Gundam Breaker 4: An Extended Review Across Platforms
Back in early 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, extensive customization, and Gunpla passion resonated. The announcement of an English Asia release for Gundam Breaker 3 on PS4 and PS Vita was a significant event, leading to my immersion in the series. Since then, I've played nearly every English-localized Gundam game. The 2024 global, multi-platform release of Gundam Breaker 4 was a welcome surprise. Having logged 60 hours across various platforms, I wholeheartedly adore Gundam Breaker 4, despite some minor issues.
Gundam Breaker 4's significance extends beyond the game itself; it signifies the series' Western expansion. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 3, a PlayStation exclusive Asia English release, lacked a Western launch. The inclusion of dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS, and more) is a major leap forward. This review will delve into the game's core mechanics, story, and platform-specific experiences, culminating in my Master Grade Gunpla building journey (following High Grade builds).
The narrative in Gundam Breaker 4 has its ups and downs. While some pre-mission dialogue feels protracted, the latter half delivers engaging character reveals and improved dialogue. Newcomers will find the game accessible, though the significance of certain characters might be initially unclear. The embargo restricts discussion to the first two chapters, which feel relatively straightforward. While I grew fond of the main cast, my personal favorites appear much later.
However, the story isn't the main attraction. The true appeal lies in crafting the perfect Gunpla, enhancing it, acquiring superior gear, and conquering progressively challenging quests. The customization is phenomenal, surpassing expectations. Individual part adjustments (arms, ranged/melee weapons) and scaling options allow for unique Gunpla designs, including the integration of SD (super deformed) parts.
Beyond standard parts, builder parts add further customization layers, some with unique skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills determined by parts and weapons, complemented by ability cartridges offering buffs/debuffs.
Missions reward parts, materials for upgrading, and eventually, materials for increasing part rarity and unlocking additional skills. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty. Three higher difficulty levels unlock as the story progresses, significantly increasing the challenge. Optional quests offer additional rewards and fun modes, such as survival mode.
Extensive customization extends to paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects. Gundam Breaker 4 caters immensely to Gunpla enthusiasts. But how does it play?
The gameplay is exceptional, encompassing story missions, side content, and boss fights (excluding one specific, less enjoyable mission type). Combat remains engaging, even on normal difficulty. Weapon variety and skill/stat combinations maintain freshness.
Boss fights involve targeting weak points, managing health bars, and overcoming shields. While I encountered difficulty with one boss's weak points using certain weapons, switching to a whip resolved the issue. The most challenging fight involved two bosses simultaneously. AI presented a minor challenge in one specific encounter.
Visually, the game ranges from excellent to acceptable. Early environments feel somewhat lacking, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-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 remarkable.
The soundtrack features both forgettable and excellent tracks. The absence of music from the anime/movies is disappointing, especially considering past DLC practices. Custom music loading, a feature in other Gundam titles, is also absent.
Voice acting is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese. I preferred the English dub during missions for better focus on combat.
Beyond a few minor annoyances (one recurring mission type and some bugs), my experience with Gundam Breaker 4 was largely positive. Players averse to replaying missions for better gear might find it repetitive. I consider it akin to Earth Defense Force and Monster Hunter, where post-story content focuses on building the ideal Gunpla.
Encountered bugs included save issues with names and a couple of Steam Deck-specific problems (extended title screen loading time and a mission crash).
Online multiplayer was tested pre-release on PS5 and Switch, but PC server testing was unavailable pre-launch. This will be updated upon server launch and testing.
My concurrent Master Grade Gunpla build (RG 78-2 MG 3.0) encountered a minor setback, necessitating the use of a guitar pick to prevent damage. This project will continue after the review embargo lifts.
Platform Differences and Features:
Gundam Breaker 4 PC Port: The PC version boasts frame rates exceeding 60fps (unlike the PS5's 60fps cap and Switch's ~30fps). It offers mouse and keyboard support alongside controller support with customizable button prompts. The Steam Deck experience was excellent, with automatic prompt switching and only minor controller reconnection issues.
Three controller presets and a custom option are available. Keyboard, mouse, and controller settings are independently adjustable. I recommend adjusting camera sensitivity and distance.
Gundam Breaker 4 PC Graphics: Multiple resolutions and frame rate caps are supported. Steam Deck runs at 720p, achieving 60fps easily at High settings (excluding shadows). Higher frame rates require lowering settings. In-engine cutscenes experience performance dips. Minor graphical issues with fonts and menu crispness were observed.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Performance: The game works flawlessly out of the box with Proton Experimental, and even Proton default. It's likely to receive Steam Deck Verified status. 60fps was easily achieved, with higher frame rates possible by lowering settings. Minor performance issues were encountered in the assembly section.
Gundam Breaker 4 Switch vs. PS5: The PS5 version looks stunning and runs smoothly at 60fps. The Switch version has lower resolution, detail, and reflections, impacting both environments and Gunpla models. Load times are significantly longer on Switch compared to PS5 and Steam Deck. The Switch assembly and diorama sections are noticeably sluggish.
The PS5 version includes good rumble support and PS5 Activity Card support. The Switch version is recommended only for portable play if a Steam Deck isn't available.
Gundam Breaker 4 Ultimate Edition: The DLC included in the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offers early unlocks (level 1 parts and builder parts) and Diorama content. The Diorama additions are a welcome enhancement for photo mode enthusiasts.
Story Focus: While the story is enjoyable, the game's core strength lies in customization, combat, and Gunpla building.
Conclusion:
The wait for Gundam Breaker 4 was long, but the result is spectacular. It's a top Steam Deck game of the year, and a title I look forward to enjoying extensively.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5
