Black Beacon Global Beta: Droid Gamers' Hands-On Experience

In case you missed it, the highly anticipated gacha action-RPG, Black Beacon, has launched its global beta test just a few days ago. If you're on the fence about diving in, don't worry—we've got you covered. We spent our weekend exploring the beta to see if Black Beacon has the potential to be the next big mobile gacha hit.

Setting And Story

Let's dive into the setting first. Black Beacon is an action RPG gacha game set in the enigmatic halls of the Library of Babel. This setting draws inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' short story of the same name, envisioning a world where a vast library holds every conceivable combination of letters. While most books are gibberish, it's intriguing to think that every book ever written is hidden within its endless shelves.

The game also borrows from the biblical Tower of Babel, infusing the environment with Judeo-Christian mythology and references. This unique blend sets Black Beacon apart from other games that often lean on different folklore. Fans of series like Evangelion will appreciate this creative direction.

In the game, you embody The Seer, who awakens in this mysterious place with no memory of how you arrived. As the newly appointed custodian of the Library of Babel, you're thrust into a heavy destiny. The other inhabitants seem accustomed to your presence but are tight-lipped about crucial details.

Your arrival triggers significant changes within the Library, including the emergence of a monster from its depths. With elements reminiscent of Doctor Who's time-traveling antics and a threatening clockwork star, you'll need to act quickly to navigate these challenges.

Now that we've covered the story, let's delve into how Black Beacon plays.

Gameplay

Black Beacon offers a 3D free-roaming experience where you can switch between top-down and free camera perspectives with a simple pinch on your touchscreen. This flexibility enhances your exploration of the game's intricate world.

Combat is real-time and engaging, featuring a dynamic system where you can chain combos and execute special moves. One of the game's standout features is the encouragement to switch characters mid-fight or even mid-combo. This tag-team strategy not only adds depth to battles but also allows benched characters to regenerate stamina faster, with no penalties for swapping in and out.

The combat mechanics demand attention to timing and enemy cues, ensuring that it's not just about mindless button-mashing. While you can easily handle weaker enemies, more powerful foes will challenge you to stay focused or face being knocked across the arena.

As a gacha game, Black Beacon offers a variety of characters, each with unique combat styles and moves. This diversity ensures that every new character you unlock feels impactful and adds fresh dynamics to your gameplay. Some characters are so intriguing that you'll find yourself wanting to learn more about them.

Playing The Beta

If Black Beacon sounds like your kind of game, you can join the global beta test. Android users can download it from Google Play, while iOS users can test it through TestFlight, though spots are limited. Simply follow the provided link, sign up, and you'll be able to play through the first five chapters.

If you're impressed with the beta, consider pre-registering. Doing so through the official website will reward you with 10 Development Material Boxes, whereas Google Play pre-registration offers an exclusive costume for Zero.

While it's too early to determine if Black Beacon will become the next gacha sensation, our initial experience has us eagerly anticipating its full release.