Kaizen Game Works first captured my attention with their 2020 release, Paradise Killer, a narrative game that was both a visual delight and a literary indulgence, drawing players into its intriguing world and lively characters. Fast forward to their latest creation, Promise Mascot Agency, which at first glance appears to be a departure from its predecessor. However, after spending nearly twenty hours immersed in its charming universe, it’s evident that judging this studio by its outward appearance would be a mistake. Although Promise Mascot Agency resists easy categorization, it’s a must-play for those craving something truly unique and fans of quality gaming.
In Promise Mascot Agency, you step into the shoes of Michi, or as he’s known in his yakuza circle, The Janitor. After botching a job, Michi’s crime family presumes him dead and banishes him to Kaso-Machi, a town in Japan’s Kyushu province rumored to be lethal to male yakuza members. Here, Michi’s tasked with reviving a struggling mascot agency to settle his enormous debt. If you’re wondering what a mascot agency entails, it’s a place where mascots, those animated characters of all sorts and shapes, find employment opportunities to spotlight events or businesses. Alongside your quirky assistant Pinky, a mascot resembling an amputated pinky finger, your mission is to make Promise Mascot Agency the top of its kind across Japan, all while unraveling the town’s many secrets and stories.
Normally, this is where I’d draw parallels between the game I’m reviewing and other notable titles you might know. But Promise Mascot Agency defies direct comparison. At its core, it feels like a narrative adventure game where you navigate a tight-knit open world, completing tasks to enlist new mascots, enhance Kaso-Machi, and help mascots realize their aspirations. The heart of the gameplay involves cruising around town in an aging truck, engaging with the town’s residents. You won’t need to leave your vehicle, but you’re free from concerns about fall damage or collisions. Upgrading your truck to jump, boost, and dive into water is part of your journey to understand Kaso-Machi better. While the game wholeheartedly embraces its oddity, it’s this very absurdity that makes the characters unexpectedly relatable. There’s Trororo, a yam-covered mascot with a peculiar mission to promote Adult Videos (yes, you heard that right), and Miss Wambui, a foreign teacher captivated by her students and Japan’s countryside. The writing shines throughout, perfectly complementing the distinct and unforgettable mascots. It’s a clever move that as you advance, you’re encouraged to sell mascot merch, which now makes me long for items of To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.
When sending mascots on jobs, mishaps can occur, shifting the game into a mini-game card battle where you enlist Kaso-Machi’s citizens as Support Heroes. Challenges can range from misplaced boxes to malfunctioning machines, and crazed fans disrupting mascot events. You’ve got 60 seconds to tackle these issues using strategically chosen cards with various stats and actions. Two action points are granted per battle, but by chaining cards, you can boost your actions, allowing for costlier plays or drawing additional cards. Initially, these tasks feel daunting, but by solving town quests or engaging with citizens, you’ll level up your Support Heroes. As the game progresses, you see how its elements intertwine. It’s not just the agency that flourishes; your bond with the town becomes essential. While visually somber, the game morphs into a heartfelt experience as you master the town’s layout and secrets.
Promise Mascot Agency excels in those small details. Though not every line is voiced, all cutscenes and mascot intros are, breathing life into each character. Choices for Michi aren’t presented as dialogue lines but rather as emotions or intents, a refreshing approach I’d love to see more often. Knowing Michi’s going to respond in a [supportive], [reassuring], or [direct] manner, empowers players, and grants writers latitude in character portrayals. This setup took me back to the vibes of Paradise Killer, and that’s outstanding praise. Kaizen Game Works knows what makes them special, and Promise Mascot Agency beautifully builds on their reputation. And let me just say, the soundtrack is a marvel. Featuring Alpha Chrome Yayo’s blend of lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and ‘90s arcade styles, it captures Kaso-Machi’s atmosphere exquisitely.
However, the Nintendo Switch version disappoints at times. It suffers from inconsistent frame rates, rendering delays, and pop-in issues when navigating the open world, making it a tough recommendation for Switch-exclusive players. If an alternative platform is an option for you, I’d advise forgoing the Switch for a smoother experience. Opting for retro aesthetics doesn’t mean accepting outdated performance. Despite two software crashes and final act framerate struggles, these hiccups didn’t mar my overall experience.
While I appreciated the freedom to tackle chapters and quests in any order, I found myself so engrossed in side missions that when the agency hit full stride, I zipped through the last three chapters. Promise Mascot Agency doesn’t strictly gate progress, but for prospective players, I advise against letting the main quest sit too long and try engaging with mascots during ‘life satisfaction reviews’ early on. Tackling all of these consecutively, as I did, is something I’d caution against for most players. The multitude of systems can be initially overwhelming, so pace yourself, keep chatting with Pinky as you roam its world, and engage promptly with key characters you encounter.
In essence, Promise Mascot Agency feels like a love letter to the PS2 and GameCube era cult classics, and I mean that warmly. The dedication to weaving a captivating tale with endearing characters in a richly designed world is palpable. In an industry growing increasingly risk-averse, Promise Mascot Agency’s bold deviation from the norm feels like a breath of fresh air. More than anything, the game radiates confidence—confidence in its quirky world and unconventional gameplay, anchored by a narrative centered on fulfilling dreams. I could feel the developers’ passion behind every aspect of the game, creating something truly fresh and immersive. If you open your heart to Promise Mascot Agency (and opt for a different platform if feasible), it’s an experience that will resonate long after you’ve finished playing.
