Gundam Breaker 4: Cross-Platform Playability Review

Gundam Breaker 4: A Deep Dive Review – From PS Vita Imports to Steam Deck Domination

Back in 2016, the Gundam Breaker series was a niche find for PS Vita enthusiasts. These action RPGs, with their deep Gunpla customization, were a labor of love for fans. The Asia English release of Gundam Breaker 3 on PS4 and Vita was a significant event, and my own journey into the franchise began there. Since then, I've played nearly every English-localized Gundam game. So, the 2024 announcement of a global, multi-platform release for Gundam Breaker 4 was a huge surprise. Now, having logged 60+ hours across various platforms, I'm ready to share my thoughts. Gundam Breaker 4 is fantastic, but it's not without its minor flaws.

This release is monumental, not just for the game itself, but for what it represents for Western Gundam fans. No more importing! The days of waiting for localized Asian releases are over. Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, etc.).

The narrative in Gundam Breaker 4 has its ups and downs. While some pre-mission dialogue feels a bit protracted, the latter half of the game features compelling character reveals and more engaging conversations. New players will quickly get up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be lost initially. (Embargo restrictions prevent detailed story discussion beyond the first two chapters, which feel relatively straightforward.) I found myself quite fond of the main characters by the end, though my personal favorites appear later.

However, the true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies not in its story, but in the unparalleled Gunpla customization. The depth is staggering. You can adjust individual parts (arms, legs, etc.), equip different ranged and melee weapons, and even alter part size and scale. Mixing and matching parts, including SD (super deformed) elements, leads to some truly unique and often hilarious creations.

Beyond the standard parts, builder parts add even more customization options, many with unique skills. Combat utilizes EX and OP skills, dependent on your equipped parts and weapons. Ability cartridges, unlocked later, provide further stat boosts and debuffs.

Completing missions (and aiming for S-rank rewards) earns materials used to level up and enhance parts. Later, you'll gain materials to increase part rarity, unlocking more skills and allowing for strategic part cannibalization during upgrades.

The main story is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on normal difficulty. Three higher difficulties unlock as you progress, significantly increasing the challenge and recommended part levels. While optional quests provide extra income and parts, they're not essential for the main storyline. However, some optional quest types, particularly survival mode, are highly enjoyable.

Beyond combat and upgrades, you can customize your Gunpla's paint scheme using unlocked colors and DLC options, adding decals and weathering effects for the ultimate personalized look. Gundam Breaker 4 offers a wealth of content for Gunpla enthusiasts. But how does it play?

The gameplay is exceptional. Combat remains engaging even on normal difficulty, thanks to the variety of weapons and skills. I personally favored greatsword-style weapons. Boss fights are satisfying, often involving targeting weak points and managing multiple health bars and shields. One particular boss fight presented a challenge, but switching weapons quickly resolved the issue. The only truly difficult encounter involved facing two powerful bosses simultaneously. (Specific details are omitted to avoid spoilers, but the AI presented a notable challenge in this instance.)

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Early environments feel somewhat sparse, but overall variety is good. The Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-done. The art style is deliberately non-realistic, a departure from games like Gundam Evolution. The visuals scale well on lower-end hardware, with impressive effects and large-scale boss battles.

The soundtrack is inconsistent; some tracks are forgettable, while others are truly excellent. The absence of music from the anime and movies is disappointing, especially considering the usual DLC releases in other regions. Custom music import, a feature in other Gundam titles, is also absent.

The voice acting, however, is a pleasant surprise. I played through the game in both English and Japanese, and both were well-executed. I preferred the English dub during missions for better focus on combat.

Beyond a few minor annoyances (one specific mission type and some minor bugs), my experience with Gundam Breaker 4 has been largely positive. Players who dislike repetitive missions for better gear might find the game somewhat monotonous. I encountered a few bugs, including one affecting save files and a couple of Steam Deck-specific issues (long title screen load times and a mission crash that only occurred when docked).

Online multiplayer was tested extensively pre-release on PS5 and Switch, but PC server testing was limited due to pre-launch unavailability. Further testing and updates will follow.

My parallel Gunpla-building project (an RG 78-2 MG 3.0) progressed well, though a minor mishap almost resulted in damage. A guitar pick proved to be an unexpectedly useful tool! The project is ongoing.

Platform Differences and Features:

PC Port: Supports over 60fps (unlike PS5's 60fps cap and Switch's ~30fps), mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller options. Button prompts adapt automatically. Controller reconnection detection was inconsistent. Three controller presets are available.

PC Graphics: Offers adjustable resolution, frame rate caps (up to unlimited), v-sync, and various graphical settings (textures, anti-aliasing, etc.). On Steam Deck, it runs at 720p and supports 120fps.

Steam Deck Performance: Works flawlessly out of the box with Proton Experimental, achieving 60fps+ at High settings (excluding shadows). Minor font issues were observed.

Switch vs. PS5: PS5 offers superior visuals and performance (60fps). Switch has lower resolution, detail, and reflections, impacting Gunpla appearance. Switch load times are significantly longer. Assembly and diorama modes are sluggish on Switch.

PS5 Features: 60fps, good rumble support, PS5 Activity Card support for quick save loading.

Ultimate Edition: DLC includes early-access parts and diorama content. The additional content is good but not game-changing.

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

Conclusion:

Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular addition to the series. It's my top Steam Deck game of the year (besides Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance), offering a deep, engaging experience. The customization is unparalleled, and the gameplay is consistently fun. While some minor issues exist (mostly on Switch), the overall package is highly recommended.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5