As somebody who has been a Gundam fan for a very long time, it was all the time inevitable that I’d cross paths with Gunpla sooner or later. Gunpla, which is brief for Gundam and Plastic Mannequin, has lengthy been a staple of the sequence and even surpassing conventional media. It’s turn into becoming then, that it looped again round to the realm of video video games with limitless customization potential.
However this isn’t the primary time that’s occurred, as we’re now as much as Gundam Breaker 4 – the fourth recreation within the Gundam Breaker sequence that brings the customization and constructing side of real-life Gunpla right into a digital area.
That digital area side is performed up fairly a bit in Gundam Breaker 4 as gamers are launched to a digital arcade-like world from the soar, and it’s on this foyer the place every part within the recreation takes place.
The story of Gundam Breakers 4 is easy however efficient sufficient in the way in which it’s informed via chapter-based missions. Whereas it’s a sequel to the occasions of the earlier recreation, it’s clear from the soar that it’s not required for any form of understanding. The participant in-game is a newcomer, they usually’re right here to participate within the beta take a look at model of the Gunpla Battle Simulator that has since expanded to a house console launch.
Within the recreation foyer, one other beginner referred to as Tao together with a feminine fighter referred to as Rin begin up a clan along with the participant, and from there, different fighters of all ranks and expertise will present as much as attempt to turn into allies too – all whereas some mysterious glitches and curious characters hold showing within the Gundam Battle Simulator.
Definitely, the story isn’t as loopy as one thing you would possibly see in say, the Tremendous Robotic Wars sequence, however as a car to get Gunpla components, it serves its function sufficient with extra partaking turns taking place after a reasonably gradual begin. I used to be anticipating maybe just a little extra narrative-driven focus given the idea of Gundam Breaker 4 isn’t too far faraway from what the anime sequence Gundam Construct Fighters did earlier than it, however essentially the most fascinating half is assembly all of the totally different quirky characters and the entire idea of them enjoying a beta take a look at collectively the place issues can go awry at any second.
The gameplay is a bit more thrilling with an action-focused rogue-like that depends very a lot on the way you customise and put collectively Gunpla. You’ve received the choice to put in two ranged weapons similar to rifles and different weapons, and two melee weapons just like the beam saber or axe. There’s really an enormous assortment to select from and that is the half that makes Gundam Breaker 4 shine essentially the most.
Throughout missions, the bottom gameplay loop entails executing combos, and the longer you chain one up, the higher rewards you would possibly get, which may in flip provide you with extra choices for Gunpla constructing. The hot button is to land increased ranks on the finish of each mission, with S-Rank being one of the best. Rating can also be decided by how briskly you get via every problem, and what number of enemy components you may Break off by dealing a number of injury.
There are even further skills apart from regular assaults. Within the Gunpla construct menu, you may set Non-compulsory and Builder Half abilities, which grant particular OP Expertise based mostly on how a lot the EX Guage bar is stuffed up and might deal out stronger assaults. They’re necessary to arrange as a result of among the boss battles could be actually difficult, and also you’ll want any benefit you may get.
That mentioned, the hack-and-slash gameplay can get repetitive over time, even when the missions begin mixing it up as a part of the principle story. There’s additionally an internet mode you may play with different individuals together with on-line leaderboards, in addition to a observe mode to check the waters earlier than taking a brand new construct out into the sector.
Gundam Breaker 4 additionally has some quests that unlock Gunpla components and a Diorama Mode that allows you to pose your Gunpla after all of your laborious work.
So there’s a first rate quantity of issues to do in Gundam Breaker 4, however once more, the largest draw is the Gunpla constructing. There are a whole lot of kits accessible, and simply as many components to gather via the course of regular gameplay. I discovered essentially the most enjoyable I had with the sport simply attempting to make the ugliest, most further cell swimsuit I may.
However after some time, you may accumulate sufficient components to have most of them in a set, they usually’ve all received totally different stats and rarity labeled so it makes it straightforward to construct one of the best one you need to battle with.
After enjoying the story for some time, collected components could be upgraded utilizing the Synthesize menu, with the power to swap out traits to construct essentially the most highly effective Gunpla. I may spend hours simply attempting to place collectively one of the best equipment, it’s actually spectacular simply how a lot Gundam Breaker 4 permits you to customise all whereas bringing in these acquainted cell fits from the sequence.
I may spend hours simply attempting to place collectively one of the best equipment, it’s actually spectacular simply how a lot Gundam Breaker 4 permits you to customise all whereas bringing in these acquainted cell fits from the sequence. These acquainted fits additionally present up throughout conditions like boss encounters as nicely, so for instance, I ended up having to tackle an enormous model of the highly effective Unicorn Gundam that required a bit extra technique to defeat than the standard grunts.
Gundam Breaker 4 retains a considerably stylized 3D look all through, with characters showing in an anime model much like the trendy anime sequence. The cell fits have a reasonably clear look, however they match once you understand they’re representing Gunpla.
My solely gripe is the environments are fairly primary, there’s not a lot occurring by way of modeling, but it surely’s a small criticism when there are such a lot of Gunpla components within the recreation.
General, Gundam Breaker 4 is a recreation designed for the followers of Gundam. There’s lots to work together with and acknowledge from the unique sequence, all whereas spending time making your personal customized mannequin with an enormous provide of components to take action.
The story isn’t the best and the hack-and-slash gameplay does get repetitive after some time regardless of the power to combine up abilities. That mentioned, should you’re simply in search of a mannequin equipment simulator, there’s loads of enjoyable available till the subsequent Gundam recreation comes round.
TechRaptor reviewed Gundam Breaker 4 on PlayStation 5 with a replica supplied by the developer over the course of 12 hours of gameplay – all screenshots had been taken in the course of the strategy of evaluate.