EZRetro Plays

Tag: Gacha Games

  • Kaiju No. 8 Mobile Review

    Kaiju No. 8 Mobile Review

    After Black Beacon announced that it would end service on global servers, I honestly thought it was time for me to take a break from mobile gaming and just go back to retro titles. Funny, but that’s how it felt.

    I was genuinely excited for the world Black Beacon promised to build, only for the game to fizzle out before anything meaningful even happened. I had already uninstalled it before the November 4 announcement because something told me it wasn’t going to last.

    So I shifted gears, binge-watched anime for a while, and decided that for my next mobile review, I’d explore anime-licensed games instead.

    I downloaded several of them—from Tokyo Ghoul to One Punch Man: World to Lord of Nazarick. But out of everything I tried, Kaiju No. 8 stood out immediately.

    Kaiju no. 8 anime cover art

    Co-produced by Akatsuki Games, TOHO, and Production I.G, the game’s visual identity screams anime from the first loading screen.

    What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed it—even if it’s a turn-based gacha. I’ve played my share of gachas, but enjoying a turn-based one this much? Definitely unexpected. Looking back, I kind of wish I had played this in September instead of putting my hopes on Black Beacon.

    Kaiju no. 8 the game loading logo

    A big part of why Kaiju No. 8 hits differently is because each studio contributes something meaningful. Production I.G injects the anime DNA—the sharp expressions, the cinematic cut-ins, the pacing.

    Godzilla

    TOHO, being the veteran behind Godzilla and practically every iconic kaiju, gives the monsters and world that familiar, polished feel you don’t see in most mobile games.

    Akatsuki games co-produced a number of character driven games like Romancing Saga Re Universe

    Meanwhile, Akatsuki Games, known for character-focused mobile titles, brings progression systems that make each character feel more than just a unit to level up. Combined with the turn-based format, the whole thing ends up feeling less like a cash grab and more like a continuation of the anime and manga.

    Everything, from the lore to the presentation is steeped in Kaiju No. 8’s world, and it will hook fans of the series as well as anyone who loves the military-vs-monster genre.

    Visuals and Presentation

    Visually, Kaiju No. 8 captures the anime look effortlessly. The character models are crisp, the animations have personality, and the overall art direction sticks close to the vibe of the show.

    The only small nitpick is that character lips don’t move during dialogue, but with how good the voice delivery is, you stop noticing almost instantly. The style and presentation are strong enough to carry the immersion without any problem.

    Gacha and Progression

    Gacha tab in kaiju no. 8

    Kaiju No. 8 is still a gacha game, and yes, pulls can feel unfair. With only a limited number of characters and SSR weapons available at a time, it really can feel like the game throws more junk at you than anything actually useful.

    But the story and content pull their own weight, so even when the gacha frustrates you, there’s always something to go back to.

    Sometimes it even feels like you’re pulling just to complete achievements instead of genuinely wanting the units, because once you’re done rolling, you’ll probably jump straight back into the content anyway.

    The turn-based combat can get repetitive if you blast through it nonstop, but at a steady pace, it stays enjoyable and the grind becomes rewarding rather than tiring.

    Gameplay and Content

    Kaiju No. 8’s structure is built around multiple modes, each focusing on different aspects of the story and characters.

    Main Story

    The main story is pretty substantial. It features six episodes, each divided into stages from Episode 0 to Episode 5. As far as I can tell, this storyline is original and made specifically for the game.

    What’s impressive is how committed the developers are to giving fans something worth reading. With the anime having just ended Season 2, fans are craving more material while waiting for Season 3, and this game fills that gap nicely.

    I haven’t read the manga, so I can’t tell which parts are adapted from it, but the writing fits the Kaiju No. 8 universe well.

    Memory Stages

    Memory Stages tackle key moments from the anime. These aren’t direct retellings of Season 1 or 2, but condensed highlight episodes that cover Kafka gaining his kaiju abilities all the way to the Season 1 finale where he gets captured. No spoilers, but these scenes are faithful enough that anime fans will recognize everything instantly. It’s a great way to relive the show inside the game.

    Character Stories

    Every time you get a new character through the gacha, the game unlocks their set of character stories. These are short, text-based segments that explore their personalities more. Each character has three episodes, and reading through them gives small rewards and sometimes wallpapers you can use on your home screen. They don’t affect gameplay, but they add charm and deepen the world-building, which I really enjoyed.

    JAKDF Messages and Special Requests

    JAKDF Messages act like a group chat where the characters interact with Kafka (you). The responses are linear, but the writing is entertaining and helps flesh out character dynamics.

    This mode is also tied to Special Requests, which give you extra battles to raise your team rank and player rank.

    As a free-to-play player, my only difficulty spike happened around level 40. I had to grind materials for about two days to push my team up to level 90 and break through the wall. I was tempted to spend money, but the game is generous enough with farming that you can progress without paying.

    One thing I forgot to mention is expedition mode. It’s like a idle game where you clear out endless waves that can earn you supplies and energy for when you log out.

    Right now, I’ve cleared the main story and memory content and am waiting for the next version update, which should drop soon. If the developers keep this pace, I’ll be playing this game for quite a while.

    My only concern is whether future characters will be locked behind season passes or paid-only packs, but that’s something I’ll revisit when more content arrives.

    Performance and Sound

    With three studios backing this project, the sound design is exactly what you’d expect: sharp, clean, and fitting. The voice lines are delivered with emotion and energy, and one detail I appreciated is how each character says a line when switching in for a follow-up attack.

    Sometimes the line changes too, which keeps it from sounding repetitive. It’s a small touch, but a really smart one.

    Performance-wise, some mid-range phones reportedly experience overheating during long sessions. I didn’t encounter this personally because I usually stick to low graphic settings.

    Even on low, the game looks good and runs smoothly for me. So depending on your device, tweaking the settings a bit might be all you need for a stable experience.

    Final Verdict

    Should you play Kaiju No. 8 on mobile?

    If you’re a fan of Kaiju No. 8 or just looking for a polished anime-based game that doesn’t feel like a lazy tie-in, then yes—absolutely play it. This is one of the few anime mobile games that actually tries. TOHO brings the kaiju legacy, Production I.G brings the anime DNA, and Akatsuki brings the character-driven systems that make the whole thing feel alive. It’s a strong combination that pays off.

    The content is substantial, the story is engaging, and even when the gacha pulls annoy you, there’s always something interesting to dive back into. The turn-based gameplay can get dull when rushed, but at a steady pace, it becomes a satisfying grind.

    With more updates on the horizon and the next version coming soon, Kaiju No. 8 is shaping up to be one of the better anime mobile games out there. I’ll definitely be sticking with it.

  • Black Beacon Review — A Story-Driven Gem That’s Hanging by a Thread

    Black Beacon Review — A Story-Driven Gem That’s Hanging by a Thread

    When Black Beacon was first announced, I was instantly hyped—especially after finding out that some of the creative team behind Punishing: Gray Raven were involved. That game first launched in China in December 2019 and reached global audiences in July 2021, and I remember enjoying its first few months immensely. PGR nailed the gacha mechanics and combat loop better than most of its peers—it was stylish, rewarding, and far less predatory than Genshin Impact or that horrendous Pokémon Unite mobile system.

    So when Black Beacon finally released globally on April 10, 2025, I jumped in right away. At first, though, the experience was rough—plagued with crashes and slowdowns on my phone. I uninstalled it after a day, telling myself I’d return once the devs ironed things out. Fast-forward a few months later, and Black Beacon was suddenly all over YouTube—mostly for the wrong reasons.

    Content creators were posting about delays, development troubles, and missed updates, while community rumors spread that the devs had moved offices and that the game had no clear roadmap. Despite the negativity, I noticed that those videos were getting heavy backlash from loyal fans, which made me curious enough to reinstall the game and see for myself.

    And honestly? I wish I hadn’t waited so long.

    Story-a mix of theology and science

    What immediately stood out to me was the story. Black Beacon blends biblical myth, ancient history, and dystopian science fiction into a world that feels mysterious but strangely familiar. You’ll encounter themes pulled from the Tower of Babel, King Herod, and even the Morning Star, alongside nods to ancient rulers like King Darius and Akhenaten, the Egyptian pharaoh who tried to shift polytheism into monotheism.

    While some names and details have been changed to fit the game’s narrative, the historical parallels are clear. It’s the kind of writing that makes you pause and go, “Wait, I know that story.” For history buffs, these subtle references feel like Easter eggs woven into a mobile game, and that’s what hooked me the most.

    Zero, one of the game’s central figures, really anchors the experience. Her emotionless voice acting adds an air of class and restraint that fits the tone perfectly—it’s haunting but elegant. I’ll admit, I’m sorely tempted to whale just for the voice and the visuals alone.

    Visuals — Class in Every Frame

    The visuals of Black Beacon scream class. The thin golden hue that overlays much of the UI and backgrounds gives everything a luxurious, polished look. Character designs strike a fine balance between modern sci-fi and mythic elegance, while the environment design creates this sense of divine decay—a civilization that fell from grace but still gleams faintly in the dark.

    Every cutscene feels cinematic, with beautifully rendered models and subtle camera movement that make even dialogue scenes captivating. Simply put, this is one of the most visually cohesive mobile titles I’ve seen all year.

    Sound & Voice Acting — Emotionless, but with Intent

    Audio design is where Black Beacon truly elevates itself. The soundtrack mixes orchestral swells with ambient tones that feel otherworldly. Voice performances are top-tier, especially Zero’s. Her cold, detached delivery contrasts perfectly with the chaos of the world around her. It’s a masterclass in restraint—proof that not all emotional impact needs to be loud or dramatic.

    Gameplay — Smooth, Stylish, but Familiar

    If you’ve played Punishing: Gray Raven or Zenless Zone Zero, you’ll feel right at home. Black Beacon delivers fast-paced action combat with sleek animations, combo-driven mechanics, and fluid dodge timing. Each character moves with a sense of weight and precision, and switching mid-combo feels seamless.

    It’s responsive and cinematic, but not particularly groundbreaking—it follows the tried-and-true rhythm of stylish action titles, just polished to a shine. Still, the mix of flashy ultimates, well-choreographed boss fights, and challenging stages keeps things engaging even during grind-heavy segments.

    Gacha System — Surprisingly Fair

    Here’s where Black Beacon earns points: the gacha system isn’t predatory. Rates are decent, pity carries over, and premium currency isn’t locked behind extreme paywalls. It’s similar to early Punishing: Gray Raven, where free players could realistically build competitive teams through smart resource use.

    Performance — Still Needs Work

    Unfortunately, performance remains a sore point. Even months after launch, some mobile players (myself included) still experience crashes or frame drops on certain devices. There’s no official PC client, though some players have managed to run it on third-party emulators. This lack of proper PC support limits the audience and may hurt the game’s longevity.

    Community & Concerns — Is Black Beacon Bound for EOS?

    Even with its brilliance, Black Beacon is facing an uphill battle. Players on Reddit and Discord are worried that the game might face an early End of Service (EOS) if things don’t stabilize soon.

    “They said the new version will be delayed to mid-October. So we either get that or (more likely) an EOS announcement very soon.”
    — r/gachagaming

    “The story is really good. I’m sticking around until EoS and hopefully they get to finish it.”
    — r/gachagaming

    “I absolutely love the game! … I can’t ignore the doomposting, but games have been worse and survived.”
    — r/Black_Beacon

    With Version 1.3 still nowhere to be seen, the concern feels legitimate. Delays, dev silence, and lack of updates have left the community anxious, even though the story and presentation remain strong.

    As for me? I think we’ll just have to wait and see. If the developers can steady the ship and communicate clearly, Black Beacon still has a shot. But if things don’t settle soon—if the devs can’t get their act together—I believe this one might flatline eventually, which would be a shame. There’s so much potential here, but the lack of new content and PC support could break the game for sure.

    Verdict

    Black Beacon is one of those rare mobile games that genuinely feels artful. The story has soul, the visuals have identity, and the sound design ties it all together. It’s a modern myth, a digital scripture painted in gold and shadow.

    But brilliance can only carry a game so far. If the developers don’t bring stability and fresh updates soon, even the most loyal players will drift away.

    For now, though, Black Beacon stands as a stylish, story-driven masterpiece in danger of fading too soon—a bright flame in the dark, waiting for someone to keep it burning.

  • Why I Keep Coming Back to Fire Emblem Heroes

    Why I Keep Coming Back to Fire Emblem Heroes

    There are games you play once and move on from, and then there are games you always find yourself coming back to, no matter how casually. For me, Fire Emblem Heroes falls in that second category. I don’t grind every event or chase every new unit, but even after all these years,

    I still return to it every now and then. To explain why, I need to go back a bit—back to where my connection with Fire Emblem really started.

    The spark that got me hooked

    Fire emblem 4 Genealogy of the holy war Snes box Art

    When Fire Emblem Heroes first came out back in 2017, it immediately caught my attention. I went out of my way just to find a way to download it.

    Seliph, one of the main characters in fire emblem 4 (image from fire emblem heroes)

    Being a longtime fan of the series, it felt like something I couldn’t miss out on. My history with Fire Emblem goes way back to childhood with Fire Emblem 4, which many still call one of the greatest entries in terms of story. But for me, the moment I really got invested in the franchise was during my college years.

    My college fire emblem grind

    Fire emblem the blazing blade Hector gameplay (GBA)

    I still remember sitting in my dorm room, skipping out on social gatherings, and just spending hours on my laptop running GBA Fire Emblem games through an emulator. Weekends would vanish as I replayed campaigns, mixed and matched different character supports, and dove into their backstories. That was my comfort zone—me, my desk, and the world of Fire Emblem.


    The one that almost ended it all

    Robin, female version of protagonist in fire emblem awakening (fire emblem heroes)

    Of course, I missed a few entries along the way, like Path of Radiance on the GameCube, since I never owned one. But I was always reading up on the series, watching how things were unfolding. When news spread online that Fire Emblem Awakening was in development, I followed it closely.

    What stood out to me was that this game was being built as a “make or break” moment for the franchise. The team basically poured everything into it, and in my opinion, the game is both approachable for newcomers and and exceeded expectations for old fans like myself.

    Fire emblem awakening 3ds box art

    When Awakening finally dropped on the 3DS, the reviews were incredible. Never in my life had I wanted a 3DS so badly—but being a fresh young adult, money was tight.

    Handhelds were expensive, I was just starting to work, and whatever spare cash I had usually went into my side hobby of collecting PSPs. (For the record, I had the fat PSP, the 2000, and my most painful purchase ever—the PSP 3000 that I bricked within a day trying to install custom firmware. If you know, you know.)

    Finally getting to play awakening

    Fire emblem awakening gameplay (citra emulator)

    It wasn’t until years later, when the Citra emulator became stable enough, that I finally got to play Awakening on mobile. Sure, it was laggy, it crashed a lot, and cutscenes were a gamble—but I pushed through and loved every second of it. That led me down the line to Fire Emblem Fates and Echoes, and by then, my love for the series had reignited in full.

    Enter Fire Emblem Heroes

    Fire emblem Heroes home screen

    So when Fire Emblem Heroes launched, I had to try it. The timing wasn’t great for me—I had spotty internet, and the game requires a stable connection—but even then, I was hooked. The story chapters pulled me in, and the gacha system felt surprisingly fair.

    Fire emblem heroes summon screen

    Summoning only costs 5 orbs, and if you go for a full five-pull on a banner, the cost per pull actually drops. On top of that, the game gives out free summon tickets and even first-pull freebies on banners. It never felt like it was pushing me to spend, which is rare for a mobile game (and believe me, I’ve played a lot of mobile gacha games).

    Why I’m still here after 8 years

    Fire emblem heroes map battle screen

    Now, don’t get me wrong—Heroes still has its challenges. Some maps definitely require you to know your tactics, and yes, there’s always the option to whale and max out top-tier characters. But I’ve been playing casually for over eight years now—since February 2017, without spending a single cent—and I’m still enjoying it.
    Sure, I don’t get to pick the heroes I want to have (I’m looking at you Hector) but it really doesn’t matter since I love the franchise and getting low tier side characters from the fire emblem universe is like seeing a long lost friend after he’s been gone for a long time.

    A Love letter to Fire Emblem fans

    Seliph and Marissa battle screen (Fire Emblem Heroes)

    For me, Fire Emblem Heroes feels like a love letter to fans. It celebrates the series’ history, keeps things fresh with constant updates, and yet never punishes you for just playing at your own pace.

    I don’t grind every event, I don’t chase every new banner, but I keep coming back. And honestly, I see myself playing casually until the servers shut down—or until the day I can’t pick up my phone anymore, whichever comes first.

  • Mecharashi Review: The Best Front Mission Mobile Game Alternative in 2025

    Looking for Front Mission mobile games that deliver tactical mech combat? Mecharashi (Metal Storm) stands as your only option for authentic Front Mission-style gameplay on mobile devices today. This tactical RPG mobile game brings the legendary part destruction system to your phone.

    Why Square Enix Cancelled Front Mission 2089: Borderscape Mobile Game

    Square Enix announced Front Mission 2089: Borderscape in 2022, partnering with BlackJack Studio to bring the beloved mech strategy game franchise to mobile platforms. Front Mission fans celebrated worldwide. Finally, we’d get tactical mech combat with the series’ signature part destruction system on our phones.

    Then Square Enix pulled the plug in October 2022. The company terminated the deal without providing detailed public explanations, leaving Front Mission mobile game fans empty-handed once again.

    From Cancelled Front Mission to Mecharashi: BlackJack Studio’s Mobile Mech Game

    BlackJack Studio didn’t waste their work. The developer transformed their Front Mission mobile project into Mecharashi, launching it in Japan in October 2024 through HK TenTree Games. Square Enix fought back with a copyright lawsuit in March 2025, claiming BlackJack illegally used Front Mission assets in their new mobile strategy game.



    The legal drama settled by May 2025, and Mecharashi launched globally on July 31, 2025, after hitting 1 million pre-registrations.

    Mecharashi Gameplay: Part Destruction System Like Front Mission Mobile

    Mecharashi delivers what mobile strategy games typically ignore: genuine tactical depth. The mobile mech game builds around a part destruction system that made Front Mission legendary – each mech component has separate hit points, and targeting specific parts becomes your key to victory.

    This tactical combat system defines the entire experience. Need to stop an enemy’s movement? Target the legs. Want to reduce their firepower? Destroy their weapon arms. Going for a quick kill? Focus fire on the torso for an instant takedown. This isn’t just damage dealing – it’s surgical warfare that rewards smart targeting over brute force.


    The mech customization runs deep too. You can build mecha from different body parts, craft backstories for pilots, and paint schemes with over 120 colors. It captures that Front Mission feel of personalizing your war machines.

    But here’s where things get complicated. While the gameplay screams Front Mission, the story doesn’t. You’re not fighting in the political wars and corporate conspiracies that defined the series’ narrative identity. Instead, Mecharashi creates its own universe that feels more generic.



    However, the mobile game nails the gacha integration better than most mobile adaptations. The concept of supply drops makes perfect sense for acquiring new mech parts and pilots – it feels like military logistics rather than a casino. Characters get proper backstories that explain their roles, and the mech acquisition system fits naturally into the war setting.

    Best Mobile Mech Games 2025: Why Most Tactical RPGs Fail

    Search for Front Mission-like mobile games, and you’ll find disappointment. Most mobile mech games 2025 fall into these categories:

    – Action mobile games that abandon turn-based strategy entirely
    – Gacha collection games with simplified combat systems
    – Casual strategy games that strip away tactical complexity

    Into the Breach offers tactical mech combat, but plays more like a puzzle game than an RPG. BattleTech mobile exists on mobile platforms, but in limited, simplified forms that don’t capture the full mech strategy game experience.

    BlackJack Studio: The Developer Behind Mecharashi Mobile Game


    BlackJack Studio proved their capability with Langrisser Mobile, which earned $130 million in China alone on iOS over ten months. They understand how to adapt complex strategy games for mobile audiences without destroying their core appeal.

    The studio’s termination from the Front Mission project likely stemmed from creative control conflicts rather than technical limitations. BlackJack Studio stated the termination happened “in order to have more continuity and control in content creation” – suggesting Square Enix wanted more oversight than the developer’s structure could accommodate.

    Front Mission Mobile Games: Your Only Two Options in 2025

    Want Front Mission gameplay on mobile? You have exactly two paths:

    Option 1: Play Mecharashi
    Get the closest thing to a modern Front Mission mobile experience, built by developers who understand tactical mech combat and mobile platforms.

    Option 2: Emulate Classic Front Mission Games
    Run original Front Mission games through SNES, PlayStation, or PS2 emulators on mobile. You’ll get authentic experiences without mobile adaptations, though touch controls can feel clunky for menu-heavy tactical games.

    Mecharashi Gacha System: Free to Play or Pay to Win?

    Look, we’re not drowning in options here. Square Enix had the chance to give us the Front Mission mobile game we’ve been begging for, and they blew it. BlackJack Studio picked up the pieces and built something that actually respects your intelligence as a strategy gamer.



    But let’s be real – Mecharashi isn’t perfect. Every new weapon, mech part, or pilot comes down to chance pulls from gacha banners. Even throwing real money at the game won’t guarantee you’ll get that specific mech set or ace pilot you’re eyeing. Everything’s a gamble, which stings when you just want to build your dream squad.



    Here’s the thing though – if you’re mainly here for the story mode and tactical combat, you probably won’t need to spend a cent. The game throws plenty of free currency and parts at you through regular play. Learn which banners give you the best odds for what you need, time your pulls right, and optimize your resources. Suddenly that gacha system becomes way more manageable.

    Still, it’s what we’ve got. You can either jump in and enjoy some actual tactical depth on your phone, or keep hoping someone else will magically appear with a better Front Mission clone.

    Front Mission 4 played via NetherSx2 emulator on mobile


    Me? I’m tired of waiting for Square Enix to remember they own one of the best mech franchises ever made. Sometimes you’ve got to take what you can get, and right now, Mecharashi beats scrolling through another page of match-three games pretending to be strategy titles.

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