Kaizen Game Works caught my eye back in 2020 with their intriguingly unique narrative game, Paradise Killer. The game was a delightful blend of exploration and captivating storytelling, one that unravelled a vibrant world and its enigmatic characters. Now stepping into their latest release, Promise Mascot Agency, at first glance, it seems to tread a different path. But after indulging in nearly twenty hours immersed in its charming universe, it’s evident that we should never judge a Kaizen game by its cover. This title dauntlessly carves its own niche, and I can enthusiastically recommend it to anyone yearning for the extraordinary, or simply those seeking a genuinely compelling gaming experience.
In Promise Mascot Agency, you take on the role of Michi, known in the underworld as The Janitor. After a blunder so colossal it gets him declared dead by his yakuza clan, he finds himself banished to the cursed town of Kaso-Machi in Kyushu, Japan—a place believed to be fatal to any male yakuza. Here, his task is to revive a struggling mascot agency to repay his monumental debt. But what exactly is a mascot agency, you ask? Essentially, mascots—those charming, lively figures of various shapes and sizes—require employment too, to help promote events and draw attention to their employers’ needs. With Pinky, your peculiar assistant who resembles a severed pinky finger, your mission is to elevate Promise Mascot Agency to the pinnacle of success in Japan. Along the way, you’ll uncover the many layered tales and secrets that weave the fabric of Kaso-Machi’s community.
Generally, this is the point where comparisons to other games might crop up, but Promise Mascot Agency is an enigma that resists such comparisons. Imagine a narrative adventure game with a compact open world, in which you undertake tasks for the community to recruit mascots, enhance Kaso-Machi, and help mascots chase their dreams. Central to gameplay is driving a ramshackle truck around the village, engaging with locals, without the need to exit the vehicle or worry about crashing. The truck itself can be upgraded to enable maneuvers like jumping and boosting, giving you the freedom to explore by leaping off hills or diving into water. The game doesn’t shy away from its absurdity; it dives headfirst, which lends a surprisingly relatable depth to its characters. For instance, take Trororo, a mascot clad in yam whose sole aim is to champion Adult Videos, or Miss Wambui, a teacher charmed by both her students and the sweeping countryside, enough to keep her in this rural setting. The narrative pulls you in thanks to its brilliance and complements the design of each memorable mascot. Cleverly, as the agency progresses, you’re tasked with selling mascot merchandise, boosting not only the agency’s revenue but also your own collection desires for items like To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru keepsakes.
Sending mascots out can sometimes lead to mishaps, triggering a transition into a card-battler mini-game where you enlist the citizens of Kaso-Machi as Support Heroes to tackle these issues. From misplaced boxes to errant vending machines or overzealous fans, you’ll tackle problems by strategically playing cards within 60-second bouts. Initially a bit of a head-scratcher, these problems and battles become less daunting as you upgrade Support Heroes by assisting them with their own challenges or interacting with them regularly. The game evolves into a dynamic web of interconnected systems. As you expand and refine the agency, Kaso-Machi itself grows and flourishes, rooting you deeply within its narrative. Despite an initially somber appearance, the exploratory aspect turns out to be heartwarming, with each journey de-mystifying the town’s layout and locations.
Promise Mascot Agency nails the finer details exquisitely. While full voice-acting isn’t standard throughout, key cutscenes and mascot introductions are, infusing characters with vitality. I particularly appreciate the conversation choices—Michi’s responses are framed by his emotions or intentions, not verbatim dialogue. This approach, one many narrative-driven games could benefit from, ensures Michi’s responses reflect the chosen sentiment—be it [supportive], [reassuring], or [direct]—offering players free reign while shaping Michi’s interactions authentically. Playing Promise Mascot Agency rekindled some of the enchantment Paradise Killer provided, a high compliment indeed. With Kaizen Game Works embracing its identity even further, Promise Mascot Agency arguably surpasses the studio’s previous work. The soundtrack, crafted by Alpha Crome Yayo, blends lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and nostalgic ‘90s arcade vibes to perfectly complement Kaso-Machi at every turn, leaving a lasting impression.
However, the Nintendo Switch version poses some hurdles. A shaky frame rate, delayed asset rendering, and inconsistency in load times and pop-ins during driving mar the experience somewhat, discouraging those with only a Switch option. Nonetheless, it’s still a fun ride, and if other platforms are available, I’d advise exploring those instead.
Lastly, the game’s openness in tackling quests at your leisure can be both a blessing and a curse. You might, like me, find the side quests so enticing that you blitz through the final chapters once the agency thrives. While progressive gating wouldn’t harm, the myriad systems can be slightly overwhelming initially. My advice? Take your time, engage with Pinky during your drives, and converse with key figures every chance you get.
Promise Mascot Agency feels steeped in nostalgia, harking back to the golden era of games from the PS2 and GameCube days—with love and intentionality. Games today rarely dare to be this uniquely themselves, with the industry leaning toward risk-aversion. The refreshing departure that Promise Mascot Agency represents is truly remarkable. Above all, it exudes confidence—confidence in its whimsical world, unconventional gameplay, and a narrative wrapped around realizing one’s dreams. Immersing myself in this game, the creators’ passion was almost palpable, and Promise Mascot Agency is an unforgettable adventure that, with the right platform choice, will linger long after you’ve laid down the controller.
