Droid Gamers: Hands On With The Black Beacon Global Beta

Black Beacon Global Beta: A Hands-On Look at the 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 playing the beta.

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 mythology creates a compelling backdrop, a refreshing change from typical fantasy settings.

Players assume the role of The Seer, awakening in the Library with a mysterious destiny: becoming the custodian of this vast, enigmatic place. The Seer's arrival triggers significant changes, including a monstrous emergence from the depths and time-travel related events involving a clockwork star, setting the stage for an action-packed adventure.

Gameplay

Black Beacon features 3D free-roaming exploration with adjustable camera perspectives (top-down or free camera). Real-time combat involves chaining combos and utilizing character-switching mid-battle to strategically manage stamina. This tag-team approach adds depth without penalizing frequent character changes, reminiscent of a stylish anime-infused Pokémon battle system.

Combat demands skillful timing and awareness of enemy attacks. While straightforward encounters are easily handled, challenging opponents require strategic thinking and precise execution, discouraging mindless button-mashing. The diverse roster of characters, each with unique combat styles and moves, ensures a consistently engaging experience. Several characters possess compelling personalities, further enhancing the overall 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 through the official website rewards players with 10 Development Material Boxes, while Google Play pre-registrants receive an exclusive Zero costume.

While it's premature to definitively label Black Beacon a future gacha giant, our initial experience suggests a promising title worthy of further attention.