Black Beacon Global Beta: A Hands-On Look at This Gacha Action-RPG
Black Beacon, the gacha action-RPG, recently launched its global beta test. Intrigued? We played the beta to see if it lives up to the hype.
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 backdrop, a departure from typical fantasy settings. Think Evangelion-esque mythology.
Players assume the role of The Seer, inexplicably transported to the Library and burdened with its custodianship. The Seer's arrival triggers significant events: a monstrous emergence from the depths, time-travel anomalies, and a looming threat from a clockwork star. The narrative is intriguing, though characters are initially tight-lipped.
Gameplay
Black Beacon offers 3D free-roaming exploration with adjustable camera perspectives (top-down or free camera). Real-time combat features combo attacks and strategic character switching mid-battle. This tag-team system allows benched characters to regenerate stamina, encouraging dynamic team management, similar to a more anime-styled Pokémon experience.
Combat demands timing and awareness of enemy patterns. While straightforward against weaker foes, tougher opponents require careful observation to avoid being tossed across the arena. The diverse character roster, each with unique combat styles, ensures engaging gameplay variety. Several characters boast compelling personalities, adding depth to the 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 available on the official website (10 Development Material Boxes) and Google Play (exclusive Zero costume).
While it's premature to definitively label Black Beacon a "blockbuster," its unique setting, engaging combat, and intriguing characters make it a promising title worth exploring.
