Kaizen Game Works caught my attention back in 2020 with the release of Paradise Killer, a narrative-driven game that was just as fascinating to explore as it was to delve into its captivating prose and vibrant universe. At first glance, their new release, Promise Mascot Agency, seems to diverge from what Paradise Killer brought to the table. However, after immersing myself for nearly twenty hours in its charming world, it’s evident that Kaizen Game Works can’t be judged solely on the surface. Promise Mascot Agency is a standout title I’d suggest to anyone craving something delightfully unusual or simply in search of a fantastic gaming experience.
In this game, you step into the shoes of Michi, notoriously known as The Janitor among yakuza ranks. After botching a job, his mob family declares him dead and exiles him to Kaso-Machi, a rural town in Kyushu, Japan, rumored to curse male yakuza with misfortune. Tasked with revitalizing a faltering mascot agency to repay his hefty debts, Michi finds himself pitted in an unexpected venture. If you’re wondering what a mascot agency is, think of it as a hub where mascots—those lively, form-diverse characters—find gigs to promote events and draw attention as needed. With the help of Pinky, your quirky assistant mascot shaped like a severed pinky finger, your mission is to transform Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s premier mascot haven while unraveling the town’s enigmatic tales and secrets.
Ordinarily, I’d compare the game I’m reviewing to other well-known titles. Yet, Promise Mascot Agency stands on its own in an unmatchable way. It may be described as a narrative adventure game, where exploration of a quaint open world leads you to complete tasks, recruit new mascots, upgrade the town, and help mascots achieve their dreams. Much of your time is spent navigating Kaso-Machi in a worn-out truck, meeting its residents. You won’t leave the vehicle, but neither will you worry about fall damage or collisions. Upgrading your truck lets you jump, boost, and plow through water or over hills, all part of the fun of getting acquainted with Kaso-Machi. The game leans heavily into its absurdity, making its characters surprisingly relatable. From mascots like Trororo, a yam-covered promoter of Adult Videos (seriously), to individuals like Miss Wambui, an English exchange teacher who stays out of love for her students and the idyllic countryside, the writing shines through, complementing the creative mascot designs. As you advance with the agency, launching merchandise for your mascots becomes a clever revenue stream, inciting a yearning for cuddly items like To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.
Embarking your mascots on jobs comes with the risk of things going awry, triggering a shift to a card-battler minigame. Here, you use Kaso-Machi’s locals as Support Heroes to tackle problems ranging from misplaced boxes to malfunctioning vending machines or overzealous fans disrupting events. You’re given 60 seconds to strategically reduce the health bar of obstacles by playing cards with unique stats and actions. Initially challenging, these hurdles become easier as you upgrade Support Heroes by assisting them through town quests or frequent conversations. As you proceed, the game’s interlinked systems reveal themselves, guiding you toward both camaraderie and profits as you expand and enhance Promise Mascot Agency. Despite its potentially somber aesthetic, the game offers a wholesome experience. Learning the town’s ins and outs during exploration is an engaging process.
Promise Mascot Agency excels in attention to detail. Although not every piece of text features voice acting, all cutscenes and mascot introductions are fully voiced, adding depth to character interactions. A particularly appealing aspect is Michi’s dialogue choices, which focus on emotions or intent rather than exact lines. This feature offers both player choice and writer freedom, allowing Michi’s responses—be it [supportive], [reassuring], or [direct]—to feel natural and consistent. Playing Promise Mascot Agency evoked sentiments similar to Paradise Killer, which is high praise indeed. Kaizen Game Works has confidently embraced its identity, crafting a game that surpasses its predecessor. The soundtrack, featuring Alpha Crome Yayo’s blend of lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and ‘90s arcade vibes, fits Kaso-Machi’s ambiance perfectly and is the icing on this delightful cake.
However, the Nintendo Switch version is plagued with performance issues. Inconsistent framerates, delayed rendering of 2D or 3D assets, long loading times, and noticeable pop-in while driving make it a tougher recommendation if the Switch is your only option. While these issues don’t ruin the experience, opting for another platform is advisable if available. Though the game feels like an homage to an older gaming era, its technical hiccups shouldn’t detract from its visual experience. Two crashes marred my playthrough, with the final act particularly affected by stutters and minor bugs.
While I loved the game’s freedom to tackle main and side quests as desired, I found myself engrossed in the many side tasks early on, leading to a swift completion of the last three chapters once the agency hit its stride. Promise Mascot Agency doesn’t artificially restrict progress, but I advise engaging with main quests and attending mascot ‘life satisfaction reviews’ periodically rather than back-to-back at the end. Initially, the abundance of systems might seem overwhelming, so take your time, converse with Pinky while exploring, and proactively engage with key characters throughout your journey.
Promise Mascot Agency feels like a cherished cult classic from the PS2 and GameCube era. This is said with genuine affection, as it’s obvious how much care went into shaping a compelling story filled with endearing characters and an intricately designed world. It’s a rare treat to find games nowadays that dare to break the mold, unafraid to stand alone without drawing parallels to other games or studios. In an industry increasingly cautious of risk, the refreshing nature of Promise Mascot Agency is startling. Above all, the game is self-assured, boldly committed to its quirky world and gameplay, driven by a narrative about chasing personal dreams. Playing this game, I felt the creators’ joy in its world and its characters. Promise Mascot Agency is a truly unique experience that, if embraced, will linger in your memory long after you’ve played it.
