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Gundam, a name synonymous with giant robots and epic space battles, has captivated audiences worldwide since its debut in 1977. While the franchise often explores complex themes of war and political intrigue, the Gundam Build Fighters series introduced a refreshing take on the universe, focusing on the joy of building and battling Gunpla model kits. Gundam Breaker 3, continuing in this spirit, offers a unique gaming experience centered around the thrill of Gunpla customization and combat.

This latest installment, available on both PS4 and PS Vita, has generated significant excitement among fans. Let’s delve into the strengths and weaknesses of Gundam Breaker 3 and see if it lives up to the hype.

A Thrilling Playground for Gunpla Enthusiasts

Mirroring the lighthearted tone of the Build Fighters anime, Gundam Breaker 3 eschews the grim realities of war in favor of the playful competition of Gunpla battles. Players begin with a basic HG 1/144 scale Gundam and progressively customize their mobile suit by collecting parts from defeated opponents.

Imagine equipping a Gundam Unicorn with the wings of the Strike Freedom, wielding the Deathscythe’s iconic scythe, and incorporating advanced technologies like Trans-Arm and Phase Shift Armor. In Gundam Breaker 3, these dream builds become a reality, limited only by the player’s dedication to collecting parts and their creative vision.

Gundam Breaker 3 Gameplay

The true brilliance of Gundam Breaker 3 lies in its dynamic combat system, arguably the best in any Gundam game. Unlike other titles that restrict players to pre-determined mobile suit loadouts, Gundam Breaker 3 offers unparalleled customization. Equip your Gunpla with melee weapons, ranged weaponry, and a plethora of sub-weapons like missiles and mini-guns. Further personalize your combat style with unique skills tied to each weapon, such as whirlwind slashes, rapid-fire attacks, sniping, beam barrages, and charge attacks.

The sheer variety of customization options ensures that battles in Gundam Breaker 3 never feel stale. Each encounter presents a new opportunity to experiment with different builds and strategies. The game’s responsive controls and impactful physics engine further enhance the combat experience, making every clash feel weighty and satisfying.

Battles in Gundam Breaker 3 offer a constantly evolving experience, with each encounter potentially feeling entirely unique.

A Visual Leap Forward

Previous Gundam titles on the PS Vita, like Gundam VS Force, often suffered from dated visuals that barely surpassed their PSP predecessors. Gundam Breaker 3, however, takes full advantage of the handheld’s capabilities, showcasing a significant graphical upgrade. The game boasts detailed Gundam models and richly realized environments, a far cry from the simplistic backdrops of earlier games.

Gundam Breaker 3 Environment

Gone are the jagged edges and blocky textures of past Gundam games. Environments are no longer mere cardboard cutouts but feature intricate details, from rugged cliffs and meticulously designed buildings to varied terrain that adds a sense of realism. True to the Build Fighters theme, players can also personalize their Gunpla with a wide range of paint schemes, from basic monotone colors to intricate camouflage patterns, gloss finishes, metallic effects, weathering, and battle damage.

Just like in the anime, each mission begins with a dramatic launch sequence, showcasing the player’s meticulously crafted Gunpla from every angle. This feature allows players to admire their creations up close, highlighting the impressive level of detail and the realistic rendering of paint effects.

Forget the blocky visuals of past Gundam games; Gundam Breaker 3 showcases a significant leap forward in graphical fidelity.

The Grind is Real

While veteran gamers might be accustomed to the grind of classic RPGs, modern gaming trends often prioritize accessibility and minimize tedious repetition. Gundam Breaker 3, however, embraces the grind wholeheartedly. Be prepared to invest significant time in collecting parts, as the game relies heavily on random drops. Finding the perfect combination of high-level parts with desirable stats and a cohesive aesthetic requires patience and perseverance.

Gundam Breaker 3 Enemy

Missions in Gundam Breaker 3 are lengthy, often lasting 15-20 minutes, with a typical structure of three distinct phases before culminating in a boss fight. While the initial onslaught of enemies can be exhilarating, the repetitive nature of combat can become tiresome after extended playtime.

Gundam Breaker 3 Mobile Suit

Players seeking a quick and casual gaming experience might find Gundam Breaker 3’s emphasis on grinding a significant deterrent.

Conclusion

Gundam Breaker 3 delivers a deeply engaging experience for Gunpla enthusiasts, offering unparalleled customization and thrilling combat. The game’s impressive visuals and faithful recreation of the Build Fighters universe further enhance its appeal. However, its reliance on grinding might deter players seeking a more casual experience. Ultimately, Gundam Breaker 3 is a must-have for dedicated Gunpla fans willing to invest the time and effort to unlock its full potential.