Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms, Including Steam Deck Performance
Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche import for PS Vita enthusiasts. The announcement of a global release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a huge surprise, and having logged 60 hours across various platforms, I can confidently say it's a fantastic addition to the franchise, though not without a few minor issues.
This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for its accessibility. Gone are the days of importing Asian English releases; Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish).
The story, while serviceable, isn't the game's main draw. Early dialogue can feel protracted, but the narrative picks up in the latter half with compelling character reveals and improved dialogue. While newcomers can easily jump in, the impact of certain characters might be lost without prior series experience. The embargo prevents detailed discussion beyond the first two chapters, which feel relatively straightforward.
The true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies in its unparalleled customization. Players can meticulously adjust individual parts, weapon loadouts (including dual-wielding), and even the scale of parts, allowing for truly unique Gunpla creations. The addition of builder parts with unique skills further enhances customization possibilities. EX and OP skills, coupled with ability cartridges offering buffs and debuffs, add strategic depth to combat.
Missions reward players with parts and materials for upgrading and enhancing their Gunpla. A recommended part level system guides progression, preventing excessive grinding, at least on standard difficulty. Higher difficulty levels unlock as the story progresses, increasing the challenge. While optional quests provide additional rewards, they aren't strictly necessary for completing the main story.
Beyond combat and upgrades, players can customize their Gunpla's paint jobs, apply decals, and add weathering effects. The sheer depth of customization is remarkable and caters perfectly to Gunpla enthusiasts.
The gameplay itself is highly enjoyable. Combat remains engaging, even on easier difficulties, thanks to the variety of weapons and skills. Boss fights are well-designed, often involving targeting weak points and managing multiple health bars. While one particular boss fight proved challenging due to weapon limitations, switching tactics quickly resolved the issue. The only significant complaint is a specific, thankfully infrequent, mission type.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat lacking, but overall variety is good. The focus is clearly on the Gunpla models and their animations, which look fantastic. The art style is distinct and performs well even on lower-end hardware. The effects are impressive, and the scale of many boss fights is breathtaking.
The music is a letdown, ranging from forgettable to occasionally excellent. The absence of licensed anime music is disappointing. The voice acting, however, is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese.
Minor bugs were encountered, including some seemingly Steam Deck-specific issues (long title screen load times, a mission crash). Online functionality wasn't fully testable pre-launch on PC.
My concurrent Master Grade Gunpla build provided a unique perspective, highlighting the intricate detail and effort involved in creating these models.
Platform Differences:
- PC: Supports above 60fps, mouse and keyboard, multiple controller presets, extensive graphics settings. Steam Deck performance is excellent, running smoothly at high settings.
- PS5: Capped at 60fps, looks amazing, excellent rumble support, PS5 Activity Card support.
- Switch: Runs around 30fps, with noticeable downgrades in resolution, detail, and reflections compared to PS5. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.
DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer additional Gunpla parts and diorama content. The early access DLC is enjoyable but not game-changing.
Conclusion:
Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic game, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts. The customization is unparalleled, and the gameplay is engaging. While the story is fine, it's secondary to the core loop of building, customizing, and battling. The Steam Deck version performs exceptionally well. The Switch version is playable but suffers from performance issues, especially in the assembly section. The PS5 version offers the best visual experience. Overall, a highly recommended title.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5
