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? This review dives into our weekend experience, exploring whether it has the potential to become a mobile gacha giant.
Setting and Story
The game unfolds within the Library of Babel, a setting inspired by Jorge Luis Borges' short story and the biblical Tower of Babel. This unique blend of literary and religious allusions creates a compelling atmosphere distinct from typical fantasy settings. Think Evangelion-esque themes interwoven with Judeo-Christian mythology.
Players assume the role of The Seer, inexplicably awakening in the Library with a significant destiny: custodianship of this enigmatic place. Your arrival triggers unforeseen events, including a monstrous emergence from the depths, time-travel anomalies, and a looming threat from a clockwork star. The narrative is engaging, albeit a bit cryptic initially.
Gameplay
Black Beacon offers a 3D free-roaming experience with adjustable camera perspectives (top-down or free camera). 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 system allows benched characters to recover stamina faster, encouraging strategic team management reminiscent of Pokémon, but with anime-style characters.
Combat demands skillful timing and anticipation of enemy attacks. It's challenging yet accessible, avoiding mindless button-mashing. While straightforward enemies yield easily, tougher opponents require tactical awareness to avoid being tossed across the arena. The diverse roster of characters, each with unique combat styles, ensures that acquiring new units feels rewarding. Several characters possess compelling personalities, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
Playing the Beta
The global beta is accessible via Google Play (Android) and TestFlight (iOS, limited slots). The beta allows players to experience the first five chapters. Pre-registration is encouraged, offering rewards such as Development Material Boxes (official website) or an exclusive Zero costume (Google Play).
While it's premature to definitively label Black Beacon a future gacha powerhouse, our beta experience suggests a promising title worthy of further attention.
