In case you missed the latest buzz, the gacha action-RPG Black Beacon has launched its global beta test just a few days ago. If you're on the fence about downloading it, don't worry—we've got you covered. We dove into the global beta over the weekend to see if Black Beacon has the potential to be the next big hit in the mobile gacha scene.
Setting and Story
Let's dive into the premise. Black Beacon is an action RPG gacha game set within the towering halls of the Library of Babel. This setting draws inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' short story about a vast library containing every possible combination of letters, where most books are nonsensical, but every known book exists somewhere within. Additionally, it incorporates elements from the biblical Tower of Babel, with references to Judeo-Christian mythology, providing a unique departure from typical folklore themes.
In Black Beacon, you step into the shoes of The Seer, who awakens in this mysterious place with no memory of how they arrived. As the new custodian of the Library of Babel, you face a daunting destiny. The other characters in the game seem unfazed by your presence but are tight-lipped about the details. Your arrival triggers significant changes, including a monster emerging from the depths, time-travel antics reminiscent of Doctor Who's River Song, and a clockwork star threatening your existence. With all these elements in play, you'll need to hit the ground running.
Now, let's shift gears and explore how Black Beacon plays.
Gameplay
Black Beacon offers a 3D free-roaming experience, allowing you to explore areas using either a top-down or free camera perspective, which you can switch between by pinching or unpinching on the touchscreen. The game features a real-time combat system that involves chaining combos and executing moves. A fun aspect is the encouragement of character-switching mid-fight or even mid-combo, enhancing the strategic depth.
The tag team strategy allows benched characters to regenerate stamina faster, and there's no penalty for swapping in and out, making it feel like you're managing a team of anime characters in a Pokémon-like setting. Combat demands timing and attention to enemy cues, offering a deep yet accessible experience. While you can breeze through weaker enemies, tougher foes require focus to avoid being knocked across the arena.
As a gacha game, Black Beacon offers a variety of characters, each with distinct combat styles and moves, ensuring that each new character feels significant. Some characters also have intriguing backstories that you'll want to explore further.
Playing the Beta
If Black Beacon piques your interest, you can join the global beta test. It's available on Google Play for Android users, and iOS users can test it through TestFlight, though spots are limited. Simply follow the link to sign up, download the game, and play through the first five chapters.
If you enjoy the beta, consider pre-registering. By doing so through the official website, you can receive 10 Development Material Boxes, while pre-registering on Google Play grants you an exclusive costume for Zero.
It's too early to determine if Black Beacon will be the next big thing in gacha games, but we're eager to see how it evolves.
