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

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche import title for PS Vita enthusiasts. The announcement of a global, multi-platform release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a pleasant surprise. Having logged 60 hours across various platforms, I can confidently say Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic game, though not without a few minor flaws.

This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for the series' Western 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), a significant improvement over its predecessors.

The story, while serviceable, isn't the game's primary draw. While the initial chapters feel somewhat straightforward, the latter half offers intriguing character reveals and more engaging dialogue. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, although the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior experience in the series.

The true allure lies in the unparalleled Gunpla customization. Players can meticulously adjust individual parts, weapons (including dual-wielding options), and even scale, allowing for truly unique creations. The addition of builder parts with unique skills further enhances this depth. EX and OP skills, along with ability cartridges, add strategic layers to combat.

Progression involves breaking parts, earning rewards, and upgrading components using acquired materials. The game's difficulty scales well, with higher difficulty levels unlocking as the story progresses. While optional quests offer extra rewards, the main story is balanced enough to avoid excessive grinding on standard difficulty.

Beyond combat, players can customize their Gunpla's paint, decals, and weathering effects. The sheer depth of customization is astounding.

The gameplay itself is highly enjoyable. Combat remains engaging even on normal difficulty, with varied weapons and skills keeping things fresh. Boss fights involve targeting weak points and employing strategic approaches. While most encounters are straightforward, one specific boss fight presented a notable challenge due to AI behavior.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments appear somewhat lacking, but the Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-done. The art style is consistent and performs well even on lower-end hardware. The music is a bit forgettable, lacking memorable tracks from the anime or movies. The voice acting, however, is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese.

Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs. Online functionality was only partially tested due to pre-launch server limitations.

My personal experience included building an MG 78-2 Gundam kit alongside playing the game. This provided a new appreciation for the intricate design and craftsmanship of Gunpla kits.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller options. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck, achieving 60fps+ at medium settings. Minor font issues were noted.
• PS5: Capped at 60fps, looks visually impressive. Features haptic feedback and Activity Card support.
• Switch: Runs around 30fps, with noticeable downgrades in resolution, detail, and reflections. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.

DLC: The Ultimate Edition offers additional Gunpla parts and diorama content, but the early unlocks aren't game-changing.

Conclusion:

Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular game, particularly for Gunpla enthusiasts. While the story is enjoyable, the real draw lies in the extensive customization, engaging combat, and the sheer satisfaction of building your ultimate Gunpla. The Steam Deck version is highly recommended, offering excellent performance and portability. The PS5 version provides the best visual experience, while the Switch version, while playable, suffers from performance limitations.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5