Kaizen Game Works caught my attention back in 2020 with their captivating narrative game, Paradise Killer. It was a treat both to explore its imaginative world and to dive into its rich storyline. Their newest creation, Promise Mascot Agency, might seem like a departure from that initial success. However, after spending upwards of twenty hours immersed in its delightful world, I can confidently say that this studio continues to defy expectations. Promise Mascot Agency is a unique gaming experience that I can’t help but recommend to anyone craving something truly different or simply appreciating a well-crafted game.
Step into the shoes of Michi, notorious in yakuza circles as The Janitor. After botching a critical job, he’s presumed dead by his mob family and exiled to Kaso-Machi—a quaint town in Kyushu, rumored to spell doom for any male yakuza stepping foot there. In this picturesque yet eerie locale, Michi is given the task of reviving a floundering mascot agency to pay back his steep debts. But what exactly is a mascot agency? Think of mascots as real, dynamic beings in need of gigs to boost events and draw attention for their employers. Your mission, alongside your quirky assistant Pinky—a mascot reminiscent of a severed pinky finger—is to turn Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s top mascot hub, all while unearthing the town’s myriad of secrets and personal tales.
Drawing parallels to any other game is almost impossible with Promise Mascot Agency. It’s part narrative adventure, part quirky exploration of Kaso-Machi’s open world, where you undertake community quests, recruit mascots, and help them chase their dreams. Much of your time involves cruising around town in an old truck, getting acquainted with its residents. While you don’t leave the vehicle, there’s never a fear of crashing—just playful tumbling down hills or splashing into the water. This eccentricity makes exploring more than just a mechanic; it’s an essential part of the game’s charm. The characters have an endearing, relatable quality about them, from the yam-covered mascot Trororo, whose passion is promoting adult videos, to Miss Wambui, the dedicated exchange teacher who stays for love of her students and her new rural home. The writing shines, enhancing the unforgettable and creatively designed mascots. It’s a stroke of genius how the game incorporates mascot merch sales into its narrative arc, leaving me wanting real-world versions of To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.
The game surprises with its transitions to minigame card battles, challenging you to send mascots on jobs where mishaps can occur. Here, you’ll need to call upon Kaso-Machi’s citizens as Support Heroes, who assist in overcoming obstacles like malfunctioning vending machines or intrusive fans. You’ll engage in timed battles, deploying cards strategically to resolve issues. Over time, by aiding these supportive locals through side quests or casual chats, you improve their abilities, making every interaction meaningful. The joy of seeing your mascot agency evolve alongside the town turns every victory into a shared triumph. Though the visuals might seem dark, the wholesomeness of the game shines when you embrace its exploration and learn the nooks of Kaso-Machi.
Promise Mascot Agency excels in the little things. Not all dialogue is voice-acted, but cutscenes are fully voiced to bring characters to life. Choosing responses as Michi is about selecting emotions or intents—whether it’s being [supportive], [reassuring], or [direct]. This approach gives both players and writers creative freedom, avoiding misinterpretations. It brings to mind the same enchantment I felt with Paradise Killer, which speaks volumes about its quality. Kaizen Game Works has found its stride, and Promise Mascot Agency, with a soundtrack featuring Alpha Crome Yayo’s perfect blend of lo-fi and ‘90s arcade vibes, might be their best work yet.
Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch adaptation struggles with performance issues like inconsistent framerates and delayed rendering, which can mar the experience. If you own another platform, that may well be the preferred way to enjoy this nostalgic yet refreshingly modern take on gaming. Two crashes and some stutters in the final act were the most noticeable issues, highlighting the need to approach the Switch version with tempered expectations.
Although the game grants freedom in tackling quests, I found myself speeding through the final chapters after maxing out the agency. While it doesn’t strictly restrict progress, diversifying gameplay throughout might enhance the experience. For those diving into this enchanting world, maintain a balance between main quests and interludes with the charming mascots. Taking it slow and keeping up conversations with Pinky and other townsfolk can lead to a more fulfilling journey.
In sum, Promise Mascot Agency feels like a charming throwback to the PS2 and GameCube era, evoking a sense of nostalgia with its heartfelt storytelling, lovable characters, and a world that begs to be explored. It’s rare nowadays to find games that boldly stray from the safe and familiar, making this title a surprising breath of fresh air. Its confidence in exploring the odd and the imaginative resonates in every pixilated inch of Kaso-Machi. Let this daring game into your heart (and choose a different platform if possible), and it will leave a lasting impression, so different from anything else you’ve played.
