Black Beacon has just landed on mobile devices, but we've had the privilege of getting a sneak peek at this Mythic Sci-Fi Action RPG before most. We're excited to share our thoughts on this captivating game.
Black Beacon is an action RPG that emphasizes fast, fluid combat, integrating character-swapping to keep the action dynamic.
Shh! This Is A Library!
The game starts in the Library of Babel, a vast and enigmatic structure inspired by the biblical Tower of Babel and Jorge Luis Borges' short story. In the story, the library contains every possible combination of letters, housing every book ever written. You awaken in this mysterious place, unaware of how you arrived, alongside a colorful cast of characters who are equally puzzled. It seems you're destined for something great.
However, there's a twist: a giant spinning orb threatens to kill everyone within twenty-four hours. Welcome to your first day on the job, Seer! Brace yourself for an adventure amidst endless bookshelves.
Despite the ominous start, the setting and story have a charmingly wild appeal. A library filled with nonsensical books, time travel, and numerous mythology references (we won't spoil too much, but keep an eye on that bird) immerse you in a deep narrative. If you're feeling confused, that's part of the experience—Black Beacon thrives on it.
Send Me In, Coach
Black Beacon offers an engaging ARPG dungeon crawler experience with a customizable camera viewpoint. You can choose between a top-down perspective or a free camera setup, which you control with your other hand. We preferred the latter, but it's really a matter of personal taste.
As you navigate the Library's passageways, the story unfolds in short, episodic sections, each containing several maps. Accessing these sections requires energy, but the game is generous with how much it allows you to play.
Your journey involves exploring, solving puzzles, hunting for hidden treasure chests, and battling warped-looking enemies—remnants of people the Library hasn't fully 'digested'.
Combat is enjoyable, fast-paced, and somewhat button-mashy, yet challenging enough to keep you engaged. Timing is crucial; a perfect dodge grants iframes, while a well-timed heavy attack can interrupt an enemy's move, saving you from dodging.
The game's character-swap mechanic adds a strategic layer, allowing you to switch characters mid-fight. This tag-team approach lets you rest exhausted fighters and bring in fresh ones, even during attacks. Once you master the rhythm, it's satisfying—until a mistimed dodge sends you flying down the hallway.
Characters And Weapon Rolls
As a gacha game, Black Beacon features a character and weapon gacha system, with weapons tailored to specific characters. Both can be leveled up, and while the system involves various ingredients, much of the process can be automated.
You might encounter characters through the gacha before meeting them in the story, adding variety to your gameplay experience. The flow of time is indeed convoluted, but it serves the game well.
Overall, Black Beacon is a quirky gacha game with an esoteric story and solid gameplay. We're eager to see how it evolves post-release.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, whether it's navigating a giant library or diving into a mythic sci-fi tale, you can check out Black Beacon now on the official website, App Store, or Google Play.
