Paradise Killer was my first introduction to Kaizen Game Works, and their intriguing storytelling and vibrant characters left a memorable impression. At first glance, their latest offering, Promise Mascot Agency, seems to tread a different path. Yet, after immersing myself in the game for nearly twenty hours, I discovered that appearances can be deceiving, and Kaizen Game Works has once again delivered a unique game. This is a title I’d eagerly suggest to anyone seeking something extraordinary or appreciates a great game.
In Promise Mascot Agency, you step into the shoes of Michi, or as he’s ominously known among the yakuza, The Janitor. After botching a job, his crime family exiles him to Kaso-Machi, a rural town infamous for a supposed curse on male yakuza. His mission? To reinvigorate the failing mascot agency there and settle his hefty debt. If you’re unfamiliar with what a mascot agency does, it’s essentially a place that hires mascots to promote events and gather attention. With the help of your quirky assistant Pinky, a mascot resembling a severed pinky finger, you’re tasked with turning Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s premier establishment, all while navigating the town’s myriad tales and mysteries.
Usually, I draw parallels between new games and familiar titles, but Promise Mascot Agency defies easy comparisons. It’s a narrative adventure at its core, set in a small open world where you complete tasks for locals, recruit and guide mascots, and help revitalize Kaso-Machi. Players cruise around in an old truck to meet and interact with the townsfolk. Interestingly, stepping out of the vehicle isn’t necessary, and you won’t face penalties for stunts that would otherwise wreck you in other games. Upgrades to your truck allow more adventurous drives, enhancing your exploration of the town. This blend of absurdity and storytelling transforms the game into a surprisingly relatable experience, with unforgettable characters like the yams-covered mascot Trororo, whose ambition centers on promoting Adult Videos, or Miss Wambui, an English teacher tethered to the town by affection for her students and the landscape. The imaginative design and writing make these characters truly memorable, and I found myself craving merchandise of mascots like To-Fu and Neko Roll as the agency expands.
The gameplay also features a meaningful card-battling mini-game whenever your mascots face job setbacks. Using Kaso-Machi’s residents as ‘Support Heroes,’ players navigate obstacles, such as misplaced objects or overly enthusiastic attendees, by strategically playing cards to deplete health bars within a 60-second window. The challenge intensifies and evolves as you upgrade your band of helpers through interactions and quests. As you master these systems, both your agency and the town experience growth, tying you emotionally to Kaso-Machi. Despite its seemingly dark visuals, the game radiates a wholesome vibe, and as you familiarize yourself with the paths and scenes, exploration becomes a joyous endeavor.
Promise Mascot Agency dives deep into details that elevate the experience. While not all dialogue is voice-acted, cutscenes and mascot intros are, infusing life into each encounter. Choices presented reflect intentions or emotions instead of straightforward dialogue options, which is a feature I hope other games will adopt. Knowing that Michi’s response will be supportive or reassuring adds depth and flexibility to interactions, enhancing how characters and dialogues are portrayed. As I played, I found echoes of Paradise Killer in the emotions the game evoked—a high compliment indeed. With a soundtrack that perfectly complements the atmosphere, thanks to Alpha Crome Yayo’s blend of lo-fi and Japanese City Pop, the game truly shines.
The only significant drawback comes with the Nintendo Switch version. It struggles with performance issues like inconsistent framerates and long load times, along with occasional visual hiccups while exploring Kaso-Machi. Though these issues don’t ruin the game’s charm, I’d recommend opting for a different platform if available, to fully appreciate what the game offers. The Switch rendition crashed twice on me and had more noticeable stutters during the last chapters.
While the open-ended approach of letting you tackle main and side quests as you wish is enticing, it led me to expedite the final chapters once I had accomplished most side tasks. Keep in mind that while the game doesn’t strictly limit progression, pacing your side quests can be beneficial to savor the game fully. A plethora of interwoven systems can seem overwhelming at first, but engaging with Pinky and interacting with townspeople enriches the journey.
Promise Mascot Agency captures the essence of a classic, feels like a nostalgic gem from the PS2 or GameCube era—crafted with care and filled with endearing characters and a rich world. In an industry that’s increasingly hesitant to take risks, this game feels like a breath of fresh air. It stands confidently on its own, offering a story about pursuing dreams and embracing one’s uniqueness. The developers’ joy in creating its world is palpable, and if you give it a chance, it may offer you an experience that lingers long after playing.
