In case you missed the announcement, the gacha action-RPG *Black Beacon* has recently launched its global beta test. Wondering whether it's worth diving in? We've got you covered. We spent the weekend exploring the global beta to determine if *Black Beacon* is poised to become the next big hit in the mobile gacha gaming scene.

Setting and Story

Let's dive into the setting first. *Black Beacon* is an action RPG gacha game set within the expansive halls of the Library of Babel. This setting draws inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' short story of the same name, which envisions a world as a vast library containing every possible combination of letters. Most of these books are nonsensical, but due to the laws of probability, it also houses every conceivable book, including all known human literature.

The game's Library of Babel also incorporates elements from the biblical Tower of Babel, intended to reach the heavens. The narrative weaves in Judeo-Christian mythology and biblical references, offering a fresh take compared to other folklore-based games. Fans of *Evangelion* will appreciate this unique blend.

In *Black Beacon*, you assume the role of The Seer, a typical gacha protagonist who awakens in this mysterious location without any memory of how they arrived. You're immediately burdened with a significant destiny as the new custodian of the Library of Babel. The other characters seem unfazed by your presence but are quite reticent with information.

Your arrival catalyzes a significant shift in the Library, not all of which is positive. A monstrous entity begins to emerge from the depths, and with elements of time travel reminiscent of *Doctor Who* and a menacing clockwork star threatening your existence, you'll need to act swiftly.

That's enough about the story for now. Let's delve into the gameplay of *Black Beacon*.

Gameplay

*Black Beacon* offers a 3D free-roaming experience, allowing you to explore areas using either a top-down or free camera perspective, switchable via pinch controls on your touchscreen. The game features a real-time combat system characterized by chaining combos and executing moves. A unique feature encourages mid-fight or mid-combo character switching, which enhances the strategic element.

The tag team strategy lets benched characters regenerate stamina faster, and there's no penalty for swapping in and out, giving you the freedom to manage your team like a gacha version of *Pokemon* with anime-style characters. Combat is about timing and reading enemy cues, offering depth without becoming a mindless button-mashing fest. While you can easily handle regular enemies, more formidable foes will challenge your focus and strategy.

As a gacha game, *Black Beacon* boasts a variety of characters, each with distinct combat styles and moves, ensuring that each new character adds meaningful variety to your gameplay experience. Some characters are intriguing enough to make you want to explore their stories further.

Playing the Beta

If this 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 participate through TestFlight, though spots are limited. Simply follow the provided link, sign up, and you'll be able to play through the first five chapters.

If you're enjoying the beta, consider pre-registering. Doing so via the official website grants you 10 Development Material Boxes, while Google Play pre-registration offers an exclusive costume for Zero.

It's still early days to crown *Black Beacon* as the next big thing in gacha gaming, but we're keen to see how it evolves.