If you've been keeping up with the latest gaming news, you'll know that the gacha action-RPG Black Beacon has launched its global beta test just a few days ago. But should you dive in right away? Hold on—we've got you covered. We spent our weekend exploring the global beta to determine if Black Beacon has the potential to be the next big hit in the world of mobile gacha games.
Setting and Story
Let's delve into the setting first. Black Beacon is set in the grand halls of the Library of Babel, an action RPG gacha game that draws its inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' short story of the same name. In Borges' tale, the Library of Babel is a universe in the form of an enormous library containing every conceivable book, most of which are gibberish, but some hold all the world's knowledge. Additionally, the game's setting echoes the biblical Tower of Babel, aiming to reach the heavens, and incorporates Judeo-Christian mythology, offering a unique twist on traditional folklore. Fans of series like Evangelion will appreciate this blend.
In Black Beacon, you step into the shoes of The Seer, a classic gacha protagonist who wakes up in this mysterious locale with no memory of how they arrived. As if that wasn't daunting enough, you're quickly burdened with the monumental task of becoming the new custodian of the Library of Babel. The other characters in the game seem unfazed by your sudden appearance, though they're not exactly forthcoming with details.
Your arrival triggers significant changes within the Library, not all of them positive. A monstrous entity begins to emerge from the depths, and combined with elements reminiscent of time-travel adventures like those seen in Doctor Who, and a clockwork star that threatens your existence and that of your newfound companions, you'll need to act swiftly.
While the story is captivating, let's shift our focus to how Black Beacon plays.
Gameplay
Black Beacon offers a 3D free-roaming experience, allowing you to explore in either a top-down or free camera perspective. You can easily switch between views with simple touchscreen controls, enhancing your gameplay flexibility.
The game features a real-time combat system that's all about chaining combos and executing moves. A standout feature is the ability to switch characters mid-fight or even mid-combo, adding a strategic layer to battles. This tag-team approach allows benched characters to regenerate stamina quickly, enabling you to swap them in and out without penalties, much like a high-stakes version of Pokémon with anime characters.
Combat in Black Beacon demands attention to timing and enemy patterns. It's engaging yet accessible, steering clear of mindless button-mashing. While you can breeze through lesser enemies, more formidable foes will challenge you, requiring careful strategy to avoid being knocked across the arena.
As a gacha game, Black Beacon introduces a variety of characters, each with distinct combat styles and moves, ensuring that every new character feels significant and worthwhile. Some characters are compelling enough to make you want to explore their stories further.
Playing the Beta
If Black Beacon piques your interest, you can participate in the global beta test. Android users can find it on Google Play, while iOS users can join 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 keen to continue your journey, consider pre-registering. By doing so via the official website, you'll receive 10 Development Material Boxes, and through Google Play, you can unlock an exclusive costume for Zero.
It's too early to tell if Black Beacon will become the next big thing in gacha gaming, but it certainly has our attention. We're eager to see how it evolves.
