Droid Gamers: Hands On With The Black Beacon Global Beta

News flash: the gacha action-RPG, *Black Beacon*, just launched its global beta test! Unsure if it's worth your time? We dove in headfirst to see if *Black Beacon* has what it takes to be the next mobile gacha giant.

Setting and Story

The game unfolds within the awe-inspiring Library of Babel—a nod to Jorge Luis Borges's short story about a library containing every possible book. This isn't your average library; it draws inspiration from the biblical Tower of Babel, blending Judeo-Christian mythology with a unique, intriguing atmosphere. Think *Evangelion* meets a fantastical library.

You play as The Seer, awakening in this strange place with a weighty destiny: you're the new custodian of the Library of Babel. Your arrival triggers significant changes, including a monstrous emergence from the depths, time-traveling shenanigans, and a ticking clockwork star threatening everything. It's a fast-paced, intriguing setup.

Gameplay

*Black Beacon* offers a 3D free-roaming experience with adjustable camera perspectives (top-down or free camera). The real-time combat is a satisfying blend of hack-and-slash action, combo chaining, and strategic character switching. Switching characters mid-combat, even mid-combo, is encouraged, allowing benched characters to regenerate stamina quickly. It's a fluid system, reminiscent of a stylish *Pokémon* battle, but with a deeper emphasis on timing and reading enemy cues.

The gacha element introduces a diverse roster of characters, each with unique combat styles and moves. Beyond their combat prowess, several characters have engaging personalities, making them fun to collect and interact with.

Playing the Beta

Intrigued? The global beta is available now! Android users can download via Google Play, while iOS users can join the limited TestFlight beta. Simply follow the link and sign up to play the first five chapters. Pre-registering on the official website nets you 10 Development Material Boxes, while Google Play pre-registrants receive an exclusive costume for Zero.

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