Droid Gamers: Black Beacon Global Beta Hands-On Experience

In case you missed the recent buzz, the gacha action-RPG *Black Beacon* has launched its global beta test. If you're on the fence about downloading it, don't worry—we've got you covered. We dove into the global beta over the weekend to give you the lowdown on whether *Black Beacon* has the potential to become the next big mobile gacha sensation.

Setting And Story

Let's dive into the setting first. *Black Beacon* is an action RPG gacha game that unfolds within the towering halls of the Library of Babel. This setting draws inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' short story about a universe-sized library containing every conceivable combination of letters. While most books in this vast library are gibberish, it theoretically houses every book ever written.

Black Beacon also incorporates elements from the biblical Tower of Babel, blending Judeo-Christian mythology into its narrative—a refreshing twist from the typical folklore sources. Think of it as a nod to series like Evangelion.

In the game, you step into the shoes of The Seer, waking up in this mysterious place with no memory of how you got there and burdened with a heavy destiny: to become the custodian of the Library of Babel. The other characters seem unsurprised by your arrival but aren't forthcoming with information.

Your presence seems to set off a chain of events, including a monster emerging from the depths, some time-travel antics reminiscent of Doctor Who's River Song, and a menacing clockwork star. You'll need to jump into action immediately to navigate these challenges.

Gameplay

*Black Beacon* offers a 3D free-roaming experience where you can explore areas using either a top-down or a free camera perspective, switching between them easily with touchscreen controls.

The game features a real-time combat system that encourages chaining combos and executing special moves. A standout feature is the ability to switch characters mid-fight or even mid-combo, allowing for strategic tag-team play. Characters on the bench regenerate stamina faster, and there's no penalty for swapping in and out, making it feel like managing a team of anime heroes in a Pokémon-like setting.

Combat in Black Beacon demands attention to timing and enemy cues, making it deep yet accessible. While you can breeze through minor enemies, stronger foes will challenge you to stay focused or face being tossed across the arena.

As a gacha game, Black Beacon offers a variety of characters, each with unique combat styles and moves, ensuring that every new addition feels significant and engaging. Some characters are compelling enough to make you want to delve deeper into their stories.

Playing The Beta

If *Black Beacon* sounds like your cup of tea, you can join the global beta test. Android users can download it from Google Play, while iOS users can test it via TestFlight, though spots are limited. Simply follow the provided link, sign up, and you'll be able to play through the first five chapters.

Considering joining? Don't forget to pre-register. Pre-registering on the official website nets you 10 Development Material Boxes, whereas on Google Play, you'll receive an exclusive costume for Zero.

While it's too early to determine if Black Beacon will become the next big thing in gacha gaming, the beta test has certainly piqued our interest, and we're eager to see how it evolves.