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

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 release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a huge surprise, marking a significant milestone for Western fans. Now available on Steam, Switch, PS4, and PS5, I've logged 60 hours across multiple platforms, and while I adore it, some issues persist.

This release is important not just for the game itself, but for its 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).

The story, while serviceable, features some lengthy pre-mission dialogue. While the early chapters feel straightforward, the latter half delivers more compelling character reveals and dialogue. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be initially unclear.

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 unique skills. EX and OP skills, dependent on parts and weapons, enhance combat, further supplemented by ability cartridges with buffs and debuffs.

Missions reward parts, materials for upgrading, and materials to increase part rarity, unlocking additional skills. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty, though three higher difficulty levels unlock as the story progresses. Optional quests, including a fun survival mode, provide additional rewards and gameplay variety.

Customization extends beyond parts and skills. Players can adjust paint schemes, apply decals, and add weathering effects, providing endless possibilities for Gunpla personalization.

Combat is consistently engaging, even on normal difficulty. Weapon variety keeps things fresh, and the skill and stat systems maintain a sense of progression. Boss fights involve targeting weak points and managing multiple health bars, providing a satisfying challenge. One specific boss fight proved particularly challenging due to AI behavior.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat lacking, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-done, prioritizing visual fidelity over realism. Effects are impressive, and the scale of boss fights is visually stunning.

The soundtrack ranges from forgettable to excellent, with some truly memorable tracks in specific story missions. The absence of licensed anime music, a common feature in previous entries, is a slight disappointment.

Voice acting is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese. The English dub is particularly well-suited for action-heavy gameplay.

Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs. One bug prevented names from saving; others seem Steam Deck-specific (extended load times returning to the title screen and a mission crash).

Online functionality on PC was unavailable pre-launch, preventing a thorough assessment.

My personal Gunpla building journey mirrored the game's progression. I started an MG 78-2 Version 3.0, encountering some challenges along the way.

Platform Differences:

• PC: Supports over 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller options. Excellent Steam Deck compatibility.
• PS5: Capped at 60fps, visually impressive.
• Switch: Runs around 30fps, with compromises in resolution, detail, and reflections. Assembly and diorama modes feel sluggish.

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

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

Conclusion: Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular entry in the series. Its extensive customization, engaging combat, and improved accessibility make it a must-have for Gunpla enthusiasts and action game fans alike. The Steam Deck version is particularly impressive.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5