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, multi-platform release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a huge surprise, and after 60 hours across various platforms, I can say it's mostly fantastic, though not without a few caveats.
This release is significant for Western fans, marking a departure from region-locked releases and limited platform availability. Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options, a significant improvement over previous iterations. But how does the game itself fare across different platforms?
The story, while serviceable, is a mixed bag. Early dialogue can feel protracted, but the latter half delivers more engaging character reveals and interactions. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior experience in the series.
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, including the possibility of blending different styles. Builder parts add further layers of customization and unique skills. EX and OP skills, along with ability cartridges, provide strategic depth to combat.
Missions reward players with parts, materials for upgrading, and opportunities to increase part rarity and unlock additional skills. The game's difficulty is well-balanced, with higher difficulty levels unlocking as the story progresses. While optional quests offer extra rewards, they aren't strictly necessary for standard difficulty playthroughs. Survival mode is a particularly enjoyable optional quest type.
Beyond combat, players can customize their Gunpla's paint, decals, and weathering effects. The sheer depth of customization is impressive and caters perfectly to Gunpla enthusiasts.
The gameplay itself is largely successful. Combat remains engaging, even on normal difficulty, with a wide variety of weapons and skills to experiment with. Boss fights involve targeting weak points and managing multiple health bars, offering satisfying challenges. One specific boss fight proved more difficult due to AI behavior.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Environments can feel somewhat lacking early on, but the Gunpla models and animations are excellent. The art style is stylized rather than realistic, and the game scales well on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and the scale of boss fights is noteworthy.
The music is a bit underwhelming, with some forgettable tracks, though a few standout pieces appear in specific missions. The absence of music from the anime and movies, a common feature in previous releases, is disappointing. Custom music loading is also absent.
Voice acting, however, is a pleasant surprise, with both English and Japanese options being well-executed.
Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs. One specific mission caused crashes on my Steam Deck when docked, but ran fine when undocked. Load times on the Switch version are significantly longer than on PS5 and Steam Deck.
Online multiplayer functionality was tested on PS5 and Switch pre-release, but PC server testing was unavailable at the time of writing. This will be updated once online play is tested.
The PC port is noteworthy for its support of over 60fps, mouse and keyboard controls, and multiple controller button prompt options. The game automatically switches between input methods. However, controller reconnection detection needs improvement.
The PC version offers extensive graphics settings and display options, including resolution and frame rate control. On Steam Deck, it runs smoothly at 720p and up to 120fps with some settings adjustments. Minor visual issues include slightly smaller or less crisp fonts in some menus.
The Steam Deck version works flawlessly out of the box with Proton Experimental. Performance is excellent, consistently hitting 60fps or higher with optimized settings. Cutscenes experience minor performance drops.
Comparing the Switch and PS5 versions, the PS5 offers superior visuals and performance (60fps). The Switch version suffers from lower resolution, detail, and reflections, and the assembly and diorama modes are noticeably sluggish.
The PS5 version features good rumble support and PS5 Activity Card integration. Loading times on Switch are significantly longer than on PS5 and Steam Deck.
The Switch version is recommended only for those who prioritize portability and don't own a Steam Deck, but be aware of the performance limitations.
The Ultimate Edition's DLC offers some early unlocks and diorama content, but isn't game-changing. The diorama mode is a highlight for those who enjoy posing and photography features.
While the story is enjoyable, the game's focus is on customization and combat. Those seeking a story-driven experience should consider other options.
Despite minor flaws, Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular entry in the series, offering a deep and engaging experience, especially on Steam Deck.
Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5
