Psionic beam is a laser that evaporates all enemies in a single line while ternion attack is a shotgun that doesn’t let any enemies get close. I personally prefer ternion attack for late game because the damage is just too much to be ignored. It can cost a bit of energy early game but the triple damage plus aoe deals absurd amounts of damage. Psionic bean is still very strong as it doesn’t cost any energy especially in places where enemies come in a straight line.
I’m starting to be convinced it’s another of the many console bugs why psionic beam isn’t a beam. Works great on my steam character. Wanted to replicate it in PlayStation but it’s the usual staff animation. Pathetic.