Black Beacon has just arrived on mobile devices, and we've had the privilege of diving into this Mythic Sci-Fi Action RPG ahead of its wider release. We're excited to share our insights on this intriguing game.
Black Beacon is an action RPG that prides itself on its fast, fluid combat, seamlessly integrating character-swapping mechanics into the gameplay.
Shh! This Is A Library!
The adventure begins in the Library of Babel, a vast and enigmatic setting inspired by the biblical Tower of Babel and Jorge Luis Borges' short story. In this narrative, the library houses every conceivable combination of letters, thus containing every book ever written. Awakening in this mysterious place with no memory of how you arrived, you join a colorful cast of characters who are equally puzzled about their presence here. You're destined for greatness, but there's a catch: a giant spinning orb threatens to obliterate everyone within 24 hours. Welcome to your first day as a Seer—hope you're ready for some intense bookshelf action!
Despite the humor, the setting and story exude a charmingly wild vibe. The library filled with nonsensical books, time travel, and numerous mythological references (we won't spoil too much, but keep an eye on that bird) plunge you into a deep narrative. If you find yourself confused, that's part of the experience, and we believe that's exactly what the developers intended.
Send Me In, Coach
Black Beacon offers a moment-to-moment experience reminiscent of an ARPG dungeon crawler, with a customizable camera viewpoint. You can opt for a top-down perspective or a free camera setup, adjusting the view with your other hand. We found the latter more engaging, though it's largely a matter of personal preference.
As you navigate the Library's corridors, you progress through the story, which is divided into short, episodic sections, each containing several maps. Accessing these sections requires energy, but the game is quite generous with this resource, allowing ample playtime.
Your journey involves exploring areas, solving puzzles, hunting for hidden treasure chests, and battling enemies—distorted entities that are remnants of individuals the Library has 'not fully digested.' The combat is fast-paced and somewhat button-mashy, yet it remains challenging enough to keep you engaged. Timing is crucial; a perfectly timed dodge grants you invincibility frames, while a well-placed heavy attack can interrupt an enemy's move, sparing you the need to dodge.
The game's character-swap mechanic adds a dynamic layer to battles, allowing you to switch characters mid-fight. This tag-team approach lets you bench tired fighters and bring in fresh ones, even during an attack. Mastering this rhythm can be satisfying, though mistiming a dodge might send you flying down the hallway courtesy of a giant monster.
Characters And Weapon Rolls
As a gacha game, Black Beacon features a system for acquiring characters and weapons, with weapons tailored to specific characters. Both can be leveled up, and while the variety of resources required can be extensive, the game offers automation to streamline the process.
You may encounter characters through the gacha before meeting them in the story, adding an element of variety and unpredictability. The convoluted flow of time in the game serves this purpose well.
In summary, Black Beacon is a unique gacha game that aims to weave a more esoteric narrative, supported by solid gameplay mechanics. We're eager to see how the game evolves post-launch.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, or if you're intrigued by the idea of living in a giant library, you can explore Black Beacon now on the official website, App Store, or Google Play.
