Kaizen Game Works initially caught my attention with their 2020 release, Paradise Killer—a narrative game as thrilling to explore as it is to immerse oneself in its captivating prose, delving into its rich world and lively characters. At first glance, their new title, Promise Mascot Agency, appears to be a departure from Paradise Killer. However, after investing nearly twenty hours in its charming universe, it becomes clear that Kaizen Game Works is a studio deserving not to be pigeonholed by surface impressions. Promise Mascot Agency resists conventional categorization, yet I can wholeheartedly recommend it to those seeking a truly unique experience and to all who simply adore well-crafted games.
You step into the shoes of Michi, better known in yakuza circles as The Janitor. After botching a mission spectacularly, Michi is basically declared dead by his mob family, who ship him off to a small town rumored to curse any male yakuza trespasser with death. This rural locale in Japan’s Kyushu province, Kaso-Machi, hosts a struggling mascot agency that Michi must reinvigorate to pay off his staggering debt. Now, you may be asking, what exactly is a mascot agency? Picture the mascots you see at sporting events or parades—those quirky characters need jobs too, to market events and attract attention for their employers. Michi, with the help of his assistant Pinky (a mascot resembling a disembodied pinky finger), must transform Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s premier mascot agency. Meanwhile, Michi uncovers the myriad secrets and stories of Kaso-Machi’s residents.
Ordinarily, this is the section where I’d draw parallels to other renowned games, but Promise Mascot Agency defies easy comparison. It’s essentially a narrative adventure game, inviting you to explore a cozy open world while completing tasks for the community to enlist new mascots, enhance Kaso-Machi, and help mascots realize their dreams. Most gameplay involves traversing the town in a dilapidated truck, building connections with the locals. You remain in your vehicle the whole time, but there’s no risk of falling or crashing. Truck upgrades enhance travel, enabling jumps, boosts, and the occasional plunge into a river. It’s all part of the charm as you deepen your understanding of Kaso-Machi. The game immerses itself in absurdity, crafting surprisingly relatable characters. From mascots like Trororo, a yam-soaked enthusiast of Adult Videos, to personas like Miss Wambui, an English teacher who can’t bear to leave the idyllic countryside she now calls home. The writing is stellar, complementing the inventive character designs, and resulting in mascots destined to remain memorable. The game even cleverly integrates mascot merchandise as a revenue source—now I find myself yearning for souvenirs for To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.
Sending mascots on jobs introduces the risk of mishaps, transitioning the game into a mini card-battler where you must recruit Kaso-Machi’s citizens as Support Heroes to tackle problems. From misplaced boxes to malfunctioning vending machines and fervent fans, these challenges vary widely. Within a 60-second window, strategically deploy cards to whittle down the malfunctioning object’s health. Limited to two action points per encounter, chaining cards extends your options, allowing for higher-cost moves or additional draws. Initially daunting, these challenges soften as you upgrade Support Heroes by resolving their issues through quests or casual chats. Gradually, the game’s interlocking systems reveal themselves, resulting in not just increased profits as you expand the agency but also a deeper connection to the town. Visually dark and brooding, Promise Mascot Agency delivers a surprisingly wholesome experience. Exploration becomes second nature as you master the town’s paths and locales.
What makes Promise Mascot Agency truly special are the minute details covered with precision. Though the majority of the text lacks voice acting, cutscenes and mascot introductions are fully voiced, instilling personality into each interaction. And I love how player choices are driven by emotions or intentions rather than verbatim responses. This design empowers you with the freedom of choice while providing writers the liberty to shape Michi and others authentically. Promise Mascot Agency evokes the warmth I felt while playing Paradise Killer, a testament to its excellence. Kaizen Game Works has embraced its distinctiveness, crafting something even better than its predecessor. The soundtrack is a treat, featuring Alpha Chrome Yayo’s fusion of lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and 90s arcade vibes perfectly complementing Kaso-Machi’s ambiance.
However, the Nintendo Switch version needs some work. Problems with frame rate, asset rendering delays, and loading times undermine playability, especially when driving around the open world. If possible, consider playing on another platform. Two software crashes occurred during my playthrough, with the final act suffering from notable frame rate drops and minor bugs. Additionally, while the game offers the freedom to tackle missions as you please, this design encouraged me to zip through the last three chapters once the agency hit full steam. Although it doesn’t rigidly gate progress, I’d advise players to occasionally dip into the main quest. Interact with your mascots during their “life satisfaction reviews” early on, instead of saving them all for the end like I did—a move I wouldn’t suggest repeating. At the start, keeping track of numerous systems can feel overwhelming, so take your time and engage with everyone you encounter.
Promise Mascot Agency feels like a nostalgic gem from the PS2 or GameCube era, and I say this with affection. Its heart shines through in a captivating story, endearing characters, and the delightfully crafted world. In an era where studios play it safe, Promise Mascot Agency stands out as refreshing and confident. It breaks rules with whimsy, allowing players to fulfill dreams in an unforgettable world. The developers’ passion is palpable, and if you embrace this game (and aim for another platform if possible), it promises an experience that lingers long after you’ve finished playing.
