Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms, Including Steam Deck
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, multi-platform release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a welcome surprise, especially after the Asia-only English release of Gundam Breaker 3. Now, having logged 60+ hours across various platforms, I can confidently say Gundam Breaker 4 is a triumph, despite some minor drawbacks.
This release marks a significant milestone for Western Gundam fans. No more importing! Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more), a stark contrast to previous releases. But how does the game itself fare across different platforms? This review will explore that, alongside my personal journey into Master Grade Gunpla building.
The narrative in Gundam Breaker 4 has its ups and downs. While some pre-mission dialogue feels lengthy, the latter half delivers compelling character reveals and engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, although the significance of certain characters might be initially unclear. The story, at least in the first two chapters, unfolds straightforwardly. While I grew fond of the main cast, my personal favorites appear later.
However, the story is secondary to the core appeal: Gunpla creation. The customization is astounding. You can adjust individual parts, weapons (melee and ranged), and even scale, allowing for wildly creative Gunpla designs. The addition of builder parts, some with unique skills, further enhances this depth. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills tied to your parts and weapons, and later, ability cartridges provide further strategic options.
Missions reward parts, materials for upgrading, and increased part rarity. Each mission suggests a recommended part level. You can also upgrade part rarity to unlock more skills, effectively recycling older parts. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty, though three higher difficulties unlock as the story progresses. Optional quests offer additional rewards and fun, especially the survival mode.
Customization extends to paint, decals, and weathering effects. The sheer depth of options is impressive. The gameplay itself is solid. Combat remains engaging even on easier difficulties, thanks to varied weapons and skills. Boss fights are satisfying, involving weak point targeting and strategic weapon choices. The only significant challenge was a dual-boss encounter where AI behavior posed some difficulty.
Visually, Gundam Breaker 4 is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat sparse, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are beautifully rendered. The art style isn't realistic, but it's effective and performs well on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and boss fight scale is impressive. The music is a mixed bag; some tracks are forgettable, while others shine. The absence of music from the anime/movies is a minor disappointment.
The voice acting, however, is excellent in both English and Japanese. I preferred the English dub during missions for better focus on combat.
Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs (one affecting name saving, and a couple seemingly Steam Deck-specific). The online mode's PC version wasn't available for testing pre-launch.
My concurrent MG 78-2 Version 3.0 Gunpla build provided a fascinating parallel to the game. The process highlighted the skill and artistry behind Gunpla design.
Platform Differences:
- PC: Supports >60fps, mouse & keyboard, and multiple controller presets. Runs flawlessly on Steam Deck.
- PS5: 60fps cap, excellent visuals, good rumble and Activity Card support.
- Switch: Lower resolution, detail, and frame rate (around 30fps), with sluggish assembly and diorama modes.
Ultimate Edition: The additional DLC offers some early-game advantages but isn't game-changing. The Diorama mode enhancements are worthwhile for photo enthusiasts.
Story Focus: While the story is enjoyable, the game's true strength lies in its customization and combat.
Overall: Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic entry, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts. The Steam Deck version is particularly impressive. Minor issues aside, it's a highly recommended title.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5
