In case you missed the latest buzz, the action-packed gacha RPG, Black Beacon, has launched its global beta test. If you're on the fence about diving in, we've got you covered. Our team spent the weekend exploring the beta to determine if Black Beacon has the potential to be the next big mobile gacha sensation.

Setting and Story

Let's delve into the setting first. Black Beacon is an action RPG gacha game set in the grand halls of the Library of Babel. This setting draws inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' short story, which envisions a world as a vast library containing every conceivable combination of letters. Most of these books are gibberish, but hidden within are all the books ever written. The game's Library of Babel also incorporates elements from the biblical Tower of Babel, weaving in Judeo-Christian mythology and biblical references, a refreshing twist from typical folklore themes.

In Black Beacon, you step into the shoes of The Seer, a classic gacha protagonist who awakens in an unfamiliar place with no memory of arrival. You're thrust into a significant role as the new custodian of the mysterious Library of Babel. The other characters seem nonchalant about your presence, yet they're tight-lipped about crucial details.

Your arrival triggers a dramatic shift in the Library, unleashing a monster from the depths. Coupled with time-travel antics reminiscent of Doctor Who's River Song and a menacing clockwork star, you'll need to act swiftly to navigate these challenges.

Now, let's shift our focus to the gameplay of Black Beacon.

Gameplay

Black Beacon offers a 3D free-roaming experience, allowing you to explore areas using either a top-down or free camera perspective, easily switchable via touchscreen controls. The game features a real-time combat system that emphasizes chaining combos and executing moves. A unique aspect is the encouragement of mid-fight character switching, even during combos, which adds a strategic layer to battles.

The tag team strategy enables benched characters to regenerate stamina faster, and there's no penalty for swapping, giving you the freedom to manage your team like a gacha version of Pokémon with anime characters. Combat demands attention to timing and enemy cues, making it deep yet accessible. While you can breeze through weaker enemies, more formidable foes will challenge you to stay focused or face being knocked across the arena.

As a gacha game, Black Beacon boasts a variety of characters, each with distinct combat styles and moves, ensuring that every new addition feels impactful. Some characters are intriguing enough to foster a desire to learn more about them.

Playing the Beta

If Black Beacon piques your interest, you can join the global beta test. Android users can access it through Google Play, while iOS users can participate via TestFlight, though spots are limited. Simply follow the link, sign up, and download the game to experience the first five chapters.

If you enjoy 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 premature to declare Black Beacon as the next big thing in gacha gaming, but we're eager to see how it evolves.