains engaging, even on normal difficulty, thanks to weapon variety and nuanced skill/stat systems.
Boss encounters are memorable, with enemies emerging from Gunpla boxes before engaging. Targeting weak points, managing health bars and shields is standard fare. While I encountered difficulty with one boss using specific weapons, switching to a whip resolved the issue. The only truly challenging fight involved a dual boss encounter; the AI proved problematic in one specific instance.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat sparse, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are outstanding, clearly a development priority. The art style, while not realistic, works well and scales effectively on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and boss battles are visually spectacular.
The soundtrack is a mixed bag; some tracks are forgettable, while others shine in specific story missions. The absence of music from the anime and movies, and the lack of custom music options, is a disappointment.
Voice acting, however, is a pleasant surprise. Both English and Japanese dubs are excellent; I preferred the English during action sequences to avoid reading subtitles.
Beyond a few bugs (some seemingly Steam Deck-specific) and one particularly frustrating mission type, my experience has been largely positive. Players averse to replaying missions for better gear might find the game repetitive. The bugs encountered included save issues and a Steam Deck-specific mission crash (resolved by playing undocked).
Online functionality was limited pre-release, with only PS5 and Switch tested. PC server testing is pending.
My concurrent MG 78-2 Version 3.0 Gunpla build provided a unique perspective. The experience highlighted the craftsmanship involved in kit design.
Platform Differences and Features:
- PC: Supports >60fps, mouse/keyboard, and controller input with customizable button prompts. Runs well on Steam Deck (verified status expected). Some minor font/menu issues observed on Steam Deck.
- PS5: Capped at 60fps. Excellent visuals and performance. Features rumble and Activity Card support.
- Switch: Runs around 30fps. Visual downgrades compared to PS5, particularly in resolution, detail, and reflections. Assembly and diorama modes are sluggish.
DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer early unlocks (parts and builder components) and diorama content. The additional content enhances the experience but isn't game-changing.
Conclusion:
Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic addition to the series. While the story is enjoyable but not groundbreaking, the gameplay, customization, and Gunpla building are exceptional. The PC version, especially on Steam Deck, offers a compelling experience. The PS5 version boasts superior visuals and performance, while the Switch version, while portable, suffers from performance and visual compromises. The Ultimate Edition provides worthwhile additions, but isn't essential. Overall, a highly recommended title for Gunpla fans and action RPG enthusiasts alike.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5
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