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 for PS Vita enthusiasts. The announcement of a global release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a huge surprise, and now, having logged 60+ hours across multiple platforms, I can confidently say it's a fantastic entry, though not without a few minor flaws.

This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for what it represents: a fully localized, multi-platform launch with dual audio (English and Japanese) and extensive subtitle support. No more importing!

The story, while serviceable, is not the game's main draw. It has its moments, with some engaging character reveals later on, but the initial chapters feel somewhat straightforward. The pacing of pre-mission dialogue could be improved.

The true heart of Gundam Breaker 4 lies in its unparalleled customization. You can meticulously adjust individual parts, weapons (including dual-wielding!), and even the scale of components, allowing for truly unique Gunpla creations. The addition of builder parts with unique skills further enhances this depth. EX and OP skills, along with ability cartridges, add strategic layers to combat.

Progression involves breaking parts in missions, earning materials to upgrade and enhance rarity, unlocking new skills, and strategically cannibalizing older parts. The game's difficulty is well-balanced; grinding isn't necessary on standard difficulty, though higher difficulties offer a significant challenge. Optional quests, including a fun survival mode, provide extra rewards and replayability.

Beyond combat and customization, you can paint, apply decals, and add weathering effects to personalize your Gunpla. The sheer depth of customization is astonishing.

The gameplay itself is incredibly satisfying. Combat is engaging, even on normal difficulty, with a variety of weapons and skills to experiment with. Boss fights are well-designed, often involving targeting weak points and utilizing different weapon types. While I encountered some minor AI issues in one specific fight, the overall experience was excellent.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Environments can feel somewhat bland at times, but the Gunpla models and animations are superb. The art style is distinct and performs well even on lower-end hardware. The music is a bit forgettable, lacking memorable tracks from the anime, which is a missed opportunity. However, the voice acting, in both English and Japanese, is surprisingly excellent.

Minor issues include a few repetitive mission types and some minor bugs (one mission crashed for me on my monitor but worked fine on the Steam Deck). Online functionality wasn't fully testable at the time of this review, but I will update this section once I have more data.

Platform Differences:

• PC (Steam Deck): Supports above 60fps, mouse and keyboard, and multiple controller profiles. Runs exceptionally well on the Steam Deck, achieving 60-90fps at medium settings. Minor text issues were noted.
• PS5: Capped at 60fps, looks fantastic, and has excellent rumble and Activity Card support.
• Switch: Runs around 30fps, with noticeable downgrades 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 are not game-changing, but the builder parts are a helpful addition. The diorama mode, with its cel-shaded filter, is a fun addition for photo enthusiasts.

Conclusion:

Gundam Breaker 4 is a fantastic game, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts. The customization is unparalleled, the combat is engaging, and the overall experience is highly rewarding. While minor issues exist, they don't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. The Steam Deck version is particularly impressive. I highly recommend it.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5