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, multi-platform release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a pleasant surprise. Having logged 60 hours across various platforms, I can confidently say Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic game, though not without a few minor flaws.

This release is significant, marking a major leap for Western accessibility. No more importing Asia English releases! Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish).

The story, while serviceable, isn't the game's main draw. While the early dialogue can feel a bit lengthy, the latter half features compelling character reveals and more engaging conversations. New players will be brought up to speed, though the significance of certain characters might be lost without prior experience.

The true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies in its unparalleled Gunpla customization. You can adjust individual parts, weapons (including dual-wielding), and even scale parts, allowing for truly unique creations. Builder parts add further customization options and unique skills. EX and OP skills, dependent on your parts and weapons, along with ability cartridges, add strategic depth to combat.

Progression involves breaking parts, earning rewards, and upgrading parts using materials. The game is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty. Higher difficulties unlock as the story progresses, significantly increasing the challenge. Optional quests, including a fun survival mode, offer additional rewards and gameplay variety.

Beyond combat and customization, you can adjust paint, decals, and weathering effects, offering extensive visual personalization. The gameplay itself is highly enjoyable, with varied combat and a satisfying progression system. Boss fights involve targeting weak points and overcoming various challenges. While one boss fight proved particularly challenging due to AI issues, the overall combat experience is rewarding.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Environments can feel somewhat lacking early on, but the Gunpla models and animations are exceptionally well-done. The art style is distinct and performs well even on lower-end hardware. The music is a bit forgettable, lacking memorable tracks or licensed anime music. The voice acting, however, is surprisingly good in both English and Japanese.

Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs. Online functionality was not fully tested on PC at the time of this review. The game is not recommended for players averse to replaying missions for better gear.

The PC port shines with support for over 60fps, mouse and keyboard controls, and multiple controller presets. The Steam Deck version works flawlessly, achieving 60fps with medium settings. Minor visual glitches were observed on the Steam Deck, likely due to the lower resolution.

The PS5 version looks fantastic and runs smoothly at 60fps, while the Switch version suffers from lower resolution, detail, and performance issues, particularly in the assembly and diorama modes. The Switch version is only recommended for players prioritizing portability and lacking a Steam Deck.

The DLC included in the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offers additional parts and diorama content, enhancing the customization and photo mode experience. The story itself is not the primary focus, and players seeking a narrative-driven experience should consider other titles.

Overall, Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular game, especially on PC and Steam Deck. Its deep customization, satisfying combat, and impressive Gunpla visuals make it a must-have for fans of the genre.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck review: 4.5/5