Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review – Master Grade Fun, with a Few Minor Issues
Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita players. Fast forward to 2024, and Gundam Breaker 4’s global, multi-platform release is a major milestone for Western fans. After 60 hours across various platforms, I can confirm it's a fantastic game, though not without its quirks.
This release is significant for its accessibility. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more). But how does the game itself fare across platforms? This extended review will cover that, and even share my journey into Master Grade Gunpla building (after mastering High Grade kits).
The narrative has its ups and downs. While some pre-mission dialogue feels drawn out, the latter half delivers engaging character reveals and more compelling conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be lost initially. (Embargo restrictions prevent me from detailing beyond the first two chapters, which felt relatively straightforward.) I grew to appreciate the main characters, though my personal favorites appear much later.
However, the story isn't the main attraction. Gundam Breaker 4 truly shines in its unparalleled Gunpla customization. Beyond adjusting individual parts, you can fine-tune ranged and melee weapons, and even manipulate part size and scale. This allows for truly unique creations, blending standard and SD (super deformed) parts.
The customization extends beyond basic parts with builder parts offering additional features and skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills based on your equipment, and later unlocks include ability cartridges with various buffs and debuffs.
Missions reward parts and materials used for leveling up and increasing part rarity, unlocking more skills. While optional quests provide extra parts and funds, the main story feels well-balanced on standard difficulty, minimizing the need for excessive grinding. Higher difficulties unlock as the story progresses, significantly increasing the challenge. Don't overlook optional quests though; some, like survival mode, are particularly enjoyable.
Further customization options include paint jobs (unlocked through progression or DLC), decals, and weathering effects. The depth of customization is staggering. But beyond the building, does the gameplay hold up?
The combat is consistently engaging, even on easier difficulties. Weapon variety and skill/stat combinations keep things fresh. Boss battles involve targeting weak points, managing health bars, and overcoming shields. I encountered some minor difficulty with specific weapon choices against one boss, but switching weapons quickly resolved the issue. The only significant challenge involved a dual boss fight where AI behavior proved slightly problematic.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat sparse, but overall variety is decent. The focus is clearly on Gunpla models and animations, which look superb. The art style isn't realistic, so don't expect Gundam Evolution-level visuals. The aesthetic is effective and scales well on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and boss battle scale is spectacular.
The soundtrack is a mixed bag, ranging from forgettable to truly excellent tracks in specific story missions. The lack of music from the anime and movies is disappointing, especially considering the usual DLC offerings in other regions. Custom music support, as seen in other Gundam games, is also absent.
Voice acting is a pleasant surprise. Both English and Japanese voice tracks are excellent. I preferred the English dub during missions due to the reduced need for subtitle reading during intense battles.
Beyond a few minor annoyances (one specific, thankfully infrequent, mission type) and some bugs, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. However, players averse to mission repetition for better gear might find it repetitive. I personally approach it like Earth Defense Force or Monster Hunter—the main story is a prelude to the real fun of building the ultimate Gunpla.
Bugs encountered include save issues with certain names, and a couple seemingly Steam Deck-specific issues: lengthy title screen returns, and a mission crash (only when docked).
Online multiplayer was tested extensively pre-release on PS5 and Switch, but PC testing awaits server launch. This review will be updated upon testing the PC version's online functionality on Steam Deck.
My parallel Gunpla building project (MG 78-2 Version 3.0) encountered a minor setback, highlighting the intricacies of Gunpla construction. This project will resume post-embargo.
Platform Differences and Features:
PC Port: Supports over 60fps (unlike PS5's 60fps cap and Switch's ~30fps), mouse and keyboard, and multiple button prompt options. The game dynamically switches prompts based on input. Controller reconnection detection needs improvement. Three controller presets and custom options are available. Adjust camera sensitivity and distance immediately for optimal gameplay.
PC Graphics: Supports various resolutions and frame rate caps (30-360fps+). On Steam Deck, it runs at 720p. Graphics settings include texture quality, anti-aliasing, post-processing, shadows, effects, brightness, and motion blur.
Steam Deck Performance: Works flawlessly out of the box with Proton Experimental and default Proton. Expected Steam Deck Verified status soon. Achieved 60fps+ at high settings (excluding shadows), and 80-90fps at medium settings. In-game cutscenes experience performance dips. A minor performance issue was observed in the assembly section. Some menu fonts/glyphs lack crispness.
Switch vs. PS5: PS5 offers superior visuals and a consistent 60fps (though 120fps would have been preferable). The Switch version suffers from reduced resolution, detail, and reflections, impacting both environments and Gunpla models. Load times are significantly longer on Switch. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish on Switch. Switch version recommended only for exclusive portable play and lack of Steam Deck access.
PS5 has decent rumble and Activity Card support for faster save loading.
Ultimate Edition: DLC adds early-game parts and diorama content. Diorama mode enhancements are welcome, especially for photo enthusiasts.
Story Focus: While the story is enjoyable, the game's core strength lies in customization, combat, and Gunpla creation.
Conclusion:
Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic addition to the series. It's my favorite Steam Deck game of the year (alongside Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance), offering hours of engaging gameplay and unparalleled Gunpla customization. Minor issues exist, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5
