When Kaizen Game Works brought us Paradise Killer in 2020, it was a game brimming with captivating prose and a world that was as enchanting to explore as it was to uncover its rich stories and vibrant characters. Their newest creation, Promise Mascot Agency, seemed at first glance to be a complete departure from that earlier experience. But after diving into this charming world for nearly twenty hours, it’s clear that judging Kaizen Game Works solely by first impressions would be a mistake. This new venture may defy conventional labels, but it’s a gem for anyone craving something refreshingly different or those who simply delight in top-notch gaming experiences.
Stepping into this narrative, you assume the role of Michi, or as he’s known in the underworld, The Janitor. After a catastrophic failure on the job, his mafia family essentially pronounces him dead and banishes him to the seemingly cursed town of Kaso-Machi in Japan’s Kyushu province. There, Michi’s mission is to revive a struggling mascot agency in order to repay his substantial debts. If you’re wondering what a mascot agency entails, think of it as a hub where those quirky costume characters we’ve all seen promoting various events come to find employment. It becomes your task, along with your quirky sidekick Pinky—a mascot that amusingly resembles a severed pinky finger—to elevate the Promise Mascot Agency to the top spot in Japan, all while unraveling the town’s secrets and stories.
Normally, I’d draw parallels between a new game and other well-known titles, but Promise Mascot Agency stands in a league of its own. It combines a narrative adventure style with a compact open world where you undertake community tasks to recruit mascots, spruce up Kaso-Machi, and help mascots achieve their dreams. You’ll spend a lot of time driving a battered old truck around town, interacting with its residents. While your escapades are confined to the truck, you’re spared the woes of fall damage or crashes. Upgrading this vehicle is key, as it lets you zip up hills and make a splash in the water, adding layers to your exploration of Kaso-Machi. The game revels in its eccentricity to such a degree that even the most outlandish characters feel surprisingly relatable. You’ll meet mascots like Trororo, determined to advocate for Adult Videos (really), and humans like Miss Wambui, a devoted exchange teacher who has fallen in love with the town and its people. Each character is memorably crafted, and the storytelling excels in creating a heartwarming connection to the mascots—so much so that on finishing the game, you might find yourself yearning for merchandise of To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.
A unique twist is the minigame card-battler that comes into play whenever a mascot’s job hits a snag. You’ll enlist the support of Kaso-Machi’s citizens as Support Heroes, who help you solve various problems, whether they’re faulty machines or disruptive fans. With a 60-second timer, you’re challenged to use strategically placed cards to address these issues. Though daunting at first, as you build rapport with your Support Heroes through quests and conversations, you’ll find navigating these challenges increasingly rewarding. The game rewards building relationships; not only does your agency succeed, but the town flourishes alongside it. Visually, it might appear dark and brooding, yet the core experience is surprisingly uplifting. Discovering Kaso-Machi’s intricacies is part of its charm.
Little touches make the game stand out. Although not every line is voiced, cutscenes and mascot introductions come fully voiced, adding layers to the narrative. Especially neat is how, when making dialogue choices as Michi, you’re given the intent behind his words rather than the exact dialogue, a feature I wish to see more of in story-driven games. It offers players freedom while allowing writers to portray Michi and his interactions with authenticity. This sense of identity reminded me of Paradise Killer, and to say Promise Mascot Agency captured that same spirit is high praise indeed. With a stellar soundtrack from Alpha Crome Yayo that blends lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and that nostalgic ‘90s arcade vibe, every moment resonates perfectly with Kaso-Machi’s ambiance.
That said, the Nintendo Switch version does slip up occasionally, sporting inconsistent frame rates and delayed asset rendering. While these hiccups don’t ruin the experience, if you have different platform options, I’d advise exploring those. Despite its retro vibe, you’d probably prefer a smoother visual experience. During my playthrough, I encountered a couple of software crashes, especially during the game’s final act where stutters and glitches were more pronounced.
Lastly, though the game’s open-ended approach to quests is enjoyable, I found myself racing through the final chapters after indulging in all side quests early on. While it might not strictly limit your progress, it’s worth noting not to neglect the main storyline. Engaging with mascots when prompted can enhance your experience, rather than overwhelming yourself at the end as I did. It’s easy to feel swamped initially by the plethora of systems in play, so take it slow, chat often with Pinky, and engage with the town’s residents at the earliest opportunity.
Promise Mascot Agency exudes the charm of cult classics from the PS2 and GameCube days. This comes not from comparing it to past games but because of the evident heart poured into its creation—a narrative filled with lovable characters and an enchanting world. In an industry increasingly wary of taking risks, Promise Mascot Agency feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s bold in its conviction to embrace its eccentric world and unconventional gameplay while delivering a story rooted in the pursuit of dreams. You can feel the creators’ passion in every part of this world they’ve fashioned. While it defies easy comparison, it’s an adventure worth embarking on, especially if you can play it on a platform that offers a smoother experience. Let it capture your heart, and it’s an adventure that will linger with you well after the final scene.
