Black Beacon Global Beta: Droid Gamers' Hands-On

Black Beacon, the gacha action-RPG, recently launched its global beta test, and we dove in headfirst to see if it lives up to the hype. Intrigued? Read on!

Setting and Story

The game unfolds within the enigmatic Library of Babel, a setting inspired by Jorge Luis Borges' short story. This isn't your average library; it's a vast, labyrinthine structure referencing both Borges' literary concept and the biblical Tower of Babel, blending Judeo-Christian mythology with a unique narrative flair. You play as The Seer, thrust into this strange world with a weighty destiny: becoming the new custodian of the Library of Babel.

Your arrival triggers unforeseen events. A monstrous creature emerges from the depths, time-travel shenanigans ensue (think *Doctor Who*'s River Song), and a clockwork star threatens everything. Safe to say, you'll be busy.

Gameplay

Black Beacon offers a 3D free-roaming experience with adjustable camera perspectives (top-down or free camera). Real-time combat is hack-and-slash focused, rewarding combo execution and strategic character switching. This tag-team system allows benched characters to regenerate stamina quickly, encouraging dynamic team management—think *Pokémon*, but with anime-style characters.

Combat is engaging, requiring timing and awareness of enemy patterns. While straightforward for weaker enemies, tougher foes demand attention to avoid getting tossed across the arena. The diverse roster of characters, each with unique combat styles, ensures that each addition feels impactful and refreshing. Several characters even possess compelling personalities that you'll genuinely want to get to know.

Playing the Beta

Ready to dive in? The global beta is available on Google Play (Android) and TestFlight (iOS, limited spots). Download and play the first five chapters. Pre-register via the official website for 10 Development Material Boxes, or grab an exclusive Zero costume through Google Play.

While it's early days, Black Beacon shows considerable promise. We're eager to see if it can become the next big gacha hit.