Gundam Breaker 4, the latest installment in the popular Gundam Breaker series, has arrived, bringing with it a fresh wave of Gundam Plastic (Gunpla) models  action and customization. This review delves into the key aspects of the game, exploring how it builds upon its predecessors while introducing new features to the franchise.

Story and Mission

Gundam Breaker 4 centers its gameplay experience around a Story Mode that serves as the foundation for unlocking additional content and features. The narrative is set in a world celebrating Gundam enthusiasm rather than depicting serious Mobile Suit conflicts. This approach aligns with the series’ focus on Gunpla (model kit) customization and combat.

The game’s pacing is notably brisk, introducing players to a wealth of information and systems in a short time frame. This rapid progression can be overwhelming for newcomers but quickly grants access to crucial features. Within the first four chapters, players unlock key mechanics such as Synthesize, used for enhancing Part Level and strength, and Evolve, which increases part Rarity and provides additional buff bonus slots.

Beyond the main story, Gundam Breaker 4 offers a variety of mission types. Side missions and Bounties present players with specific objectives, adding diversity to the gameplay. Each mission typically revolves around intense Mobile Suit battles, occasionally featuring formidable Perfect Grade (PG) bosses. These PG units, chosen from iconic Mobile Suits in the series, tower over standard Gunpla but may not pose as significant a threat as their size suggests.

The game strongly encourages players to aim for S-Rank mission completions. The disparity in rewards between A and S-Rank is substantial, particularly in terms of Part drops and other valuable items. Achieving S-Rank often depends on mission completion speed or the number of enemy parts destroyed, emphasizing the importance of efficient and destructive gameplay.

Combat

Gundam Breaker 4 maintains the series’ established hack-and-slash combat style while introducing some new elements. The core gameplay involves agile maneuvers facilitated by boost functions and the utilization of two skill types: EX and OP.

EX skills are primarily focused on delivering high-damage attacks or providing support, while OP skills offer more specialized functions that vary depending on the equipped Gunpla parts. Players have access to 4 EX skills and 8 OP skills, allowing for a diverse range of tactical options during battle.

A notable addition to the combat system is the introduction of dual-wielding weapons. This new feature expands the possibilities for combo creation and adds a fresh dimension to the game’s combat variety. The dual-wielding system is described as solid and useful, contributing to the game’s emphasis on customizable combat styles.

The game’s combat mechanics are closely tied to its Gunpla customization system. Part destruction plays a crucial role in battles, affecting both the player’s and enemy’s combat capabilities. As parts are damaged or destroyed, available weapons and maneuvers can be limited, adding a strategic element to engagements.

While the combat system is functional and familiar to series veterans, some players may find it less innovative compared to more recent mecha games. The controls and combat intensity may feel somewhat dated, especially when compared to titles like Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.

Customization

Customization is the cornerstone of Gundam Breaker 4, offering an expansive system that surpasses its predecessors. Players can modify 11 main parts and access a wide array of optional Builder Parts, providing an unprecedented level of freedom in Gunpla design.

The game boasts more Base Kits at launch than any previous entry in the series, significantly expanding the pool of parts available for customization. This vast selection allows players to create unique and imaginative Gunpla designs, limited only by their creativity. Beyond aesthetics, customization plays a crucial role in combat effectiveness. Players must carefully consider their builds, balancing visual appeal with combat functionality. The game encourages experimentation with different part combinations to discover optimal playstyles and skill synergies.

The customization system extends beyond the Gunpla itself. The new Diorama Mode allows players to create elaborate photo sets to showcase their creations. This feature is complemented by planned In-Game Photo events, fostering community interaction and allowing players to display their Gunpla designs to others.

Further emphasizing the importance of customization, players can use their created Gunpla as avatars in the main lobby. This feature adds a personal touch to the game’s social spaces and further motivates players to craft unique designs.

Verdict

Gundam Breaker 4 presents a solid addition to the series, particularly catering to veteran fans and Gunpla enthusiasts. The game’s strengths lie in its extensive customization options and the familiar yet expanded combat system. For series veterans, the game offers a wealth of content and improvements. The expanded customization options, including more Base Kits and the new dual-wielding combat feature, provide fresh experiences while maintaining the core elements that fans appreciate.

However, newcomers to the series or the mecha genre may find the game’s rapid introduction of complex systems overwhelming. The combat system, while functional, may feel dated compared to more recent mecha titles, potentially limiting its appeal to a broader audience. Despite these considerations, Gundam Breaker 4 succeeds in delivering a comprehensive platform for Gunpla creativity and combat. The depth of its customization system, the variety of missions, and the potential for unique playstyles offer strong replayability.

While it may not push the boundaries of mecha game innovation, Gundam Breaker 4 provides a satisfying experience for those interested in the Gundam universe and the art of Gunpla customization. It offers a playground for creativity and combat that aligns well with the expectations of the series’ loyal fanbase.

Gundam Breaker 4

Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

Developer: Crafts & Meister

Release Date TBC

Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam

Create your own ultimate Gundam in the newest Gundam Breaker! With more customizable parts than ever before, you finally have the freedom to build your perfect Gunpla. Test it in battle using the brand new dual-weapon system and break parts off of your enemies and add them to your collection.