Gundam Breaker 4 Arrives on Steam Deck, Switch, PS5: Review

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 release for Gundam Breaker 4 in 2024 was a huge surprise, and having logged 60 hours across various platforms, I can confidently say it's a fantastic, albeit slightly flawed, entry.

This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for its accessibility. Gone are the days of importing Asia English releases; Gundam Breaker 4 boasts dual audio (English and Japanese) and multiple subtitle options (EFIGS and more).

The story, while not the main draw, is serviceable. While early dialogue can feel protracted, the latter half delivers intriguing character reveals and more engaging conversations. Newcomers will be brought up to speed, though some character appearances might lack context initially.

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. Builder parts add further layers of customization, and each part boasts unique skills. EX and OP skills, along with ability cartridges, further enhance combat options.

Progression involves breaking parts, earning rewards, and upgrading parts using materials. The game's difficulty scales well, offering three higher difficulties alongside the standard mode. While optional quests provide extra rewards, the main story is balanced enough to avoid excessive grinding on standard difficulty.

Beyond combat and upgrades, players can customize their Gunpla's paint, decals, and weathering effects. The sheer depth of customization is staggering. The gameplay itself is solid, with varied combat and satisfying progression. Boss fights involve targeting weak points and overcoming various challenges.

Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Environments can feel somewhat bland early on, but the Gunpla models and animations are exceptional. The art style is stylized, not realistic, and performs well even on lower-end hardware. The music is largely forgettable, though some tracks stand out. Voice acting, however, is excellent in both English and Japanese.

Minor issues include a repetitive mission type and a few bugs (some seemingly Steam Deck-specific). Online multiplayer functionality remains untested on PC at the time of this review.

The PC port shines with its support for over 60fps, mouse and keyboard controls, and multiple button prompt options. The Steam Deck version works flawlessly out of the box, achieving a smooth 60fps experience with medium settings. Minor visual issues with fonts and menu crispness were observed on the Steam Deck.

Comparing the Switch and PS5 versions, the PS5 boasts superior visuals and a consistent 60fps performance. The Switch version suffers from reduced resolution, detail, and reflections, though it remains playable. The Switch version's assembly section and diorama mode feel noticeably sluggish.

The Ultimate Edition's DLC offers some early-game unlocks and diorama content, but isn't essential. The story itself is enjoyable but secondary to the core gameplay loop.

Overall, Gundam Breaker 4 is a spectacular game, especially for Gunpla enthusiasts. The PC and PS5 versions are highly recommended, with the Steam Deck version offering excellent portable play. The Switch version is acceptable for portable play only, but suffers from performance issues.

Gundam Breaker 4 Steam Deck Review: 4.5/5