Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms
Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita enthusiasts. Fast forward to 2024, and Gundam Breaker 4's global multi-platform release is a monumental achievement for Western fans. Having logged 60+ hours across various platforms, I wholeheartedly adore it, despite a few minor shortcomings.
This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for what it represents: accessibility. Gone are the days of importing Asia English releases. Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more).
The story, while serviceable, isn't the main attraction. It has its moments—some drawn-out pre-mission dialogue and some genuinely engaging character reveals later on. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior series experience. The first two chapters are relatively straightforward, but the narrative improves significantly later.
The true appeal lies in the unparalleled Gunpla customization. Beyond adjusting individual parts, you can fine-tune ranged and melee weapons, and even manipulate part size and scale—allowing for truly unique creations. Builder parts add further layers of customization, each with unique skills. EX and OP skills, dependent on parts and weapons, add strategic depth, further enhanced by ability cartridges offering various buffs and debuffs.
Missions reward parts and materials used for upgrading and increasing part rarity, unlocking more skills. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty. Higher difficulties unlock as the story progresses, significantly increasing the challenge. Optional quests, including a fun survival mode, provide additional rewards and gameplay variety.
Customization extends beyond parts; paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects allow for truly personalized Gunpla. The sheer depth of customization is astounding.
The gameplay itself is a triumph. Combat, even on normal difficulty, remains engaging, thanks to varied weapons and skills. Boss fights involve targeting weak points and overcoming various challenges. While one particular boss fight proved tricky due to weapon limitations, switching tactics easily resolved the issue. The only significant challenge involved a dual boss encounter, where AI presented a slight hurdle.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat lacking, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-done. The art style, while not realistic, is effective and scales well on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and boss fight scale is breathtaking.
The music is a mixed bag, ranging from forgettable to truly excellent tracks in specific missions. The absence of anime music packs, a common feature in previous titles, is disappointing. Custom music loading, as seen in other Gundam titles, is also absent.
Voice acting, however, is a pleasant surprise. Both English and Japanese voice options are high-quality.
Minor issues include one repetitive mission type and a few bugs. Repetitive gameplay might deter players averse to grinding for better gear. Bugs encountered were minimal, mostly related to Steam Deck performance and controller detection. Online functionality remains untested on PC at the time of writing.
I also embarked on building an MG 78-2 MG 3.0 Gunpla alongside playing the game, gaining a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.
Platform Differences:
- PC: Supports above 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller presets. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck.
- PS5: Capped at 60fps, visually stunning.
- Switch: Around 30fps, with visual downgrades in resolution, detail, and reflections. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.
DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer additional parts and diorama content, but aren't game-changing.
Overall: Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular entry in the series. While the story is enjoyable, the game truly shines in its exceptional customization, engaging combat, and deep Gunpla building mechanics. The Steam Deck version is particularly impressive.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5
