Gundam Breaker 4 Tested on Steam Deck, Switch, PS5

Back in early 2016, while searching for import-friendly games on the PS Vita, I frequently came across *Gundam Breaker*. If you're unfamiliar with the series, picture fast-paced hack and slash gameplay fused with RPG mechanics, deep customization, and a genuine passion for Gunpla (Gundam plastic models). Around that time, Bandai Namco announced an Asia-only English release of *Gundam Breaker 3* for both PS4 and PS Vita, prompting me to purchase both versions. That game became my first true Gundam experience, and from there, I imported and played *Gundam Breaker 1* and *2* on Vita, eventually collecting nearly every Gundam title released in English across platforms.

So when *Gundam Breaker 4* was revealed earlier this year and confirmed for a global multi-platform launch, it was one of 2024’s most exciting surprises. Now finally available on Steam, Switch, PS4, and PS5, I’ve spent around 60 hours across platforms and absolutely adore *Gundam Breaker 4*—though it does come with a few hiccups.

This release is significant not just for the game itself, but for how far the franchise has come in the West. Gone are the days of waiting for an Asia-only English release or needing to import physical copies. Unlike *Gundam Breaker 3*, which only saw an Asia English version, *Gundam Breaker 4* arrives globally with dual audio support and multiple subtitle options (including EFIGS and more). But beyond localization improvements, what about the gameplay and platform performance? This review covers all of that—and even dives into my personal journey of building my very first Master Grade Gunpla after starting with High Grade kits.

The Story – Hits and Misses

*Gundam Breaker 4*’s narrative ranges from functional to engaging. There are moments where pre-mission dialogue drags slightly, though the latter half of the story delivers strong character reveals and better-written scenes. For newcomers, the game does a decent job of easing you into the world, although some character appearances may feel undercontextualized without prior series knowledge. Due to the embargo, I can only discuss the first two chapters, which offer a fairly standard setup. Still, by the end of the campaign, I grew fond of the main cast—even if my favorite characters appear much later in the story.

Customization – The Heart of Gundam Breaker 4

However, the real draw of *Gundam Breaker 4* isn’t the story—it's the incredibly detailed Gunpla customization system. From the start, you’ll build and upgrade your own mobile suit, piece by piece. You’re not limited to simple part swaps; each limb, weapon, and armor component can be fine-tuned individually. Want to equip different ranged weapons on each arm? Dual-wield melee blades? Scale parts up or down—even mix SD (Super Deformed) components with standard ones? All possible.

Beyond core assembly, the game introduces Builder Parts—customizable add-ons with unique skills. These open new avenues for creativity and combat effectiveness. EX and OP skills further enhance your playstyle based on your equipped gear. As you progress, you’ll also unlock ability cartridges that grant buffs or debuffs, giving your custom Gunpla a truly personalized edge.

Progression and Gameplay Loop

Each mission grants materials to level up and improve your parts. A recommended level indicator ensures you’re adequately geared for upcoming challenges. Later on, you’ll unlock part rarity upgrades, allowing you to retain useful skills from older parts as you evolve your design.

While optional quests provide extra rewards, the game balances progression well enough that grinding through side missions isn’t strictly necessary on normal difficulty. As you advance, three higher difficulties unlock, significantly increasing challenge and part requirements. Some optional modes—like survival—are especially enjoyable and worth checking out if you skip them during the main story.

Visual Customization and Presentation

Paint schemes, decals, and weathering effects round out the visual customization suite. Whether unlocking new themes through progression or purchasing DLC, there’s plenty to tinker with. If you’re passionate about Gunpla modeling, this level of detail will resonate deeply.

Visually, *Gundam Breaker 4* leans into a stylized aesthetic rather than realism. While early environments feel flat, later areas show more variety. The Gunpla models and animations are clearly the focus—and they shine. Effects and boss fight scale are impressive, even on lower-end hardware.

Soundtrack and Voice Acting

The soundtrack is mostly forgettable, aside from a few standout tracks tied to key story moments. Disappointingly, there are no licensed anime theme songs or music packs included—at least at launch. Nor is there an option to load custom music like in other Gundam titles.

Voice acting, however, is a pleasant surprise. Both the English and Japanese dubs are well-executed. I personally preferred the English voice track during action-heavy sequences, as reading subtitles mid-combat can be distracting.

Performance and Bugs

Outside of one frustrating mission type and a handful of bugs, my experience was smooth. Newcomers who dislike repetitive post-game loops might find the grind tedious, but longtime fans of the genre will appreciate the depth and replayability akin to *Monster Hunter* or *Earth Defense Force*.

On PC, particularly the Steam Deck, performance is generally solid. With Proton Experimental enabled, the game runs smoothly out of the box and even supports on-screen keyboard input. Most missions maintain 80–90fps with medium settings, though cutscenes and the assembly mode occasionally dip below that. One strange bug caused temporary freezing in the builder menu, but it occurred infrequently.

Platform Comparison – Switch vs PS5

On consoles, I tested both the PS5 and Switch versions. The PS5 version runs consistently at 60fps with excellent visual fidelity. The Switch version, while playable, suffers from resolution drops, reduced detail, and longer loading times. The Gunpla models, especially in diorama mode, look noticeably less refined on Switch—similar to comparing High Grade and Real Grade kits.

Assembly and diorama modes are particularly sluggish on Switch, which could frustrate players who spend significant time customizing their builds. While acceptable for portable play, those who prioritize performance and visual quality should lean toward PS5 or PC.

DLC and Ultimate Edition

I had access to portions of the *Ultimate Edition*, including early parts and Diorama content. While the early-level Gunpla suits aren’t game-changing, the builder parts and additional accessories are a nice bonus. Photo mode enthusiasts will especially enjoy the expanded Diorama tools, though many items can likely be purchased separately later.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a deep story-driven experience, *Gundam Breaker 4* might not be your top pick. However, for Gunpla lovers and fans of customization-heavy action games, it’s a dream come true. Between the satisfying combat loop, expansive build system, and robust customization, this is easily one of my favorite games of the year—especially on Steam Deck.