Kaizen Game Works first caught my attention with their 2020 release, Paradise Killer—a narrative masterpiece with a world and cast that were as engaging to explore as they were to read about. Their latest offering, Promise Mascot Agency, initially appears to depart from what made Paradise Killer unique. Yet, after diving into this delightful world for nearly twenty hours, it’s evident that Kaizen Game Works excels at defying expectations. While Promise Mascot Agency may be hard to categorize, it’s a game I wholeheartedly suggest for anyone craving a truly unique experience, not to mention those who simply love a good game.
The game casts you as Michi, also known as The Janitor among yakuza circles. When a job goes awry, his crime family declares him dead and banishes him to a town rumored to curse any yakuza men who wander in. His new home, Kaso-Machi, is nestled in Kyushu, where he must revive a struggling mascot agency to repay his substantial family debt. And what, you ask, is a mascot agency? Think of it as a place where the charismatic mascots we all know and love—creatures of all shapes and sizes—find work to help promote events and draw attention to clients’ needs. Alongside Pinky, a mascot resembling, amusingly, a severed pinky finger, it’s your mission to transform the Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s finest. Along the way, you’ll uncover secrets and stories within this curious town.
Normally, this is where I’d draw parallels to other popular games, but Promise Mascot Agency is something of an enigma. It’s essentially a narrative adventure game set within an open-world microcosm, where you recruit mascots, enhance the town, and assist characters in achieving their dreams. The core gameplay involves driving around Kaso-Machi in a ramshackle truck, meeting residents, and navigating a world where safety concerns like fall damage don’t apply. You’ll upgrade this vehicle for better mobility, enabling stunts that help you explore even further. As surreal as this all sounds, the game’s deliberate absurdity makes its characters surprisingly relatable. You’ll meet mascots like Trororo, a yam-covered entity with a penchant for promoting Adult Videos (yes, really), and Miss Wambui, a human English teacher who’s smitten with her students and Japan’s bucolic scenery. Each mascot’s design is brilliantly conceived, enhancing a narrative that begs for us to engage with every quirk. By game’s end, you’ll even find yourself wanting to buy merchandise of mascots like To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.
When you send mascots out on assignments, things sometimes go sideways, triggering a minigame that blends card-battling mechanics. Here, the citizens become Support Heroes, aiding in the task at hand, whether dealing with misplaced boxes, malfunctioning machines, or rowdy fans. You get 60 seconds to attack these issues, deploying cards with specific stats and abilities. Although you start with just two action points, chaining cards increases possibilities, letting you play more complex cards or draw new ones. Initially challenging, you soon learn to upgrade your Support Heroes by assisting them with their tasks, allowing you to unravel how the game’s systems intersect. The expansion of your agency mirrors the growth of Kaso-Machi itself, firmly rooting you in this small town. Despite its somber visuals, the game radiates a wholesome charm that captivates anyone who plays.
One of the game’s standout aspects is its intricate attention to detail. Conversations aren’t fully voice-acted, yet all cutscenes and mascot introductions are, imbuing them with personality. I particularly enjoy how player choices are driven by intent or emotion rather than specific dialogue lines—a feature I wish more narrative games would adopt. Choosing a [supportive] or [reassuring] response as Michi always unfolds just as you’d hope, creating an immersive interaction between the characters. It’s reminiscent of the experience found in Paradise Killer, which is one of the highest compliments I can bestow. Kaizen Game Works has truly come into its own, and I’d argue Promise Mascot Agency surpasses their earlier work. Top it off with an exceptional soundtrack by Alpha Chrome Yayo—a soundscape marrying lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and ‘90s arcade vibes—and you have a truly remarkable experience.
However, the Nintendo Switch version has its flaws. Framerate issues, render delays, and pop-in breakdowns during exploration make this version a tough recommend. Should you have access to another platform, go for it instead. Though a nostalgic nod to retro gaming, you don’t necessarily want to endure these technical hiccups. I personally experienced two crashes and, notably, performance largely dipped in the final act.
Lastly, the game’s freedom can be a double-edged sword. While the non-linear progression and side tasks are thrilling, I inadvertently rushed through the final chapters after meticulously perfecting the agency. It’s key not to neglect the main quests and be proactive with mascot interactions when a ‘life satisfaction review’ arises. Handling them all at game’s end, as I did, isn’t advisable—it’s better to keep systems manageable as you come to grips with the game initially. Chat often with Pinky and those you meet.
Promise Mascot Agency feels reminiscent of cult classics from the PS2 and GameCube days, and I mean that in the best way. The love poured into crafting this world and its characters is palpable. In a gaming world that shies away from risk, Promise Mascot Agency is a breath of fresh air, proud of its offbeat identity and bold storytelling. It’s a banner for those seeking something different—a reminder of the joy in fulfilling one’s dreams, all presented in an unforgettable package. Play it on an optimal platform whenever possible, and prepare for an adventure that will resonate long after you’ve left Kaso-Machi behind.
