Kaizen Game Works first caught my attention with their 2020 release, Paradise Killer, a narrative gem that balanced exploration with captivating storytelling. Initially, their new game, Promise Mascot Agency, seemed to be cut from a different cloth. But after dedicating almost twenty hours to its charming world, it’s clear that this studio defies quick judgments. Promise Mascot Agency might be hard to label distinctly, but it’s definitely a must-try for those seeking a refreshingly unique gaming experience and anyone who appreciates well-crafted games.
You step into the shoes of Michi, also known in his yakuza days as The Janitor, who finds himself in hot water after botching a mission. Written off as dead by his mafia family, he’s banished to a small Japanese town called Kaso-Machi. This rural corner of Kyushu is rumored to kill any male yakuza who enters. Michi’s new assignment is to revive a failing mascot agency to pay off his towering debt. Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly is a mascot agency?” Think of it as a place where mascots, who come in various quirky forms, find jobs to hype up events and draw attention to things that need promoting. It’s your mission, along with your assistant Pinky—a mascot shaped like a severed pinky finger—to transform the Promise Mascot Agency into the top mascot hub of Japan, all while navigating the personal tales and secrets of Kaso-Machi’s townsfolk.
At this point, I’d typically draw parallels between the game I’m evaluating and other known titles, but Promise Mascot Agency is its own kind of magic. It’s a narrative adventure where you navigate a compact open world, fulfilling tasks to recruit more mascots, enhance Kaso-Machi, and help mascots chase their dreams. The main gameplay loop involves cruising around this quaint village in a beat-up truck, familiarizing yourself with its people. You never leave your vehicle, so no worries about fall damage or collisions. Upgrading your truck becomes key, letting you jump, boost, and splash through water as you uncover more about Kaso-Machi. The game fully embraces its absurdity, which, surprisingly, makes the characters feel more authentic. Take mascots like Trororo, covered in yam, whose singular goal is to promote Adult Video appreciation (yes, really), or the dedicated Miss Wambui, an English teacher who stays for the love of the students and the beautiful countryside. The writing throughout impresses, complementing the creative design of the mascots, each leaving a lasting impression. It’s brilliant how, as you grow the agency, you’re tasked with selling mascot merchandise to boost revenue. I found myself dreaming of owning merchandise for characters like To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.
Sending mascots on assignments carries a risk of mishaps, introducing a minigame card-battler where you enlist Kaso-Machi’s residents as Support Heroes to remedy issues. Problems vary from misplaced boxes to malfunctioning vending machines and even overzealous fans disrupting an event. You’re given 60 seconds to chip away at the problem’s health bar by cleverly playing cards with distinct stats and actions. With only two actions per battle, chaining cards boosts your strategy, allowing you to play pricier cards or draw more. Initially troublesome, these obstacles become manageable as you upgrade Support Heroes by solving their problems or engaging them in conversation. As you advance, the game’s systems reveal their interconnectedness. Not only does your agency prosper, but so does the town, making your relationship with Kaso-Machi pivotal to the experience. Despite its seemingly somber appearance, Promise Mascot Agency turns out to be heartwarmingly wholesome. Navigating and discovering the town’s layout became an enjoyable endeavor.
The nuances in Promise Mascot Agency are particularly noteworthy. Though not all text is voiced, the cutscenes and mascot intros are brought to life with full voice acting, adding depth to every character interaction. I particularly appreciated that the choices you make as Michi aren’t defined by the exact dialogue, but by the emotion or intent behind it. This is a feature I’d love to see in other narrative games since it avoids those moments where your intended positive response causes unexpected reactions. With this system, you’re informed whether Michi’s response will be [supportive], [reassuring], or [direct], affording both player agency and writing flexibility. Playing Promise Mascot Agency evoked the same wonder as Paradise Killer, which is high praise indeed. Kaizen Game Works has embraced its unique style, and Promise Mascot Agency arguably surpasses their previous work. And wow, the soundtrack truly shines, thanks to artist Alpha Crome Yayo, who blends lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and ‘90s arcade vibes perfectly suited to Kaso-Machi.
The downside is the somewhat rocky experience on the Nintendo Switch. The unpredictable framerate, asset rendering delays, and noticeable pop-ins while exploring can detract for those limited to this platform. Although it’s manageable and doesn’t overshadow the experience entirely, I’d advise trying it on another system if you can. The game’s retro homage doesn’t mean you want retro performance issues. I faced two software crashes, with the final act plagued by stutters and minor glitches.
I enjoyed the freedom to tackle chapters and main quests at my own pace, but I sped through the last three after maxing out the agency, having indulged in side objectives early on. Promise Mascot Agency doesn’t gate progress, yet I’d suggest not leaving the main quests for too long and engaging with mascot ‘life satisfaction reviews’ sooner rather than later. Taking on all reviews at once near the end was a bit overwhelming with the multitude of systems involved, so pace yourself, chat with Pinky often, and promptly engage with key figures during your travels.
Promise Mascot Agency brings the charm of a cult classic from the PS2 and GameCube era, and I mean that lovingly. It’s clear a lot of heart has gone into weaving a fun narrative with endearing characters and a captivating world to explore. It’s rare nowadays to find games that dare to stand out, unafraid to pave their own path rather than draw from the successes of others. Amidst an industry trending towards risk aversion, Promise Mascot Agency offers a refreshing change of pace. Above all, it exudes confidence: in its bold world-building and unconventional gameplay wrapped in a narrative centered around realizing dreams. The creators’ passion is palpable throughout their crafted world and its inhabitants. Promise Mascot Agency offers a singular experience that, if you embrace (and explore on another platform if possible), will linger in your memory long after the final credits roll.
