Gundam Breaker 4 Review – Steam Deck, Switch, and PS5 Tested

Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms, Including a Steam Deck Perspective

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. This extended review covers my 60+ hours across various platforms, highlighting its strengths and addressing some current shortcomings.

The Significance of Gundam Breaker 4

Gundam Breaker 4's importance transcends the game itself; it signifies a significant leap for the series' Western accessibility. No more importing Asia English releases! The dual audio (English and Japanese) and extensive subtitle options (EFIGS and more) are a welcome addition. But how does the game fare across different platforms?

Story and Characters

The narrative in Gundam Breaker 4 has its ups and downs. Early dialogue can feel protracted, but the latter half delivers intriguing character reveals and more engaging conversations. While newcomers can easily grasp the story, the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior series experience. The main characters are likeable, though my personal favorites appear later.

Unparalleled Customization

The true allure of Gundam Breaker 4 lies in its exceptional Gunpla customization. Beyond individual part adjustments (arms, weapons), you can fine-tune part size and scale, even mixing standard and SD (super deformed) parts for unique creations. Builder parts add further customization options, some with unique skills. EX and OP skills, along with ability cartridges, enhance combat strategies.

Part Progression and Material Acquisition

Missions reward parts, materials for upgrading, and increased part rarity. Each mission suggests a recommended part level. While optional quests provide extra materials and currency, the main story on standard difficulty feels well-balanced, minimizing the need for excessive grinding. Higher difficulties unlock as the story progresses, significantly increasing the challenge. Survival mode is a particularly enjoyable optional quest type.

Painting, Decals, and Weathering

Beyond assembly, extensive paint, decal, and weathering options allow for highly personalized Gunpla. The depth of customization is impressive, offering countless possibilities for Gunpla enthusiasts.

Gameplay and Combat

The combat is consistently engaging, even on normal difficulty. Weapon variety ensures a fresh experience, and skill/stat combinations add depth. Boss fights involve targeting weak points, managing health bars and shields. While most fights are straightforward, one specific boss fight presented a challenge due to AI behavior.

Visuals and Audio

Visually, Gundam Breaker 4 is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat lacking, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are superb. The art style is stylized, not realistic. Effects are impressive, and boss fight scale is noteworthy. The soundtrack is inconsistent, with some forgettable tracks and a few standouts. The absence of music from the anime/movies is a missed opportunity. Voice acting, however, is excellent in both English and Japanese.

Bugs and Performance

Minor bugs encountered include save issues and a few Steam Deck-specific problems (long title screen load times, a mission crash). Overall, performance is solid.

Online Multiplayer

Online functionality was limited in pre-release testing. Further testing is needed to assess the PC version's online stability on Steam Deck.

My Gunpla Building Experience

My parallel MG 78-2 Version 3.0 build provided a unique perspective, highlighting the intricacies of Gunpla construction.

Platform Comparisons

• PC: Supports >60fps, mouse/keyboard, and controller. Excellent Steam Deck compatibility (Proton Experimental recommended).
• PS5: 60fps cap, good visuals, excellent rumble and Activity Card support.
• Switch: Lower resolution, detail, and performance (around 30fps). Assembly and diorama mode feel sluggish.

DLC and Ultimate Edition

The DLC included in the Ultimate Edition offers additional Gunpla parts and diorama content. The additional content is enjoyable, particularly for those who appreciate photo mode and posing.

Overall Verdict

Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular entry in the series. While the story is enjoyable, the game truly shines in its deep customization, engaging combat, and the sheer satisfaction of building your ultimate Gunpla. The Steam Deck version is particularly impressive.

Platform Recommendations

• Steam Deck: Highly recommended. Excellent performance and portability.
• PS5: Best visual fidelity, but 60fps cap.
• Switch: Acceptable for portable play only, but performance and assembly/diorama mode sluggishness are significant drawbacks.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5