Droid Gamers: Hands On With The Black Beacon Global Beta

Black Beacon: A Hands-On Look at the Global Beta Test of This Gacha Action-RPG

News just broke: the global beta test for the gacha action-RPG, Black Beacon, launched a few days ago. Unsure if it's worth the download? We played the beta over the weekend to determine if Black Beacon is poised to become the next mobile gacha sensation.

Setting and Story

The game unfolds within the colossal Library of Babel, a setting inspired by Jorge Luis Borges' short story and the biblical Tower of Babel. This unique blend of Judeo-Christian mythology and the vast, potentially infinite library creates a compelling and intriguing backdrop, setting it apart from typical fantasy settings. Think Evangelion-esque in its depth.

You play as The Seer, a character mysteriously awakened in the Library with a significant destiny: becoming the new custodian of this enigmatic location. Your arrival triggers significant changes, including a monstrous emergence from the depths, time-travel related events, and a looming threat from a clockwork star. The story is rich and engaging, though other characters remain somewhat cryptic.

Gameplay

Black Beacon offers a 3D free-roaming experience with adjustable camera perspectives (top-down or free camera) via simple pinch-to-zoom controls. Real-time combat involves chaining combos and executing special moves. A standout feature is the seamless character-switching mechanic, even mid-combo. This tag-team strategy allows benched characters to regenerate stamina more quickly, adding a strategic layer to battles without penalizing frequent swaps. Think Pokémon, but with anime characters.

Combat demands skillful timing and anticipating enemy patterns. It's challenging yet accessible, avoiding mindless button-mashing. While easier enemies are manageable, tougher opponents require focused attention and strategic maneuvering. The diverse cast of characters, each with unique combat styles and moves, ensures that acquiring new characters feels impactful and rewarding. Several characters boast compelling personalities, adding to the overall experience.

The Beta Test

Intrigued? The global beta is available on Google Play (Android) and TestFlight (iOS – limited spots). Download and play the first five chapters. Pre-registering via the official website earns you 10 Development Material Boxes, while Google Play pre-registration unlocks an exclusive costume for Zero.

While it's premature to definitively label Black Beacon a future gacha giant, our initial experience is promising.