In case you missed the latest buzz, the gacha action-RPG Black Beacon has launched its global beta test just a few days ago. Not sure if it's worth your time? Don't worry, we've got you covered. We dove into the global beta over the weekend to give you the lowdown on whether Black Beacon has the potential to be the next big mobile gacha hit.
Setting And Story
Let's dive into the premise. Black Beacon is an action RPG gacha game set within the vast halls of the Library of Babel. This setting draws inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' short story, which envisions a world as a massive library containing every conceivable combination of letters. While most books are gibberish, the library theoretically contains every book ever written. Black Beacon also incorporates elements from the biblical Tower of Babel, infusing the game with Judeo-Christian mythology—a refreshing change from the usual folklore themes. Think of it as having a touch of Evangelion's mystique.
In the game, you play as The Seer, who awakens in this mysterious place with no recollection of how they got there. You're quickly saddled with a monumental destiny: you're now the custodian of the Library of Babel. The other characters seem nonchalant about your arrival, but they're not exactly forthcoming with information. Your presence seems to set off a chain of events, including a monster emerging from the depths, some time-travel antics reminiscent of Doctor Who's River Song, and a ticking clockwork star threatening everyone's existence. It's a lot to handle, so let's move on to how Black Beacon plays.
Gameplay
Black Beacon offers a 3D free-roaming experience, allowing you to explore areas in either a top-down or free camera perspective, which you can switch between using simple touchscreen controls. The game features a real-time combat system where you can chain together combos and unleash special moves. A unique feature is the encouragement of character-switching during fights, even mid-combo, which enhances the strategic depth.
The tag team strategy lets benched characters regenerate stamina faster, with no penalties for swapping in and out. It's like playing a version of Pokemon with anime characters. Combat demands attention to timing and enemy cues, making it deep yet accessible. While you can breeze through weaker enemies, the more powerful foes will demand your full focus, or they'll send you flying across the arena.
As a gacha game, Black Beacon offers a variety of characters, each with distinct combat styles and moves, ensuring that every new character feels like a fresh addition. Some characters have intriguing backstories that make you want to delve deeper into their narratives.
Playing The Beta
If this sounds like your cup of tea, you can jump into the global beta test. It's available on Google Play for Android users, and iOS users can participate via TestFlight, though spots are limited. Simply follow the provided link, sign up, and you can play through the first five chapters.
If the beta piques your interest, consider pre-registering. Doing so through the official website grants you 10 Development Material Boxes, while pre-registering on Google Play nets you an exclusive costume for Zero. It's too early to crown Black Beacon as the next big gacha sensation, but we're definitely eager to see where it goes.
