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

If you've missed the latest buzz, the gacha action-RPG Black Beacon has just launched its global beta test, and it's creating quite a stir. Are you on the fence about whether to dive in right away? Don't worry, we've got you covered. We spent our weekend exploring the global 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 game's premise. Black Beacon is set in the vast and mysterious halls of the Library of Babel, an action RPG gacha game that draws inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' short story of the same name. In Borges' narrative, the Library of Babel is a universe composed entirely of books, containing every possible combination of letters, where most texts are nonsensical, but every conceivable book exists somewhere within its depths.

Additionally, Black Beacon's setting borrows from the biblical Tower of Babel, integrating elements of Judeo-Christian mythology. This unique blend of literary and religious references sets the stage for an intriguing departure from typical folklore themes. In Black Beacon, you assume the role of The Seer, a protagonist who awakens in this enigmatic library with no memory of how they arrived. As the new custodian of the Library of Babel, you're thrust into a heavy destiny amidst a backdrop of familiar yet reserved characters.

Your presence seems to catalyze significant shifts within the Library, not all of which are positive. A monstrous entity begins to emerge from the depths, accompanied by time-travel elements reminiscent of Doctor Who's River Song, and a menacing clockwork star threatens your existence and that of your newfound allies. With such high stakes, you'll need to act quickly.

Now, let's shift gears and explore how Black Beacon plays.

Gameplay

Black Beacon offers a 3D free-roaming experience, allowing players to navigate through areas using either a top-down or free camera perspective, switchable via simple touchscreen gestures. The game features a real-time combat system that encourages chaining combos and executing special moves. A standout feature is the ability to switch characters mid-fight or even mid-combo, enhancing strategic depth.

This tag team mechanic allows benched characters to regenerate stamina faster, enabling seamless team rotations without penalties. Combat in Black Beacon is both deep and accessible, requiring players to time their actions and read enemy cues effectively. While regular enemies might be manageable, more formidable foes demand attention and precision, or they'll send you flying across the arena.

As a gacha game, Black Beacon boasts a variety of characters, each with distinct combat styles and abilities, ensuring that every new addition feels significant. Some characters also offer engaging interactions, making you eager to learn more about them.

Playing the Beta

If this sounds like your cup of tea, you might want to check out the global beta test. Android users can download it directly from Google Play, while iOS users can join the test via 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 intrigued by 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 gacha phenomenon, but we're definitely keen to see where it goes from here.