Kaizen Game Works first caught my attention with their game Paradise Killer back in 2020. It was a captivating narrative experience brimming with intriguing prose and fascinating characters, alongside an immersive world ripe for exploration. Initially, their latest offering, Promise Mascot Agency, seems worlds apart from its predecessor. But after diving into its enchanting universe for nearly twenty hours, it’s evident that Kaizen Game Works excels in more ways than one. This game might resist easy classification, yet I wholeheartedly urge those seeking something truly unique—those who appreciate quality gaming—to give it a go.
In Promise Mascot Agency, you step into the shoes of Michi, who, under his yakuza alias ‘The Janitor,’ faces a grim fate after botching an assignment. Disowned and presumed dead by his mob family, Michi is exiled to Kaso-Machi, a quaint town rumored to be cursed for yakuza men. Here, he’s tasked with reviving a struggling mascot agency to repay his colossal debts. Now, you might wonder, what exactly is a mascot agency? Think of it like this: mascots, those lively characters of all shapes and sizes, need gigs too! They’re hired to drum up excitement and get the word out about various events. With the help of your assistant Pinky—a mascot humorously resembling a detached pinky finger—your mission is to elevate the Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s finest, all while unraveling the myriad secrets that linger in Kaso-Machi.
This usually is the point where I’d draw parallels between the game at hand and other well-known titles. However, Promise Mascot Agency is delightfully challenging to compare. It’s somewhat like a narrative adventure, inviting you to explore a tightly-knit open world while undertaking tasks that help to recruit new mascots, improve Kaso-Machi, and guide mascots toward achieving their dreams. The core gameplay involves cruising through town in a rundown old truck, getting to know the fascinating local characters. You’ll stay behind the wheel, avoiding damage or collisions, but don’t let that stop you from exploring to your heart’s content—driving through hills and taking the plunge into water are all part of this whimsical journey. Its sheer absurdity actually enhances the relatability of the characters, surprising even me. Characters like Trororo, who whimsically promotes adult videos despite being a mascot drenched in yam, or Miss Wambui, an English teacher enchanted by the countryside, steal the show with excellently crafted, memorable writing. The demand for mascot merchandise, which serves as a revenue stream, is just one of the game’s cleverly integrated aspects—trust me, you’ll be itching to grab a plushie of To-Fu, Neko Roll, or Koke-Maru yourself.
When mascots are sent on jobs, there’s always a risk of things going awry, seamlessly transforming the game into a mini card-battler. You’ll enlist the help of Kaso-Machi’s citizens as Support Heroes to resolve issues ranging from misaligned boxes and malfunctioning vending machines to overly enthusiastic fans who dampen mascot events. You have just a minute to strategically reduce the ‘health’ of these problems using cards drawn from the citizens, and you’ll coordinate actions using a limited supply of points. Early on, this can feel challenging, but as you assist and engage with your allies, upgrading them through town quests and regular chats, those challenges become increasingly manageable. The intertwining systems gradually reveal their depth—enhancements at the agency ripple through the town, which becomes central to your adventure. While the aesthetics may initially hint at a somber tone, the game radiates warmth as you uncover the town’s path and its myriad landmarks.
Where Promise Mascot Agency really shines is in those tiny, essential details. Though not every line is voice-acted, cutscenes and mascot introductions receive full voice treatment, breathing life into everyone you encounter. A standout feature is the dialogue choices, which aren’t explicitly spelled out but rather suggested through emotions or intentions. It’s a refreshing change, allowing players to understand Michi’s tone, whether he’s being supportive, reassuring, or direct. This innovation in dialogue choices is something I wish more narrative games would implement, freeing players from the frustration of unforeseen reactions. As I delved further into Promise Mascot Agency, the same euphoric feeling I got from Paradise Killer washed over me, a testament to the game’s artistry. Kaizen Game Works has embraced its unique style, producing something even more impressive than their previous endeavor. And oh, the soundtrack! Featuring Alpha Crome Yayo with its fusion of lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and ’90s arcade vibes, it impeccably matches Kaso-Machi’s ambiance, topping off this delightful gaming experience.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows—especially for Switch users. The game struggles with an erratic frame rate, delayed rendering of both 2D and 3D elements, and frequent pop-ins that trouble the open-world driving experience. It suffices if the Switch is your only option, but if another platform is available, that’s your best bet. Although the game is a love letter to retro gaming, it needn’t come with technical setbacks. A couple of software crashes and end-game glitches did mar the experience slightly but didn’t overshadow its strengths.
One more thing to keep in mind: while you have the freedom to progress through chapters and main quests at leisure, it can be all too tempting to dive into side objectives early on, which may leave you racing through the last few chapters once the agency is operating at full capacity. The game doesn’t restrict progression, so a word to the wise—engage with the main quest and check in with your mascots during ‘life satisfaction reviews’. Completing all of them in a blitz towards the end wasn’t ideal, and could overwhelm players early on given the game’s layered systems. My advice? Take it slow, chat with Pinky often during your journeys, and seize any opportunity to meet interesting characters you encounter.
In essence, Promise Mascot Agency channels the niche charm of cult hits from the PS2 and GameCube days—and I mean that fondly. Every detail reflects a labor of love, crafting a vibrant story with endearing characters within a world begging to be explored. In a gaming landscape that’s increasingly playing it safe, Promise Mascot Agency breaks the mold. It’s a bold, confident game, comfortable in its eccentricity and committed to telling a story about the pursuit of dreams. You can sense the creators’ joy in every facet of this universe. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and if you embrace its quirks (ideally on a platform other than Switch), Promise Mascot Agency is bound to leave a lasting impression.
