Black Beacon has made its grand entrance onto mobile devices, but we got our hands on it before most! We've had the privilege of diving into this Mythic Sci-Fi Action RPG, and we're excited to share our thoughts with you.
Black Beacon is an action RPG that prides itself on its fast-paced, smooth combat, enhanced by a unique character-swapping feature.
Shh! This Is A Library!
The game starts in the Library of Babel, a vast and enigmatic structure drawing inspiration from both the biblical Tower of Babel, a symbol of man's ambition to reach heaven, and Jorge Luis Borges' short story, where the library contains every possible combination of letters, thus housing every conceivable book within its walls.
You awaken in this mysterious place, unsure of how you arrived, surrounded by a cast of vibrant characters who are equally puzzled. It seems you're destined for greatness, but there's a catch: a giant spinning orb threatens to obliterate everyone within twenty-four hours. Welcome to your first day as a Seer! Hope you enjoy bookshelves.
Despite the humor, the setting and storyline exude a wild charm. The concept of a library filled with nonsensical books, time travel, and numerous mythology references (we won't spoil them, but keep an eye on that peculiar bird) plunges you into a narrative whirlwind. The confusion is intentional, and it works wonderfully, immersing you fully into the experience.
Send Me In, Coach
Black Beacon's gameplay is a thrilling blend of ARPG and dungeon crawler elements, with a customizable camera perspective. You can opt for a top-down view or a free camera setup, which we preferred, though it's a matter of personal taste.
As you navigate the Library's corridors, the story unfolds in short, episodic segments, each containing multiple maps. Progressing through sections requires energy, but the game is quite generous, allowing ample playtime.
Your journey involves exploring areas, solving puzzles, discovering hidden treasures, and battling enemies—distorted entities described as remnants of individuals the Library hasn't fully "digested".
Combat is enjoyable and brisk, requiring a bit of button-mashing but remaining engaging. Timing is key: a perfectly timed dodge grants invincibility frames, while a well-placed heavy attack can interrupt an enemy's move, sparing you the need to dodge.
The character-swapping mechanic adds depth to battles, turning them into strategic tag-team encounters. You can switch out tired fighters mid-fight, keeping your team fresh and effective. Mastering this rhythm feels rewarding, though mistiming a dodge can lead to being hurled down the hallway by 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 can be overwhelming, much of the management can be automated.
You might encounter characters via the gacha before meeting them in the story, adding a layer of variety to your experience. The convoluted flow of time in the game's narrative supports this dynamic.
In conclusion, Black Beacon stands out as a quirky gacha game with an ambitious, esoteric story. Its solid gameplay complements the narrative well, and we're eager to see how it evolves post-launch.
Does this sound like your kind of game? Or perhaps a fascinating row of shelves in the immense library you inhabit? If so, you can explore Black Beacon right now through its official website, the App Store, or Google Play.
