When Kaizen Game Works came out with Paradise Killer in 2020, it quickly caught my attention. This narrative-driven game was as enjoyable to wander through as it was to get lost in its enchanting storylines and lively characters. At first glance, their latest release, Promise Mascot Agency, seems worlds apart from its predecessor. Yet, after spending nearly twenty hours immersed in its charming environment, I’ve realized that it’s best not to judge this studio too hastily. Promise Mascot Agency defies easy categorization, and I can’t help but recommend it to anyone seeking something truly unique or simply a quality gaming experience.
In Promise Mascot Agency, you step into the shoes of Michi, known in the underworld as The Janitor. After botching a job, his yakuza family presumes him dead and exiles him to a rural town in Kyushu called Kaso-Machi, notorious for a curse said to be fatal to yakuza men. Here, Michi finds himself running a struggling mascot agency as a way to clear his substantial family debt. You might ask, “What exactly is a mascot agency?” Essentially, it’s a place where mascots—those vibrant personalities in costume—find work to help advertise events and draw attention for clients. Alongside Pinky, an assistant resembling a severed pinky finger, your mission is to transform Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s leading mascot agency. Along the way, you’ll unravel the hidden stories and mysteries of Kaso-Machi’s residents.
Typically, I draw parallels between the game I’m reviewing and other well-known titles, but Promise Mascot Agency stands apart from conventional comparisons. Think of it as a narrative adventure that lets you roam a compact open world, completing tasks to recruit new mascots, enhance the town, and help mascots achieve their dreams. You’ll traverse Kaso-Machi in a dilapidated truck, mingling with locals without ever needing to leave your vehicle. The gameplay involves exhilarating leaps, boosts, and water dives, offering a unique way to uncover the town’s essence. The game revels in its own absurdity, which surprisingly makes its characters more relatable. Consider mascots like Trororo, dreaming of promoting Adult Videos (yes, really), or exchange teacher Miss Wambui, who’s fallen for the charm of rural life and her students. The writing is excellent, complementing the imaginative design of mascots who manage to leave a lasting impression. The agency’s development relies on merchandise sales for mascots like To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru, and I can’t help but wish these were real products.
Recruiting mascots sometimes leads to unexpected mishaps, triggering a minigame card-battler. Here, Kaso-Machi’s citizens become Support Heroes to resolve issues ranging from misplaced boxes to overzealous fans. You’re given a minute to tackle these issues, strategizing with cards to bring down the “health bar” of the problem. Through two action points per battle, you can chain cards together for a more formidable offense or to draw new cards. Initially, issues might seem pesky, but solving townsfolk problems or engaging with them upgrades your heroes. As you progress, the game’s interconnected systems reveal themselves. Improving the Promise Mascot Agency not only boosts profits but also breathes new life into Kaso-Machi. The town becomes key to your journey, and though the visuals may appear somber, I found the experience refreshingly wholesome. Navigating Kaso-Machi’s paths and landmarks grows instinctive, enriching the exploration.
Attention to detail sets Promise Mascot Agency apart. While not every piece of dialogue is voiced, cutscenes and mascot introductions bring characters vividly to life. I particularly appreciate that instead of showing Michi’s response verbatim, the game reveals the emotion or intention behind his words. This style, which I hope becomes more common in narrative games, ensures transparency in player choice. Throughout my playtime, the game recalled the magic of Paradise Killer, which says a lot about Kaizen Game Works’ creative genius. The soundtrack by Alpha Crome Yayo, blending lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and nostalgic arcade vibes, perfectly complements Kaso-Machi’s atmosphere.
While the Nintendo Switch version has issues—such as inconsistent frame rates, delayed rendering, and occasional crashes—I believe they don’t overshadow the experience. Still, if you can access another platform, I’d advise playing there. Despite its tribute to older gaming eras, it’s best not to let the nostalgia dilute the visual experience. The game takes a slight hit performance-wise, especially during the final chapters.
The open approach to tackling chapters and main quests in any order lets the game feel expansive. However, I found myself engrossed in side missions early on, speeding through the last three chapters once the agency operated at peak performance. While the game doesn’t lock progress behind tasks, those diving in should balance main quests with side activities and regularly engage in mascot life satisfaction reviews. I tackled these en masse near the end—an approach I wouldn’t recommend to most players, as the intertwining systems can initially feel overwhelming. Take your time conversing with Pinky and the locals you meet.
Promise Mascot Agency might remind you of a hidden gem from the PS2 or GameCube days, and I mean this fondly. It’s crafted with care, presenting a compelling narrative, endearing characters, and an intricately designed world. Games like these, willing to break the mold, are rare finds. In a cautious industry, the fresh breeze brought by Promise Mascot Agency is a pleasant surprise. More than anything, the game exudes confidence—staying true to its quirky world and narrative. The creators’ passion radiates through every corner of the game, leaving a memorable mark. If you choose to dive into its world—and opt for a suitable platform—Promise Mascot Agency offers a truly lasting experience.
