In case you hadn't heard, the gacha action-RPG Black Beacon has launched its global beta test, and it's generating quite the buzz. If you're on the fence about diving in, don't worry—we've got you covered. We spent the weekend exploring the beta 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 setting first. Black Beacon is an action RPG gacha game set in the vast and mysterious Library of Babel. This setting draws inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' short story of the same name, which describes a universe in the form of an endless library containing every conceivable book. The game's Library of Babel also incorporates elements from the biblical Tower of Babel, weaving in Judeo-Christian mythology and biblical references—a refreshing twist from the usual folklore themes. Think of it as a nod to classics like Evangelion.
In Black Beacon, you step into the shoes of The Seer, a protagonist who awakens in this strange place with no memory of how they got there. As if that weren't enough, you're thrust into the role of the new custodian of the Library of Babel, shouldering a monumental destiny. The other characters seem unfazed by your arrival, though they're not exactly forthcoming with information.
Your presence triggers significant changes within the Library, not all of them positive. A monster begins to emerge from the depths, and you're caught up in time-travel antics reminiscent of Doctor Who's River Song, all while a clockwork star threatens to obliterate you and everyone you've met. It's a lot to take in, but it sets the stage for an engaging narrative. Now, let's shift our focus to the gameplay.
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's all about chaining combos and executing moves. A fun twist is the encouragement of character-switching mid-fight or even mid-combo.
The tag team strategy lets benched characters regenerate stamina faster, and there's no penalty for swapping in and out, giving you the freedom to manage your team like a strategic game of Pokémon with anime characters. Combat demands timing and attention to enemy cues, making it deep yet accessible. While you can breeze through weaker enemies, more powerful foes will challenge you to stay focused or risk being flung across the arena.
As a gacha game, Black Beacon offers a variety of characters, each with unique 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 sounds like your kind of game, you can join the global beta test. It's available on Google Play for Android users, and iOS users can participate via TestFlight, though spots are limited. Just follow the link, sign up, and you'll be able to play through the first five chapters.
If you're enjoying the beta, consider pre-registering. Doing so through the official website nets you 10 Development Material Boxes, while pre-registering on Google Play gets you 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 definitely intrigued to see where it goes from here.
