Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review – Master Grade Fun, Minor Issues
Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita players. Now, Gundam Breaker 4 arrives on Steam, Switch, PS4, and PS5, marking a significant milestone for Western fans. This extended review covers 60+ hours of gameplay across multiple platforms, highlighting both its triumphs and current shortcomings.
The global, multi-platform release is a game-changer. No more importing Asia English versions! Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options, a significant improvement over previous installments. But how does the game itself fare?
The narrative, while serviceable, isn't the main attraction. While the story has its highs and lows (occasionally lengthy pre-mission dialogue versus compelling character reveals later on), it effectively introduces newcomers to the series. The main characters grow on you, though my personal favorites appear later in the game. (Note: Embargo restrictions limit discussion to the first two chapters.)
The true appeal lies in the unparalleled Gunpla customization. Beyond adjusting individual parts, you can fine-tune ranged and melee weapons, and even alter part size and scale, allowing for truly unique creations (think SD parts on a standard Gunpla!). Builder parts add further customization options and unique skills. EX and OP skills, determined by parts and weapons, and ability cartridges with various buffs and debuffs, enhance strategic depth.
Missions reward parts, materials for leveling up, and materials to increase part rarity, unlocking more skills. The game's difficulty is well-balanced, even on standard difficulty, though three harder difficulties unlock later, increasing the challenge significantly. Optional quests provide additional income and parts, but aren't strictly necessary for progression. Survival mode is a particularly enjoyable optional quest type.
Extensive customization extends to paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects. The sheer depth of customization is impressive, offering Gunpla enthusiasts a wealth of options. But beyond the crafting, does the gameplay deliver?
The combat is consistently engaging, even on easier difficulties. Weapon variety keeps things fresh, and the skill and stat systems maintain a dynamic experience throughout. Boss battles are thrilling, featuring the satisfying spectacle of Gunpla emerging from crates before engaging. Targeting weak points, managing health bars, and overcoming shields are core elements of these encounters. While one specific boss fight proved challenging due to weapon limitations, switching weapons provided a quick solution. The only significant difficulty spike involved facing two of a particular boss simultaneously; AI behavior in this specific battle presented some frustration.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat sparse, but overall variety is decent. The Gunpla models and animations, however, are exceptional. The art style is distinct and performs well on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and the scale of boss fights is visually stunning.
The soundtrack ranges from forgettable to excellent, with some standout tracks in specific story missions. The absence of music from the anime and movies is a missed opportunity. Custom music loading, a feature in other Gundam games, is also absent.
Voice acting, however, is a pleasant surprise. Both English and Japanese voice options are well-executed, with a personal preference for English during action sequences to minimize distraction.
Minor issues include one particularly annoying mission type (thankfully infrequent) and a few bugs. Players averse to replaying missions for better gear might find the experience repetitive. Encountered bugs included save issues with certain names and a couple of Steam Deck-specific issues (prolonged title screen return time and a mission crash that only occurred when docked).
Online functionality (tested on PS5 and Switch pre-release) wasn't fully assessed on PC due to pre-launch server unavailability. This will be updated post-launch.
A personal anecdote: Building an MG 78-2 MG 3.0 Gunpla alongside the game provided a unique perspective.
Platform Differences:
- PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple button prompts. Excellent Steam Deck performance (720p, 60-90fps).
- PS5: Capped at 60fps, superior visuals to Switch.
- Switch: Runs around 30fps, lower resolution and detail. Assembly and diorama modes are sluggish.
The DLC included in the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offers additional parts and diorama content, though its impact isn't game-changing.
Conclusion:
Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic entry in the series, offering exceptional Gunpla customization and engaging gameplay. While the story is decent, the core experience centers on building and battling. Minor issues exist, but the overall package is highly enjoyable, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts.
Steam Deck Rating: 4.5/5
