Kaizen Game Works first caught my attention with their 2020 release, Paradise Killer—a narrative game that was a delightful mix of exploration and captivating prose, offering a vivid world filled with intriguing characters. Initially, it seemed their latest offering, Promise Mascot Agency, was a departure from what made Paradise Killer so engaging. Yet, after immersing myself in its charming world for nearly twenty hours, it’s evident that Kaizen Game Works crafts experiences that defy easy categorization. While Promise Mascot Agency may resist clear-cut labels, I eagerly recommend it to anyone seeking something truly out of the ordinary, and to those who simply appreciate good games.
In Promise Mascot Agency, you step into the shoes of Michi, infamously known as “The Janitor” within his yakuza circles. After a bungled job sees him presumed dead by his fellow mobsters, Michi is exiled to a town reputedly cursed for killing any male yakuza that enters. Set in the rural landscape of Kaso-Machi, this Japanese town is home to a struggling mascot agency that Michi must revitalize to settle his steep debts to the family. Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is a mascot agency? Picture mascots as living, breathing creatures of varying shapes and sizes, needing employment to promote events and grab attention for clients. You, along with your assistant Pinky—a mascot amusingly shaped like a disembodied pinky finger—are tasked with transforming Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s premier mascot institution, all while navigating the myriad secrets and stories of Kaso-Machi’s residents.
This is usually where I draw parallels between the game under review and other well-known titles; however, Promise Mascot Agency stands apart, resisting direct comparisons. It can be considered a narrative adventure, where you explore a compact open world, completing tasks to recruit new mascots, improve Kaso-Machi, and help mascots achieve their dreams. The gameplay primarily involves cruising the town in a battered truck, engaging with the locals. Despite never leaving your vehicle, you won’t worry about fall damage or collisions. Enhancing the truck is part of the journey, allowing you to jump, boost, and drive over hills or even into water as you become more familiar with Kaso-Machi. The game not only embraces its own absurdity but soaks itself in it, making the characters surprisingly relatable. From a yam-covered mascot named Trororo, whose goal is to promote the enjoyment of Adult Videos (yes, really), to Miss Wambui, an exchange teacher who can’t bear to leave her beloved students and the scenic Japanese countryside, the writing is exceptional across the board. The creativity in mascot design renders them unforgettable. Ingeniously, as you progress with the agency, you’re prompted to sell mascot merchandise as a new revenue stream; and now, I find myself yearning for products featuring To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.
Sending mascots on jobs introduces the risk of things going awry, shifting the game into a minigame card-battler where the citizens of Kaso-Machi act as Support Heroes to handle issues. These range from poorly placed boxes to malfunctioning vending machines and even overzealous fans disrupting events. You’re given 60 seconds to strategically play cards, depleting the health bar of these obstacles. Initially cumbersome, you soon find that upgrading your Support Heroes by resolving their issues through quests or regular chats makes the challenges more manageable. Over time, you begin to see how interconnected the game’s systems are. It’s not only your agency profits that flourish as you expand and upgrade, but the town thrives alongside you. Your bond with Kaso-Machi becomes a central experience. Although the visuals might suggest a dark and intense vibe, the experience turns out to be heartwarmingly wholesome. Navigating the town and mastering its paths and locales felt immensely satisfying.
It’s the intricate details that Promise Mascot Agency nails. While not all the text is voice-acted, cutscenes and mascot introductions are fully voiced, adding depth to the characters you meet. A feature I particularly enjoy is how dialogue choices present Michi’s emotions or intentions, rather than specific lines. It’s an approach I wish more narrative-driven games would adopt; it allows for responses that resonate as [supportive], [reassuring], or [direct], providing both player freedom and narrative consistency. Playing Promise Mascot Agency evoked the same emotions as Paradise Killer, which is perhaps the highest praise I can offer. Kaizen Game Works has redefined their identity, and Promise Mascot Agency surpasses their previous achievements. And let’s talk about the soundtrack—it’s outstanding. The music by Alpha Chrome Yayo, blending lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and a ‘90s arcade vibe, perfectly complements the ambiance of Kaso-Machi, adding the perfect finishing touch to this delightful experience.
The major downside is the Nintendo Switch version can be somewhat problematic. Inconsistent framerates, rendering delays, lengthy load times, and noticeable pop-in while driving the open world present challenges for those limited to this platform. While these issues don’t overshadow the overall experience, I’d recommend playing on another platform if you have the option, for a smoother journey. Just because the game feels like a nostalgic nod to a bygone era doesn’t mean it should appear dated. My own experience was marred by two software crashes, and the final act suffered more from framerate stutters and minor bugs.
Lastly, although the game grants you the freedom to approach chapters and main quests at your own pace, I found myself so captivated by driving around and completing side quests early on that I breezed through the final three chapters once the agency was fully optimized. While Promise Mascot Agency doesn’t restrict progression, those interested in playing should stay on top of the main quest and engage with mascots during their ‘life satisfaction reviews.’ I completed all of these in succession towards the end, and I wouldn’t necessarily advise others to do the same. The variety of systems can be initially overwhelming, so take your time, chat with Pinky regularly as you explore, and engage with interesting characters on your adventures as soon as possible.
Promise Mascot Agency feels like one of those cult classics from the PS2 and GameCube era. I mean this as a compliment, as it’s evident how much passion went into crafting a fun story, lovable characters, and a well-designed world to explore. In an ever risk-averse industry, it’s refreshing to encounter a game that dares to be different, abstaining from comparing itself to others. Most importantly, Promise Mascot Agency exudes confidence: confidence in its whimsical world, its unconventional gameplay, and its narrative focused on dream fulfillment. Playing it, you sense the creators’ joy in bringing this unique world and its characters to life. Promise Mascot Agency is an experience unlike any other, and if you allow it into your heart (preferably on a different platform), it will linger with you long after the credits roll.
