Gundam Breaker 4 Review: The Ultimate Gunpla Experience
Gundam Breaker 4 is here, and it’s time to dive into the intricacies of this much-anticipated game. If you’re a fan of building Gunpla or smashing through enemies with your customized mobile suit, this game promises a thrilling experience. However, how does it stand up against its predecessors? Let’s break it down.
Storyline: A Decent Continuation but Falls Short
The story in Gundam Breaker 4, while engaging, doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, Gundam Breaker 3. The characters, including returning favorites Misa and Nagitsuji, bring a sense of nostalgia, but the narrative itself is somewhat lacking. The motivations of the villains are questionable, leaving a bitter taste, especially towards the end. Despite these shortcomings, the story is passable and serves as a backdrop to the game’s real star: the gameplay.
Character Dynamics
While the new characters bring fresh energy, they don’t quite measure up to the charisma of the Gundam Breaker 3 cast. The interactions are fun, but the plot feels shallow compared to the depth and charm of the previous game. The hope is that future updates or DLC will flesh out these characters further.
Gameplay: Familiar Yet Refined
If you loved the gameplay in Gundam Breaker 3, you’ll find yourself right at home with Gundam Breaker 4. The core mechanics remain similar, with some refinements that improve the overall experience. The game removes some elements like Funnel and Big Laser spam, which may disappoint some fans, but the new mechanics quickly make up for it.
Customization: A Gunpla Builder’s Dream
Customization is where Gundam Breaker 4 truly shines. The variety of parts and the depth of options available make it the definitive Gunpla builder simulator. Whether you’re adjusting parts for aesthetic appeal or fine-tuning your mobile suit for combat, the customization is more expansive than ever.
- Enhanced part scaling
- Mastering parts for additional EX skills
- Instant recoloring options for newly equipped parts
Combat Mechanics: Evolving the Formula
Combat feels smoother and more dynamic, with new features like dual-wielding weapons and faster-charging Awakening abilities. These tweaks make battles more engaging, though the absence of some classic EX skills might leave veteran players missing certain elements from GB3.
Performance: A Smooth Ride with Minor Hiccups
Gundam Breaker 4 generally runs smoothly, even on high-end rigs. The game maintains a consistent frame rate, and visual effects don’t cause any significant slowdown. However, there have been rare reports of crashes, such as during encounters with loot enemies, though these are not widespread.
Graphics and Visuals
Visually, the game is impressive, with detailed mobile suits and vibrant battle effects. The game’s environments are varied, keeping the experience fresh as you progress through different missions.
Ultrawide Monitor Support: A Missed Opportunity
One downside for those using ultrawide monitors is the lack of proper support. The game technically supports ultrawide resolutions, but the field of view feels cramped. While windowed mode at a normal resolution is a workaround, it’s not an ideal solution for players looking for a fully immersive experience.
Pacing: Improved Flow with More Dynamic Missions
One of the key improvements in Gundam Breaker 4 is the pacing of its missions. Unlike GB3, which sometimes felt like a grind with repetitive environments, GB4 keeps things fresh with frequent map changes and a good variety of mission objectives. This helps maintain engagement and reduces the feeling of monotony that could set in during longer play sessions.
Game Modes: Expanding the Experience
Gundam Breaker 4 introduces new modes that add to the game’s replayability. The Quests mode offers side missions that can help you progress when you’re stuck, while Bounty Hunter mode lets you battle other players’ builds. Survival mode tests how long you can last against waves of enemies, providing a fun challenge for seasoned players.
Combo and Break Systems
The new combo and break systems incentivize maintaining high combos and breaking enemy parts during battles. These mechanics reward players with bonuses, such as increased damage and better loot drops, adding a strategic layer to the combat.
Pros and Cons: The Highlights and Lowlights
Pros
- Extensive customization options for building your perfect Gunpla
- Smooth gameplay with improved combat mechanics
- Dynamic mission pacing with varied environments
- New game modes adding replayability
- Great performance on most systems
Cons
- Storyline feels weaker compared to GB3
- Ultrawide monitor support is lacking
- No crossplay between platforms
- Some beloved EX skills from GB3 are missing
- AI for allies and enemies could be smarter
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to the Series
Gundam Breaker 4 might not surpass the high bar set by Gundam Breaker 3, but it’s a solid entry in the series. Its improved gameplay, extensive customization options, and smoother pacing make it a must-have for Gundam fans, especially those who enjoyed previous games in the series. While there are areas for improvement, such as the storyline and ultrawide support, the overall experience is highly enjoyable.
If you’re a fan of Gunpla or the Gundam universe, Gundam Breaker 4 is definitely worth adding to your collection. For those on the fence, it might be wise to wait for a sale, but rest assured, the game offers plenty of content to keep you engaged.
Rating: 8/10 – A solid game that delivers on its promise but falls short of greatness.
