Black Beacon: A Hands-On Look at the Global Beta Test 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 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 references creates a compelling and unusual backdrop, a refreshing change from typical fantasy settings.
Players assume the role of The Seer, inexplicably awakened in the Library with a significant destiny: becoming the new custodian of this vast and mysterious place. The arrival of The Seer triggers significant changes, including a monstrous emergence from the depths, time-travel elements reminiscent of Doctor Who's River Song, and a looming threat from a clockwork star.
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 utilizing character-specific moves. A unique feature encourages mid-combat character switching, allowing benched characters to regenerate stamina faster. This tag-team system adds strategic depth without penalizing frequent swaps, creating a dynamic and engaging battle system.
Combat demands timing and awareness of enemy patterns, preventing mindless button-mashing. While easier enemies are manageable, tougher opponents require strategic thinking and skillful maneuvering. The diverse roster of characters, each with unique combat styles and moves, ensures that acquiring new characters feels impactful and rewarding. Several characters possess compelling personalities that encourage player engagement.
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 via 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.
