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

Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review – Master Grade Fun with a Few Minor Issues

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita players seeking import-friendly titles. Its blend of hack-and-slash action, RPG elements, and extensive Gunpla customization was a winning formula. The announcement of a global release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a welcome surprise for Western fans. Now available on Steam, Switch, PS4, and PS5, I've logged 60 hours across platforms, and while I adore it, some issues remain.

This release is significant, marking a milestone for Western Gundam Breaker fans. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 3's PlayStation-exclusive, region-locked release is a thing of the past. Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more). But how does the game itself fare across platforms? This extended review will cover that, along with my personal journey into Master Grade Gunpla building (after mastering High Grade kits).

The narrative in Gundam Breaker 4 offers a mixed bag. While some pre-mission dialogue feels overly lengthy, the latter half delivers compelling character reveals and engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be initially unclear. (Embargo restrictions prevent detailed discussion beyond the first two chapters, which feel relatively straightforward). Despite this, I grew fond of the main cast, particularly my two favorite characters who appear later.

However, the true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies not in its story, but in the unparalleled Gunpla customization. Beyond individual part adjustments (arms, ranged/melee weapons), you can fine-tune part size and scale, even incorporating SD (super deformed) parts for unique creations.

The customization extends beyond basic parts with builder components offering additional features and skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills determined by parts and weapons, complemented by ability cartridges providing buffs and debuffs.

Missions reward parts, materials for upgrading, and rarer materials for enhancing part rarity and skills. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty. Three higher difficulties unlock later, increasing the challenge and part level recommendations. Optional quests offer additional rewards and fun modes, such as survival mode.

Customization extends to paint jobs, decals, and weathering effects, offering countless possibilities for Gunpla enthusiasts. But beyond the build, how does the gameplay hold up?

The gameplay is largely excellent, offering consistently engaging combat even on normal difficulty. Weapon variety keeps things fresh, and skill/stat combinations provide unique experiences. Boss fights are enjoyable, often involving the dramatic reveal of Gunpla from boxes before the battle. Targeting weak points, managing health bars and shields is standard fare. One specific boss fight proved challenging due to weapon limitations, easily resolved by switching to a whip. A dual boss fight presented the most significant challenge, primarily due to AI behavior.

Visually, Gundam Breaker 4 is a mixed bag. Early environments appear somewhat lacking, though overall variety is decent. The Gunpla models and animations are clearly the focus, and they look fantastic. The art style isn't realistic, but it's effective and scales well on lower-end hardware. Effects are impressive, and large-scale boss battles are visually stunning.

The soundtrack features forgettable tracks alongside some excellent pieces in specific story missions. The absence of music from the anime/movies is disappointing, especially considering the usual DLC packs for these in other regions. Custom music loading, a feature in other Gundam games, is also absent.

Voice acting is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese. I preferred the English dub during missions, finding subtitles distracting during action sequences.

Aside from one frustrating mission type (thankfully infrequent) and a few bugs, my experience has been positive. Players averse to replaying missions for better gear might find it repetitive. I approach Gundam Breaker like Earth Defense Force or Monster Hunter, focusing on building my perfect Gunpla post-story completion.

Encountered bugs include save issues with certain names and a couple of Steam Deck-specific issues (extended title screen load times and a mission crash resolved by playing undocked).

Online multiplayer testing was limited pre-launch; PC server availability prevented thorough testing on Steam Deck. This will be updated upon further testing.

My parallel Master Grade Gunpla build (RG 78-2 MG 3.0) progressed until a near-disaster with a small part, thankfully rescued by a guitar pick. It remains unfinished pending the review embargo lift.

Platform Differences & Features:

PC Port: Supports over 60fps (unlike the 60fps PS5 and ~30fps Switch versions), keyboard/mouse/controller support with adaptable button prompts. Steam Deck compatibility is excellent, running smoothly with Proton Experimental. Minor visual issues include slightly smaller/less crisp fonts in some menus.

Customizable controller presets, independent keyboard/mouse/controller settings, and adjustable camera sensitivity/distance are available.

Graphics Settings: Supports various resolutions and frame rate caps (up to unlimited on PC). Steam Deck runs at 720p, achieving 60fps+ with medium settings. Visual settings include texture quality, anti-aliasing, post-processing, shadows, effects, brightness, and motion blur.

Steam Deck Performance: Runs perfectly out of the box with Proton Experimental, expected Steam Deck Verified status. Achieved 60fps+ with high settings (excluding shadows), and 80-90fps with medium settings. In-engine cutscenes experience performance drops. A minor assembly section performance issue was observed.

Switch vs. PS5: PS5 visuals are superior, running smoothly at 60fps (though 120fps would have been preferable). Switch version has reduced resolution, detail, and reflections, noticeably impacting Gunpla detail. Switch load times are significantly longer. Assembly and diorama modes are sluggish on Switch.

PS5 offers better rumble and Activity Card support. Switch version recommended only for portable play if a Steam Deck isn't available.

Ultimate Edition: DLC content (early access parts, diorama items) is decent but not game-changing. Diorama mode enhancements are a highlight for photo enthusiasts.

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

Conclusion:

Gundam Breaker 4's long wait was worth it. It's a spectacular game, especially on Steam Deck, offering exceptional customization and engaging gameplay. Minor issues exist, but they don't overshadow the overall experience.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5