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

Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review Across Platforms

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche import for PS Vita enthusiasts. The announcement of a global release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a huge surprise, and having logged 60 hours across various platforms, I can confidently say it's a fantastic game, though not without a few minor flaws.

This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for what it represents for Western Gundam fans. Gone are the days of importing Asian English releases; Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more).

The story, while serviceable, isn't the main draw. Early dialogue can feel protracted, but the latter half delivers compelling character reveals and more engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though some character appearances might lack context initially. My personal favorites appear later in the narrative.

The true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies in its unparalleled customization. Players can meticulously adjust individual parts, weapons (including dual wielding), and even scale, allowing for truly unique Gunpla creations. Builder parts add further layers of customization, including parts with unique skills. EX and OP skills, ability cartridges, and part upgrades further enhance strategic depth.

Missions reward parts and materials for upgrading and increasing part rarity. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty, though higher difficulties and optional quests (including a fun survival mode) offer more challenge and rewards. The ability to customize paint, decals, and weathering effects adds another layer of personalization.

Gameplay is consistently engaging, even on normal difficulty. Weapon variety keeps combat fresh, and the skill system adds strategic layers. Boss fights are exciting, involving weak point targeting and strategic weapon choices. While one specific boss fight proved challenging due to AI behavior, the overall combat experience is highly enjoyable.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Environments can feel somewhat bland early on, but the Gunpla models and animations are exceptional. The art style is stylized, not realistic. Effects are impressive, and boss fight scale is remarkable. The soundtrack is a mixed bag, with some forgettable tracks and a few standouts. The absence of music from the anime is a minor disappointment. Voice acting, however, is excellent in both English and Japanese.

Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs. One bug prevented name saving, and others appear to be Steam Deck-specific (long title screen load times and a mission crash). Online functionality wasn't fully testable pre-launch.

My personal Gunpla building journey mirrored the game's progression, highlighting the dedication to detail in both.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller presets. Runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck.
• PS5: 60fps cap, excellent visuals, good rumble support, and PS5 Activity Card integration.
• Switch: Lower resolution and detail, performance issues in assembly and diorama modes.

DLC: The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer some early unlocks, but aren't game-changing. Diorama mode content is promising.

Overall: Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular game, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts. The customization is unmatched, and the gameplay is consistently engaging. 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