Black Beacon has made its much-anticipated debut on mobile devices, and we've had the privilege of diving into this Mythic Sci-Fi Action RPG ahead of most. Here's our take on this engaging new title.
Black Beacon stands out as an action RPG that prides itself on delivering fast-paced, smooth combat with the unique twist of character-swapping mechanics.
Shh! This Is A Library!
The adventure begins in the Library of Babel, a colossal and enigmatic edifice inspired by the biblical Tower of Babel and Jorge Luis Borges' short story. In this setting, the library contains every conceivable combination of letters, effectively housing every book ever written within its labyrinthine shelves.
You awaken in this mysterious place, unsure of how you arrived, alongside a cast of intriguing characters who share your bewilderment. It seems a great destiny awaits, but you've also got a pressing deadline: a giant spinning orb is set to obliterate everything in 24 hours. Welcome to your first day as a Seer—surrounded by bookshelves and impending doom.
Despite the grim backdrop, the setting and narrative exude a charmingly wild vibe. The library's gibberish books, hints of time travel, and numerous mythological references (watch out for that bird!) plunge you into a deep and engaging story. The game's intent to leave you puzzled is clear, and it succeeds wonderfully.
Send Me In, Coach
Black Beacon offers a dynamic moment-to-moment experience reminiscent of an ARPG dungeon crawler, with a flexible camera viewpoint. Whether you prefer a top-down perspective or a free camera setup that you can adjust with your other hand, the choice is yours. We found the latter more engaging, but it's down to personal taste.
As you navigate the Library's corridors, you'll tackle short, episodic sections, each containing multiple maps. Progressing through these sections requires energy, but the game generously allocates enough to keep you playing.
Your journey involves exploring areas, solving puzzles, uncovering hidden treasures, and battling enemies—distorted remnants of individuals the Library hasn't fully "digested." The combat is both enjoyable and fast-paced, with enough challenge to keep you engaged without feeling like mindless button-mashing. Perfect timing is key; a well-timed dodge grants iframes, and a heavy attack can interrupt an enemy's move, sparing you the need to dodge.
The character-swapping mechanic adds a strategic layer to battles, turning them into tag-team affairs. You can switch out exhausted fighters mid-fight, even mid-attack, to bring in fresh combatants. Mastering this rhythm feels rewarding, though mistiming a dodge can send you flying down the hallway, courtesy of a giant monster.
Characters And Weapon Rolls
As a gacha game, Black Beacon involves rolling for characters and weapons, each tailored to specific characters. Both can be leveled up, and although managing the various resources can be complex, much of the process can be automated for ease.
You may encounter characters via the gacha before meeting them in the storyline, a nod to the game's convoluted time flow, adding an extra layer of variety to your experience.
Overall, Black Beacon is a quirky gacha game with an ambitious narrative and solid gameplay mechanics. We're eager to see how it evolves post-launch.
If this sounds like your kind of game—or if you're intrigued by the idea of living in a giant library—check out Black Beacon on the official website, App Store, or Google Play.
