GUNDAM BREAKER 4: Build, Bash, and Break Off Some Parts!
The latest in the Gundam Breaker series offers deep customization, dual-wielding action, and a plethora of Gunpla parts, but some nostalgic players might find it lacking compared to its predecessors.
last updated Aug 30, 2024
GUNDAM BREAKER 4 revitalizes the iconic franchise with more than enough customization and nostalgic charm for fans to dive back into their model-building roots.
Gameplay Mechanics: A Beautifully Basic Beat 'Em Up
GUNDAM BREAKER 4 simplifies the classic formula of mech customization and combat into a playful hack-and-slash experience that will certainly cater to die-hard fans of the franchise. At its core, it's all about assembling your Gunpla and smashing other mechs as if they were piñatas, showering you with parts to fuel your obsession with creating unique robot monstrosities. The introduction of dual-wielding adds a nice layer of complexity, allowing you to mix and match weapons for more personalized combat styles. However, as players venture past the initial charm of blasting and bashing, a sense of repetitiveness can set in, with missions feeling somewhat identical after a few hours. The combat mechanics aren't exactly the tightest and can occasionally feel clunky, but for fans who grew up with 'B-tier' games, there’s a cozy nostalgia to be found here.
Audio: The Unsung Hero and the Missed Notes
When it comes to audio, GUNDAM BREAKER 4 nails the quintessential Gundam soundscape, but sadly, it misses the mark when it comes to music. The game features an amusing blend of sound effects that capture the essence of battles and explosions but lacks the licensed tracks fans might expect—or at least, crave. The absence of iconic themes from the Gundam universe is a missed opportunity, leaving the background music feeling surprisingly mundane during your epic battles. A robust sound design is essential for immersion, and while the voice acting does the heavy lifting, it's hard not to wish for those epic orchestral pieces that could have elevated these mech-fights to galactic proportions.
Visuals: Dated Yet Functional
Visually, GUNDAM BREAKER 4 resembles a time capsule from the past, with graphics that some might deem 'retro', reflecting an aesthetic reminiscent of past PSP titles rather than modern gaming standards. Performance-wise, the game surprisingly runs smoothly across various systems, including the Steam Deck, maintaining a solid frame rate. However, this retro style can lead to a disappointing visual experience for players who expect breathtaking CGI and detailed environments in their mech titles today. The animations, while functional, can at times feel disjointed, leaving the impression of a rushed development lifecycle. Ultimately, though the visuals may not win any awards, they serve their purpose: allowing players to create and enjoy their Gunpla in joint destruction.
Customization: Freedom to Create (But with a Caveat)
Customization is where GUNDAM BREAKER 4 truly shines, offering a buffet of Gunpla parts across various series—this is essentially the game’s love letter to fans. Builders can revel in the sheer amount of parts available for creating their dream machines, making it feel like a playground for creativity. From personal anecdotes, we can attest that the kit-bashing mechanics are engaging enough to keep players absorbed for hours, crafting everything from chibi robots to complete abominations on wheels. However, many players are met with a somewhat restrictive experience when it comes to unlocking and utilizing these custom parts early on, sometimes requiring extensive gameplay before accessing core mechanics involved in building the perfect machine. This limitation can lead to frustration, particularly for newcomers, potentially overshadowing the magic of the customization experience.
STEAM RATING
Developer
CRAFTS & MEISTER Co., Ltd
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Release Date
August 28, 2024
The Return of Gunpla, With Some Rust
GUNDAM BREAKER 4 revitalizes the iconic franchise with more than enough customization and nostalgic charm for fans to dive back into their model-building roots. Its gameplay may be simplified and somewhat repetitive—with notable visual limitations—yet it keeps the core fun alive. While it won't replace its predecessors in the hearts of many, it's a step forward from the previous iteration in the series, catering specifically to loyal Gundam enthusiasts who can overlook its flaws.