Review of Promise Mascot Agency

Kaizen Game Works first caught my eye with their 2020 release, Paradise Killer—a narrative-driven game loaded with both an engaging world and equally captivating prose. When I first encountered their latest creation, Promise Mascot Agency, I almost dismissed it as unrelated. But after diving into its charming world for nearly twenty hours, it’s evident that Kaizen Game Works has crafted something extraordinary once again. While one’s initial impression might mislead, it’s a title I’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone on the lookout for a uniquely entertaining experience or simply in search of a quality game.

In this oddball tale, you step into the shoes of Michi, also known by his yakuza alias, The Janitor. Owing to a botched job, his mob family declares him dead, shipping him off to the supposedly cursed town of Kaso-Machi in Kyushu, where male yakuza apparently meet their end. Michi finds himself tasked with revitalizing a struggling mascot agency in this quaint locale, aiming to repay a colossal debt. If you’re puzzled about what a mascot agency is, think of it as a place that recruits the peculiar yet diverse living mascots to advertise events or promote for employers. Michi, with his assistant Pinky—a mascot resembling a disembodied pinky finger—is on a mission to elevate the Promise Mascot Agency to the pinnacle of success in Japan while navigating the intricate lives of Kaso-Machi’s inhabitants.

Normally, this is where I would draw parallels to other notable games you might know. But Promise Mascot Agency stands apart, resisting easy comparison. More than anything, it feels like a narrative adventure, inviting you to explore a compact, open world, carry out tasks, recruit mascots, upgrade Kaso-Machi, and help mascots achieve their dreams. Much of the game revolves around driving around in a beat-up truck, meeting the town’s residents. You remain in your vehicle the entire ride, free from concerns about crashing or falling. As you upgrade your truck, it enables you to leap, boost, and navigate the rocky terrains or splash into the waters, all part of discovering Kaso-Machi’s secrets. Despite the game’s absurdity, it draws you in with relatable characters like Trororo, covered in yam, whose goal is to promote the enjoyment of Adult Videos (yes, seriously) or humans like Miss Wambui, the exchange teacher who stays for her love of the students and rural Japan. The writing is stellar, complementing each mascot’s thoughtful design and leaving a memorable impression. Ingeniously, as you progress, you can sell mascot merchandise to create additional revenue streams—merchandise I’d buy in a heartbeat for characters like To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.

When you dispatch mascots for assignments, there’s always the risk of things going south. That’s when the game shifts into a minigame card-battler, where Kaso-Machi’s citizens step in as Support Heroes to tackle various mishaps. These unpredictable situations might involve misplaced boxes, faulty machines, or event-destroying superfans. You have 60 seconds to resolve these issues, strategically playing cards with distinct stats and actions. Limited to two action points per battle, you can increase points by chaining cards, allowing for more complex plays or replenishing your hand. Initially challenging, you can enhance your Support Heroes by resolving their troubles through quests or conversations. In time, you’ll grasp how each system interconnects; your agency flourishes, profits soar, and your bond with Kaso-Machi deepens. The game’s appearance may seem moody, but the experience transforms into something remarkably heartwarming. The thrill lies in navigating the town and learning its nooks and crannies.

Promise Mascot Agency shines in the little details. While not every line is voice-acted, all cutscenes are, imbuing each character with rich personality. What’s especially refreshing is the dialogue choice system—it doesn’t show Michi’s exact words, just his intended tone or emotion. I wish more narrative games would adopt this approach, as it avoids unexpected reactions and grants players freedom while guiding the writers in character portrayal. Playing Promise Mascot Agency rekindled the admiration I felt for Paradise Killer, a high compliment indeed. Kaizen Game Works knows its identity, and Promise Mascot Agency surpasses their previous efforts. And let me tell you, the soundtrack is absolutely fantastic. Featuring the artist Alpha Chrome Yayo, it blends lo-fi beats with Japanese City Pop and a ‘90s arcade vibe, encapsulating Kaso-Machi’s atmosphere beautifully.

The one downside is its Nintendo Switch version, often mired by technical issues. An unstable frame rate, delayed rendering of assets, and persistent pop-in can mar the experience on this platform. Though it doesn’t ruin the game, I’d advise playing it elsewhere if possible. No game is perfect, even those that pay homage to an earlier era. I encountered a couple of crashes, especially in the final act, where frame rate dips and minor bugs were more prevalent.

Lastly, while the game leaves you free to tackle its chapters at your leisure, I found myself so engrossed in side quests early on that the final three chapters flew by. Promise Mascot Agency doesn’t restrict direct progression but don’t leave the main quests behind for too long. Aim to engage with your mascots during ‘life satisfaction reviews’—despite doing them all at once, I’d advise against it for most players. While the game’s complex systems can be overwhelming at first, take your time. Chat with Pinky regularly and connect with interesting characters throughout your journey.

Promise Mascot Agency evokes the charm of a beloved PS2 or GameCube-era cult classic. I mean this affectionately, as it’s evident so much love was poured into this vibrant story and whimsical world. In an industry cautious of risks, Promise Mascot Agency is refreshingly bold, standing out not just for its quirks but its unwavering confidence. Committed to its eccentric world and gameplay, it narrates a story of pursuing dreams. The creators’ joy in bringing this world to life is palpable. While it’s unique, allowing it to win over your heart (on a stable platform) promises an experience you won’t soon forget.