Droid Gamers: Hands On With The Black Beacon Global Beta

Black Beacon Global Beta: A Hands-On Review of This Gacha Action-RPG

Black Beacon, the gacha action-RPG, recently launched its global beta test. Intrigued? Read on for our in-depth review after spending the weekend exploring its world.

Setting and Story

The game unfolds within the enigmatic Library of Babel, a setting drawing inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' short story and the biblical Tower of Babel. This unique blend of literary and religious mythology creates a compelling backdrop, distinctly different from typical fantasy settings. Think Evangelion-esque themes.

Players assume the role of The Seer, awakening in the Library with a mysterious destiny: becoming the custodian of this vast, otherworldly library. The Seer's arrival triggers significant changes, including a monstrous emergence from the depths, time-travel elements reminiscent of River Song from Doctor Who, and a looming threat from a clockwork star.

Gameplay

Black Beacon offers 3D free-roaming exploration, allowing players to switch between top-down and free camera perspectives with a simple pinch gesture. Real-time combat emphasizes combo chaining and strategic character switching mid-battle. This tag-team system allows benched characters to regenerate stamina, encouraging dynamic team management. Combat demands skillful timing and awareness of enemy attack patterns, preventing it from becoming a simple button-mashing experience.

The gacha element introduces a diverse roster of characters, each with unique combat styles and moves, ensuring engaging gameplay variety. Several characters possess compelling personalities, adding depth to the experience beyond mere combat mechanics.

Beta Impressions

The global beta, accessible via Google Play (Android) and TestFlight (iOS – limited slots), allows players to experience the first five chapters. Pre-registering through the official website rewards players with 10 Development Material Boxes, while Google Play pre-registration offers an exclusive costume for Zero.

While it's premature to definitively label Black Beacon a future gacha giant, our experience suggests a promising title worth exploring. The unique setting, engaging combat, and diverse characters combine to create a compelling action-RPG experience.