Gundam Breaker 4 Review: A Dynamic Return After The Disappointing New Gundam Breaker

New Gundam Breaker wasn’t the series’s finest moment. Universally panned by critics and fans alike, it seemed like a low point that might spell the end of a beloved franchise. As intersecting fans of Gundams, Gunpla (short for Gundam plastic model kits), and video games, we feared for the future of the Gundam Breaker series.

Get ready to BREAK, BUILD, & BATTLE like never before!

GUNDAM BREAKER 4 is now available!

Build your ultimate Gunpla from the largest selection of base kits to date, put it to the test against daunting foes, and show off your skills in front of your friends in 3 player co-op! pic.twitter.com/cEdwVatEh0

— Gundam.Info NA Official (@GundamInfoNA) August 28, 2024

However, when the series announced Gundam Breaker 4, hope flickered again. For example, the word “New” was conspicuously absent, and many noticed this simple change was a sign that the game was going back to the foundations laid by Gundam Breaker 3, a fan-favorite entry in the series.

Now, I’m thrilled to say that Gundam Breaker 4 has delivered, as the return to this base has resulted in a game that feels more in tune with what we (Gundam fans) love: Insane customisation, intense combat, and a deep connection to the Gunpla culture.

Also Read: 8 New Anime Games in Development for Fans of the Genre

Gundam Breaker 4 Is The Redemption of a Beloved Series

As mentioned above, Gundam Breaker 4 returns to the foundations laid by Gundam Breaker 3, as it is all about customisation, building and battling with Gunpla. For example, the game features over 250 kits, allowing players to mix and match parts to create their ultimate Gunpla.

These parts come with EX Skills, which allow for dominant, meter-based attacks, and OP Skills for lower, cooldown-based abilities. If your build lacks firepower, you can always add builder parts to unlock these skills or hide them within your kit to maintain your aesthetic vision. Suffice it to say the game is all about customisation as you can tweak everything from weapons and armor to decals and colours, making your Mobile Suit unique.

Moreover, Gundam Breaker 4 introduced Diorama Mode. It is a mode where you can assemble and pose your customised Gunpla in epic scenes, adding a creative layer that was previously missing from its predecessors.

Gundam Breaker 4 Has A Familiar Yet Fresh Story Mode

The story mode in Gundam Breaker 4 sticks to a familiar formula. For instance, you play as a silent protagonist who stumbles upon a ragtag group of players, eventually forming an in-game “Clan” as you rise through the ranks. Along the way, you’ll encounter various challenges, rivalries, and intrigue — because nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

Missions are diverse, from defending objectives and battling waves of enemies to facing off against enemy teams and taking down colossal bosses modelled after Perfect Grade kits, which introduce additional mechanics and scale to the fights.

With everything considered, the narrative isn’t groundbreaking. However, it’s a nostalgic feeling of everything we love about the Gundam series.

Gundam Breaker 4 Refines Combat and Online Play From Gundam Breaker 3

Combat in Gundam Breaker 4 builds on the framework of Gundam Breaker 3, with notable improvements. Firstly, you can now dual-wield weapons to allow for even more complex combo strings. Whether you prefer close-range melee weapons like whips that can pull enemies in heavy axes that deliver devastating blows or ranged weapons that let you assault from a distance, the options are vast.

Moreover, you can mix and match light and heavy weapons to create a dynamic combat system that suits your personal playstyle. With over 250 kits, I spend more time in menus and perfecting my mecha than I used to battling people online (I win, Obviously).

Speaking of Online Play, Gundam Breaker 4 places greater emphasis than its predecessors. The online system is more robust, allowing you to join lobbies, meet other players as avatars of your chosen Gunpla, form Clans, and undertake missions together. There are even tournaments to compete in, and the focus on recreating the social atmosphere of the game’s story mode and some Gundam anime is commendable.

Gundam Breaker 4 Visuals and Performance Are a Mixed Bag

Visually, Gundam Breaker 4 doesn’t push the boundaries of what’s possible on modern hardware, but it does a solid job of bringing Gunpla to life. The Gunpla models look like their real-world counterparts, with a plasticky sheen that fits the theme.

However, the environments are somewhat bland, and the game’s performance on the Nintendo Switch, where it runs at 30fps, leaves something to be desired compared to the 60fps on other platforms.

Closing Notes

In many ways, Gundam Breaker 4 represents a fresh start for the series. It’s a return to the roots that made the franchise great, but with enough new features to feel like a worthy successor. The combat is addictive, the customisation options are nearly limitless, and there’s enough content to keep you busy for a long time. Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the series, Gundam Breaker 4 is a game that’s well worth your time.

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