Kaizen Game Works initially made a splash with their 2020 release, Paradise Killer—a narrative adventure that was as captivating to explore as it was to read, thanks to its intriguing storyline and colorful characters. Their latest endeavor, Promise Mascot Agency, at first glance, seems to diverge significantly from Paradise Killer. But after immersing myself in its delightful world for nearly twenty hours, I can confidently say that Kaizen Game Works continues to defy expectations. Even though Promise Mascot Agency shuns traditional categorizations, I enthusiastically recommend it to anyone seeking something refreshingly unique, and to those who simply love a good game.
In this game, you step into the shoes of Michi, or as he’s known in the yakuza world, The Janitor. After botching a job spectacularly, Michi is exiled and presumed dead by his crime family, ending up in a town believed to be cursed for yakuza members. This rural enclave in Kyushu, Kaso-Machi, houses a struggling mascot agency that Michi must rejuvenate to pay off his hefty debts. Now, you might ask, what exactly does a mascot agency do? Well, think of it as an employment hub for those lively, character-driven figures you see promoting various events. With the help of your quirky assistant, Pinky—who amusingly looks like a severed pinky finger—your mission is to transform Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s pinnacle mascot enterprise. Along this journey, you’ll unravel the many tales and secrets of Kaso-Machi’s residents.
Typically, I’d draw parallels between games I’m reviewing and other well-known titles. Yet, Promise Mascot Agency defies such comparisons. At its core, it’s a narrative adventure game inviting you to explore a compact world, complete community tasks to recruit mascots, upgrade Kaso-Machi, and help mascots chase their dreams. Much of the gameplay involves traversing the town in a worn-out truck, where you’ll engage with its colorful inhabitants. Although you never leave the vehicle, dodging obstacles like crashing or falling is a non-issue. Enhancing your truck capabilities—like jumping or boosting—ensures you can navigate the landscape more efficiently. The game revels in its whimsical madness, embedding relatable nuances in its characters. Take Trororo, a yam-covered mascot enthusiastic about promoting Adult Videos, or Miss Wambui, an English teacher tethered to this serene town by her affection for both the students and the countryside. The writing shines throughout, ingeniously complementing the creative mascot designs, leaving them impressively memorable. Progressing through the agency, you’re encouraged to sell mascot merchandise for extra revenue—a clever touch making me desire collectibles of characters like To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.
Once you dispatch mascots on jobs, mishaps are inevitable, shifting the game into a card-battling minigame. Your role here involves enlisting Kaso-Machi’s residents as Support Heroes to mitigate issues like misplaced boxes, defunct vending machines, or overzealous fans disrupting mascot promotions. You’re allotted 60 seconds to diminish the health bar of these disruptions using cards with diverse stats and actions. Initially challenging, these mini-battles become smoother as you upgrade Support Heroes by addressing their quests and communicating regularly. As you advance, the game’s interconnected systems come to light, enhancing both agency and town growth. The visual aesthetic may seem gloomy, yet the experience harbors a surprising warmth. Discovering the town’s pathways and locales becomes a pleasurable exploration.
Attention to detail is where Promise Mascot Agency excels. Most of the dialogue is text-based, but cutscenes and mascot introductions are fully voiced, lending characters distinct flair. A notable feature is choosing Michi’s responses based on emotion or intent rather than exact dialogue—something I’d love to see adopted by other narrative-driven games. So often in games, you choose a response intended to be positive, only to prompt an unexpected reaction. Here, whether Michi is being [supportive], [reassuring], or [direct], provides clarity and freedom, ensuring interactions unfold as intended. Much like Paradise Killer, this game evokes a distinctive spirit—a testament to its creators’ commitment. Kaizen Game Works have embraced and surpassed the identity established with their previous title, boosted by an exceptional soundtrack boasting Alpha Chrome Yayo’s fusion of lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and ‘90s arcade vibes. It perfectly sets the backdrop for Kaso-Machi’s charming atmosphere.
A downside, however, comes with the Nintendo Switch version, which struggles with performance issues. Frame rate inconsistencies, delayed asset rendering, long loading times, and noticeable pop-ins during exploration make this version a tougher sell if the Switch is the only platform available. While these issues don’t completely mar the experience, playing on another platform is recommended for optimal enjoyment. Just because the game reflects a bygone era doesn’t justify its technical hiccups. I encountered two software crashes, with the game’s final act hampered by more frequent frame stuttering and occasional bugs.
Moreover, while the game allows free exploration of chapters and main quests, I found myself speeding through the concluding chapters after maximizing agency efficiency through side objectives. Though Promise Mascot Agency doesn’t enforce progression gating, I’d advise players not to defer the main quest too much and to interact with mascots during their ‘life satisfaction reviews’ early on. Compressing these reviews late in the game may not suit everyone, only adding to the early overload of complex systems. Take it slow, engage with Pinky during journeys, and converse with notable characters as early as possible.
Promise Mascot Agency evokes the spirit of a cult classic from the PS2 and GameCube eras—and I mean this positively. The dedication to crafting a joyous tale with endearing characters and a meticulously designed world is palpable. It’s refreshing to see a game that stands boldly apart, unafraid to break away from industry norms. In an era where studios often play it safe, the boldness and novelty of Promise Mascot Agency were a delightful surprise. Yet, beyond its eccentric surface, the game brims with confidence—committed to its eccentric world and storytelling prowess about fulfilling dreams. Playing it, I could sense the creators’ joy in shaping such a unique universe and its inhabitants. Promise Mascot Agency might be unlike anything you’ve experienced before, but if you give it a chance (and perhaps opt for a platform other than Switch), it promises a memorable adventure that lingers long after completion.
