If you haven't caught the latest buzz, the gacha action-RPG *Black Beacon* has just launched its global beta test a few days ago. Wondering if you should dive in and download it immediately? Take a deep breath—we've got you covered. Over the weekend, we immersed ourselves in the global beta to determine if *Black Beacon* has the potential to become the next big mobile gacha hit.
Setting And Story
Let's delve into the backdrop of *Black Beacon*. This action RPG gacha game unfolds within the majestic halls of the Library of Babel. This setting is inspired by Jorge Luis Borges' short story, which envisions a world in the form of a vast library containing every conceivable combination of letters. While most of these books are nonsensical, the library also holds every book ever written, tucked away somewhere within its endless shelves.
*Black Beacon*'s Library of Babel also draws from the biblical Tower of Babel, a structure built to reach the heavens. The game is rich with references to Judeo-Christian mythology and the Bible, offering a refreshing departure from typical folklore themes. Fans of *Evangelion* will appreciate this unique blend.
In *Black Beacon*, you step into the shoes of The Seer, a classic gacha protagonist who awakens in an unfamiliar place with no memory of how they arrived. You're quickly burdened with a monumental destiny: you are now the custodian of the vast and enigmatic Library of Babel.
The other characters in the game seem unperturbed by your sudden appearance, though they're rather tight-lipped about the details. Your arrival, however, triggers significant changes within the Library, not all of which are positive. A monster begins to emerge from the depths, and with elements of time travel reminiscent of *Doctor Who*'s River Song, along with a clockwork star threatening to obliterate everything, you'll need to act swiftly.
Enough about the story—let's 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 controls.
The game features a real-time combat system that's all about hacking and slashing, chaining combos, and unleashing special moves. A fun aspect of the combat is the encouragement to switch characters mid-fight or even mid-combo. This 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 fashion.
Combat in *Black Beacon* hinges on timing and reading enemy cues. It's deep yet accessible, far from mindless button-mashing. While you can breeze through weaker enemies, more formidable foes will demand your full attention, often sending you flying across the arena if you're not careful.
As a gacha game, *Black Beacon* boasts a variety of characters, each with distinct combat styles and moves, ensuring that every new addition feels significant. Some characters are intriguing enough to make you want to delve deeper into their stories.
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, while iOS users can participate through TestFlight, though spots are limited. Simply follow the link, sign up, and download the game to experience the first five chapters.
If you're enjoying the beta, consider pre-registering. By doing so through the official website, you'll receive 10 Development Material Boxes, and on Google Play, you can secure an exclusive costume for Zero.
It's too early to tell if *Black Beacon* will become the next big thing in the gacha genre, but we're eager to see how it unfolds.
