Gundam Breaker 4: Ultimate Mech-Building Adventure Now Live on Steam Deck, Switch, PS5

Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche import title for PS Vita enthusiasts. The announcement of Gundam Breaker 4's global, multi-platform release in 2024 was a huge surprise, and after 60 hours across various platforms, it's clear why. This isn't just another game; it represents a significant leap for Western fans of the franchise.

No more import hassles! Unlike the Asia-only English release of Gundam Breaker 3, this title boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options. This accessibility is a game-changer. But how does the game itself fare across different platforms?

The story, while serviceable, isn't the main attraction. While the early dialogue can feel a bit lengthy, the latter half delivers compelling character reveals and more engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior experience. The focus is undeniably on the core gameplay loop.

The true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies in its unparalleled customization. You can meticulously adjust individual parts, weapons (including dual-wielding options), and even the scale of components. Mixing and matching parts, including SD (super-deformed) elements, allows for truly unique Gunpla creations.

Beyond standard parts, builder parts add extra functionalities and skills. EX and OP skills, coupled with ability cartridges that provide buffs and debuffs, further enhance strategic depth. Upgrading parts with materials earned through missions increases their level and rarity, unlocking new skills and allowing for strategic part cannibalization.

The game's difficulty is well-balanced. While optional quests offer extra rewards, the standard difficulty of the main story doesn't necessitate excessive grinding. Three higher difficulty levels unlock as the story progresses, significantly increasing the challenge.

Customization extends beyond parts. Players can adjust paint schemes, apply decals, and add weathering effects, offering a wealth of options for Gunpla enthusiasts. The gameplay itself is consistently engaging, even on normal difficulty. The variety of weapons and skills keeps combat fresh, and boss fights, featuring the dramatic emergence of Gunpla from their boxes, are consistently exciting. The only significant challenge came from a specific dual-boss encounter.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. While environments can appear somewhat simplistic early on, the Gunpla models and animations are beautifully rendered. The art style is deliberately non-realistic, and the visual effects are impressive. The music is a bit less memorable, lacking iconic anime tracks. However, the voice acting, available in both English and Japanese, is surprisingly strong.

Minor issues include a frustrating mission type (though thankfully infrequent) and a few bugs. Some players might find the gameplay repetitive if they aren't fans of replaying missions for better gear. I encountered a few minor bugs, including save issues and some Steam Deck-specific problems (long title screen load times and a mission crash).

Online functionality was limited during testing. The PC version's servers were offline pre-launch, preventing a thorough evaluation of online play.

My personal Gunpla building project, an RG 78-2 MG 3.0, progressed alongside the game, offering a unique perspective on the game's design and the meticulous craftsmanship of Gunpla kits.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller options. Runs exceptionally well on the Steam Deck.

• PS5: Visually stunning, runs smoothly at 60fps, features good rumble support and PS5 Activity Cards.

• Switch: Lower resolution, detail, and performance compared to PS5. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.

DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer additional Gunpla parts and diorama content, but the early unlocks aren't game-breaking.

Story Focus: While the story is enjoyable, the game's true strength lies in its customization and combat.

Overall: Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic entry in the series, offering exceptional customization, engaging combat, and a surprisingly good story. While minor issues exist, they don't detract significantly from the overall experience. The Steam Deck version is particularly impressive.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5