Black Beacon has officially made its way to mobile platforms, but we got the chance to experience it a bit ahead of the curve. Lucky us—we've had hands-on time with this mythic sci-fi action RPG and can’t wait to share our thoughts.
At its core, *Black Beacon* is an action RPG that delivers fast-paced, fluid combat enhanced by a dynamic character-swapping mechanic. It’s designed for players who appreciate deep storytelling fused with responsive gameplay, all wrapped in a uniquely stylized world.
Shh! This Is A Library!
The game opens inside the enigmatic Library of Babel—a sprawling structure inspired by both the biblical Tower of Babel and the philosophical short story by Jorge Luis Borges, where the library contains every possible combination of letters, meaning every book ever written exists somewhere within its endless halls.
You awaken here with no memory of how you arrived, joining a cast of eccentric characters who are equally confused. Seems like you're destined for something big—though there's also a ticking clock: everyone's going to be wiped out by a massive, spinning orb in exactly 24 hours. Welcome to your first mission as a Seer!
While that may sound intense, there's a surreal charm to the setting. From cryptic books filled with nonsense text to time travel and mythological nods (and yes, that bird is definitely hiding something), the narrative throws you into the unknown—and it works. If you’re feeling lost, don't worry—that’s part of the journey.
Send Me In, Coach
Moment-to-moment, *Black Beacon* plays like a dungeon-crawling ARPG with flexible camera controls. You can choose between a top-down view or a free camera mode, which lets you adjust the angle using your second hand. While personal preference will dictate your choice, we found the latter more immersive and easier to navigate during combat.
Progression takes place through the labyrinthine corridors of the Library, broken into short, episodic chapters. Each chapter features multiple maps and requires energy-based mechanics to access. That said, we found the energy system quite forgiving, allowing extended play sessions without excessive grinding.
As you explore, you’ll solve puzzles, uncover hidden treasure chests, and battle twisted entities—remnants of those not fully consumed by the Library. These encounters keep things engaging, offering variety beyond simple enemy waves.
Combat That Keeps You Sharp
The combat system is one of *Black Beacon*’s strongest points. It’s fast, satisfying, and just complex enough to avoid feeling mindless. Button-mashing might get you through early fights, but mastering timing is key to survival.
A well-timed dodge grants invincibility frames, giving you a split-second window to counter. Landing a heavy attack on an enemy mid-charge interrupts their move, potentially saving you from taking damage. It’s a rewarding loop that keeps you engaged and encourages improvement.
The character-swap mechanic adds another layer of strategy. You can swap fighters mid-combat, making battles feel like a tag-team affair. Swap out a tired character—even mid-attack—for a fresh one. Once you get the hang of it, it feels great… until you mistime a dodge and get flung down the hall by a hulking monster.
Characters & Weapon Rolls
As expected from a gacha title, *Black Beacon* includes a character and weapon pull system. Characters have corresponding weapons that enhance their effectiveness, and both can be leveled up. There are numerous resources involved in progression, though many systems offer automation to reduce busywork.
It’s worth noting that you may encounter certain characters via gacha before meeting them in-game. Given the nonlinear flow of time in the story, this oddity actually fits the theme, adding to the overall mystique and variety.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, *Black Beacon* stands out as a unique entry in the gacha genre. Its esoteric storytelling, combined with solid and responsive combat, makes for a compelling experience. Whether you're drawn in by the mystery of the Library of Babel or the thrill of real-time combat, this game offers plenty to sink your teeth into.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure—or if you just enjoy exploring vast digital libraries filled with secrets—you should check out *Black Beacon* today. Download it now via the [official website](https://www.blackbeacon.com), App Store, or Google Play.