Kaizen Game Works initially caught my attention with their 2020 release, Paradise Killer—a narrative game that was captivating both in its exploration and its beautifully written storytelling. Enter their latest creation, Promise Mascot Agency. At first glance, it might not seem to share much with Paradise Killer, but after sinking twenty immersive hours into its charming universe, it’s clear that Kaizen Game Works is not a studio to be underestimated. While Promise Mascot Agency might resist easy categorization, it’s a title I’d eagerly suggest to anyone in search of something refreshingly unique or those who simply appreciate a well-crafted game.
In this game, you step into the shoes of Michi, also known by his yakuza nickname, The Janitor. After bungling a job, Michi finds himself “dead” to his mob family and is exiled to Kaso-Machi, a rural town in Japan’s Kyushu province. Legend has it that Kaso-Machi carries a curse that strikes down any male yakuza who sets foot there. Michi’s mission? Revive a struggling mascot agency to help pay off his significant debt. Now, you might wonder, what exactly is a mascot agency? Think of mascots as living, breathing creatures who need jobs too—they promote events and draw attention to whatever their employer requires. Alongside your assistant, Pinky—a mascot that amusingly resembles a severed pinky finger—your task is to transform the Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s finest. Along the way, you’ll unravel the many secrets and stories of Kaso-Machi’s residents.
This is typically where one would draw parallels to other games. But Promise Mascot Agency is in a league of its own. It’s a narrative adventure of sorts, where you traverse a compact open world, performing community tasks to recruit new mascots, upgrading the town, and helping mascots achieve their dreams. Much of the gameplay involves touring the village in a run-down truck, getting to know its quirky citizens. While you remain in your vehicle, there’s no fear of fall damage or crashing. Upgrading the truck turns it into an adventure of its own, as you bounce off hills or dive into water, enhancing your understanding of Kaso-Machi. This embrace of absurdity only deepens the connection to its characters, making them surprisingly relatable. There’s Trororo, a yam-adorned mascot with a peculiar aspiration to promote Adult Videos, or Miss Wambui, an English teacher dedicated to her students and the scenic countryside. The writing shines throughout, adding life to the whimsical mascot designs, which become memorable in their own right. Ingeniously, as you progress with the agency, you’re encouraged to sell mascot merchandise for additional revenue, leaving me craving gear for To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.
Sending mascots on jobs doesn’t always go smoothly. When things go awry, the game transitions into a card-battling minigame where you employ Kaso-Machi’s citizens as Support Heroes to tackle issues. These range from misplaced boxes and malfunctioning vending machines to overzealous fans spoiling an event. You’ll have 60 seconds to reduce the damaged object’s health by tactically playing cards with specific stats and actions. The limitations of two action points per battle require strategic card combinations to maximize effectiveness. Initially, these challenges might seem daunting, but as you engage with the townsfolk through quests and conversations, upgrading your Support Heroes becomes second nature. The interconnected systems gradually reveal themselves, with the agency’s expansion paralleling the town’s development. Despite the game’s dark aesthetic, I found the experience surprisingly heartwarming. Exploration, learning the town’s layout, and embracing its routes were genuine delights.
It’s in the finer details that Promise Mascot Agency truly shines. While not all text is voiced, every cutscene and mascot introduction is, adding depth to each character encountered. I especially appreciate Michi’s dialogue choices, labeled by intent or emotion rather than exact words, ensuring clarity and consistency in interactions. This conveyance of [supportive], [reassuring], or [direct] responses offers player freedom while allowing writers to maintain character integrity. It evokes that same essence I adored in Paradise Killer—a testament to Kaizen Game Works’ evolving mastery. Plus, the soundtrack by Alpha Crome Yayo is a standout, blending lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and ’90s arcade vibes into a perfect audio backdrop for Kaso-Machi.
However, the Nintendo Switch version leaves much to be desired. With frame rate dips, delayed rendering of assets, prolonged loading times, and prevalent pop-in during the open-world experience, it’s not ideal for those limited to this platform. While it remains playable, I’d recommend alternatives if available. Just because its homage to gaming’s bygone era is evident doesn’t mean we have to forgo modern standards. My experience included two software crashes, with the final act being notably affected by stutters and minor bugs.
Additionally, while the game’s open structure allows you to tackle chapters and main quests at your pace, I quickly found myself engrossed in side objectives, breezing through the last chapters once the agency hit peak efficiency. Progression isn’t explicitly gated, but for those intrigued, I’d advise staying engaged with the main quest and interacting with mascots during “life satisfaction reviews.” Tackling these later in succession wasn’t ideal for most players. The game’s abundant systems can initially be overwhelming, so take your time, converse with Pinky during your drives, and engage with key characters early in your journey.
Promise Mascot Agency feels like a delightful throwback to the cult games of the PS2 and GameCube era. This is said with affection, as it’s clear how much passion was invested into creating a compelling story, endearing characters, and a captivating world to explore. In a gaming landscape often averse to risks, Promise Mascot Agency’s boldness is a breath of fresh air. Above all, the game stands confidently, introducing players to its unique universe and gameplay that embraces dreams and defies conventions. The creators’ joy is palpable, making Promise Mascot Agency an unforgettable experience if you’re willing to let it in, especially on a platform other than the Switch.
