Back in 2020, Kaizen Game Works caught my attention with their unique narrative game, Paradise Killer. Its world was a joy to explore, and the prose was captivating, drawing players deeper into its rich universe and charismatic characters. Their latest offering, Promise Mascot Agency, initially seems like a departure from Paradise Killer. However, after immersing myself in its delightful world for nearly twenty hours, it’s clear that judging Kaizen Game Works by first impressions would be a mistake. Though challenging to pigeonhole, this game is a breath of fresh air for anyone hunting for something truly different or simply in search of a great gaming experience.
In Promise Mascot Agency, you step into the shoes of Michi, or better known in the yakuza world as "The Janitor". After a botched job, his mob family decides he’s as good as dead and banishes him to a rural town in Kyushu called Kaso-Machi, infamous for its lethal curse on yakuza men. Michi’s new mission? Turn around a struggling mascot agency to help repay his towering debts. Curious about what a mascot agency entails? It’s where mascots—those lively, whimsical characters we see at events—are employed to garner attention for clients. Your task is to elevate Promise Mascot Agency to the pinnacle of its field, with a quirky assistant named Pinky—a mascot resembling a pinky finger—by your side, while also unraveling the town’s many secrets.
Typically, I’d draw parallels between the game at hand and others you might know. But Promise Mascot Agency is in a league of its own. Think of it as a narrative adventure where you traverse a compact open world, completing community tasks to recruit mascots, enhance Kaso-Machi, and assist them in realizing their dreams. Much of the gameplay revolves around cruising through town in a dilapidated truck, mingling with the villagers. Yes, you’re confined to the vehicle, but don’t worry about falling or crashing. Upgrading the truck allows you to navigate the terrain in unexpected ways, jumping over obstacles or even plunging into bodies of water, all part of getting closer to Kaso-Machi’s heart. The game fully embraces its absurdity, which, surprisingly, makes the characters endearing. From outlandish mascots like Trororo, who dreams of endorsing Adult Videos, to humans like Miss Wambui, an exchange teacher who’s grown fond of both the students and the tranquil countryside. Each character is brought to life with superb writing and creative design, leaving a lasting impression. And as the agency flourishes, you’re encouraged to sell mascot merchandise as an additional revenue stream. I, for one, can’t get enough of To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru merch.
Sending mascots on assignments isn’t without its hiccups, which is where the game’s card-battler minigame comes in. Problems—from misplaced boxes to malfunctioning vending machines and die-hard fans—require solving, using the town’s residents as Support Heroes. You have 60 seconds to diminish the ‘health’ of these troublesome scenarios with strategically played cards. Initially, these challenges can be tricky, but upgrading your Support Heroes through town quests or casual chats makes the going smoother. As you delve deeper, the game’s systems begin to reveal their interconnectedness. Your agency and the town itself thrive under your management, intertwining your success with the town’s fate. Despite an outwardly dark aesthetic, the experience grows surprisingly heartwarming. Navigating and comprehending the town becomes second nature, adding to the satisfaction.
The small details in Promise Mascot Agency are where it truly shines. Though not all dialogue is voice-acted, critical cutscenes and mascot intros are, infusing personality into every encounter. A feature I’m particularly fond of is how player choices are framed not by the dialogue itself but by the emotions or intentions behind Michi’s responses—a feature I wish more narrative games would adopt. This method eliminates the all-too-common scenario of having dialogue choices misunderstood. As I played, I was reminded of the emotions Paradise Killer evoked—a testament to the game’s quality. Kaizen Game Works has embraced its unique identity, delivering a game even better than its predecessor. And the soundtrack, featuring Alpha Chrome Yayo, is a delightful blend of lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and retro ’90s arcade vibes, perfectly enhancing the game’s atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch version has its drawbacks, with inconsistent frame rates, delayed asset rendering, and long loading times, especially when exploring the open world. While it doesn’t ruin the overall experience, I’d recommend playing on another platform if possible. Additionally, during my playthrough, a couple of crashes and hiccups in the final act marred the experience slightly.
Though the game allows for freeform progression, I blitzed through the last chapters once the agency was running smoothly—something I’d suggest approaching with more balance. Take your time, engage with the main story, and interact with your mascots during their ‘life satisfaction reviews’ to fully savor the experience. Early on, the sheer volume of systems might seem overwhelming, but the narrative’s charm encourages a slow and steady approach. Make sure to chat with Pinky during your travels and strike up conversations with the townsfolk at every opportunity.
Promise Mascot Agency feels akin to a beloved cult classic from the PS2/ GameCube era—an absolute compliment, considering the evident passion translated into its engaging story, lovable characters, and exquisitely crafted world. In a gaming landscape often focused on conventional success, this game is a bold burst of creativity and confidence. By welcoming its bizarre universe and innovative gameplay, it delivers an experience centered on dream fulfillment. Playing it, you can almost feel the joy the creators had in bringing this world to life. Promise Mascot Agency stands alone, and if you open your heart to it—and play on a suitable platform—it’s an unforgettable journey.
