Kaizen Game Works first caught my attention with their 2020 release, Paradise Killer—a narrative game that brilliantly combined engaging exploration with captivating storytelling, immersing players in its vibrant world and colorful characters. At a glance, their latest offering, Promise Mascot Agency, might seem like a departure from Paradise Killer. However, after investing close to twenty hours in its enchanting realm, it’s evident that this studio is far from predictable. While Promise Mascot Agency might resist neat categorization, it’s a must-play for anyone seeking something refreshingly unique or simply enjoying a great game.
In this game, you step into the shoes of Michi, who, thanks to his yakuza title, is also known as The Janitor. After a spectacular job failure lands him on the wrong side of his mob family, he’s declared dead and dispatched to Kaso-Machi—an enigmatic town rumored to curse any male yakuza who ventures there. This rural spot in Japan’s Kyushu prefecture hosts a struggling mascot agency that Michi must revive to settle his hefty debts. If you’re wondering what a mascot agency is, imagine mascots as quirky, living beings requiring gigs to draw crowds and promote ideas. Alongside your partner, Pinky—a whimsical mascot in the shape of a pinky finger—you aim to transform Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s most renowned mascot firm, all while unraveling the hidden secrets and stories of the Kaso-Machi residents.
Usually, I like to draw parallels between the game in question and recognizable titles. Yet, Promise Mascot Agency is a hard act to follow. You might call it a narrative adventure game, where you roam a well-crafted open world, tackling tasks that help recruit mascots, upgrade Kaso-Machi, and assist mascots in realizing their dreams. Much of the gameplay involves cruising around town in a beat-up truck, meeting its curious inhabitants. You won’t leave your vehicle, but don’t worry about crashing—it just adds to the town’s quirky charm. Upgrades let you tackle hills and watery shortcuts, and these are precisely the moments where the town’s characters truly come alive. Whether it’s Trororo, the yam-coated mascot whose passion is unlikely adult video promotion, or Miss Wambui, an English teacher who stayed for love of the idyllic setting, each character is crafted with care and color. The writing shines and complements the mascots’ ingenious, unforgettable designs. In fact, as you manage the agency, the idea of selling mascot merchandise to generate revenue starts seeming exceptionally fitting; I’d absolutely buy merch for To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru, given the chance.
When sending mascots to jobs, sometimes things don’t go as planned. This is where a clever card-battler minigame emerges, using Kaso-Machi residents as Support Heroes who can help tackle issues. From poorly placed boxes to broken vending machines and even overenthusiastic fans disrupting events, the challenges are varied. You have 60 seconds to strategically play cards, deplete the problematic element’s health, and overcome obstacles. With limited action points, you’ll choose wisely, chaining cards to maximize your moves when possible. While initially frustrating, these challenges are manageable by upgrading Support Heroes, helping them through relating quests or regular chats. As everything starts coming together, you’re not just boosting your profits and the Promise Mascot Agency but also forging deeper ties with the town itself. Despite visually leaning towards the moody and introspective, the overall experience is surprisingly heartwarming. Traveling and learning the town’s layout felt richly rewarding.
The devil is in the details, and Promise Mascot Agency nails them. Although not all text is voiced, cutscenes are fully acted, and when mascots are introduced, they’re brimming with personality. I particularly enjoy how Michi’s choices rely on conveying emotions and intentions rather than specific dialogue, a feature letting you align your responses more intuitively. Understanding this maintains your connection throughout, giving both players and writers more freedom. Playing Promise Mascot Agency evoked the same emotions I felt with Paradise Killer—the kindest praise I could offer. Kaizen Game Works has embraced its creative streak, producing something even better than their prior work. And let’s not overlook the music: a standout soundtrack by Alpha Crome Yayo fuses lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and ‘90s arcade vibes, perfectly aligning with Kaso-Machi’s spirit.
However, the Nintendo Switch iteration presents challenges, with inconsistent framerate and delayed rendering being some major issues. Load times and pop-ins during town navigation are a negative, especially if the Switch is your only platform. Despite not overshadowing the gameplay, if other options exist, lean toward them. Crashes are few yet present, growing more frequent as the story approaches its endgame—which might complicate an otherwise nostalgic homage to older gaming eras.
I appreciated the game’s freedom to tackle chapters and quests at my own pace, but diving headfirst into side tasks meant my last three chapters flew by as the agency thrived. Promise Mascot Agency’s lack of firm progression barriers encourages immersion, yet side objectives can sometimes burrow themselves too deeply into one’s focus. Engaging with the mascots during their “life satisfaction reviews” as situations arise, rather than delaying, enhances discovery and enjoyment. Starting out might seem overwhelming given the many systems, so savior your journey, converse often with Pinky while exploring, and seize conversations with key figures.
Ultimately, Promise Mascot Agency channels the charm of a cult classic from the PS2 and GameCube era, but with modern twists—crafted with love and detail. In a time where creative boldness wanes, Promise Mascot Agency is uniquely refreshing. Its self-assured nature merges an aloof world and unconventional gameplay into a meaningful story about dream-chasing. The joy of its creation resonates through, leaving a lasting legacy for anyone willing to embrace its quirky charm. If you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure, delve into Promise Mascot Agency on a suitable platform, and let its magic linger.
