Lecture Notes: Black Beacon - An Underrated Gotcha Game

Introduction

• Presenter: Psyche
• Discussion on "Black Beacon," released in 2025.
• Claims it is an underdog in recent gotcha game releases.
• Focus on gameplay progression, gotcha mechanics, and monetization.

Initial Drawbacks

• No official PC client and bans on PC emulators.
• Action-intensive gameplay challenging without keyboard/controller.
• Presenter circumvented by using a Red Magic 10 Pro phone.

Red Magic 10 Air

• Sponsored by Red Magic.
• Key features:
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
  • 120 Hz refresh rate.
  • Liquid metal cooling.
  • Up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage.
  • 6000 mAh battery, 80W fast charging.
  • Shoulder triggers, Red Magic game space, charge separation feature.

Development & Release

• Developed by Mingo Technology; first major project.
• Released on April 10th, no PC port yet.

Story Overview

• Protagonist is an amnesiac seeking their past.
• Given a keepsake to explore the "Library of Babel."
• Encounter with a giant monster and future catastrophe.
• Time travel element to prevent tower's destruction.
• Story praised for intriguing twists and world-building.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Action RPG, top-down perspective with optional third-person view.
• Skills: Normal attack, two skills, an alt, and character swapping.
• Unique character playstyles and environment designs.
• Polished UI, artwork, and sound design.

Voiceovers & Progression

• English and Chinese voiceovers; Japanese for menus/combat.
• Six story chapters available at launch, not gated by progression.
• Stamina system and level gating for certain features.
• Character and weapon leveling and ascension mechanics.

Ancient Mark & RNG Mechanics

• Grid-based system for marks, similar to reverse 1999's resonance mechanic.
• RNG involved but less aggressive than full-on relic systems.

Gotcha & Monetization

• Character rarity: four and five stars.
• Five-star drop rate: 1%, hard pity at 70 pulls.
• Weapon banner with better drop rates and selection.
• Monetization includes Welkin, battle pass, and skins.
• Competitive pricing; skins affordable relative to norm.

Content & Launch

• Rich content available at launch, multiple events, and game modes.
• Issues at launch: login, technical issues, performance, and battery drain.

Wishlist & Conclusion

• Need for an official PC port.
• Optimization improvements needed.
• Praised for story, gameplay, and content.
• Presenter plans to continue playing and recommends trying it.

Final Thoughts

• Black Beacon viewed as a well-executed game with minor launch issues.
• Presenter rates it as "Play it" for its unique execution and potential niche audience support.

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