Kaizen Game Works initially caught my attention with their 2020 release, Paradise Killer—a narrative-driven game that was as exciting to explore as it was to delve into its beautifully crafted prose and captivating characters. Their latest offering, Promise Mascot Agency, might seem to diverge significantly from Paradise Killer at first glance. However, after immersing myself in its charming world for nearly twenty hours, it’s clear that Kaizen Game Works is a studio that defies traditional categorization. Promise Mascot Agency is a delightful experience for those craving something uniquely different and for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted game.
In this game, you step into the shoes of Michi, also known as The Janitor, a yakuza operative who, after botching a mission, is presumed dead by his criminal family and exiled to a peculiar town in Kyushu, Japan called Kaso-Machi. Here, they claim a curse awaits any male yakuza who sets foot in the area. Michi’s task is to revitalize a struggling mascot agency to repay his significant debt. But what exactly is a mascot agency, you ask? Simply put, mascots—those lively, eye-catching characters—need jobs too, promoting events and attracting attention for clients. Partnered with your assistant, Pinky, who amusingly resembles a severed digit, your challenge is to elevate the Promise Mascot Agency to the pinnacle of the industry while unraveling the town’s myriad secrets.
Now, this is typically where I’d draw parallels between the game I’m reviewing and recognizable titles. Yet, Promise Mascot Agency seems to resist easy comparisons. It stands alone as a narrative adventure where you navigate a small open world, aid the community, recruit mascots, and assist them in realizing their dreams—all from behind the wheel of a battered old truck. You’ll traverse the town, never having to dismount or fear crashing, as upgrades allow you to leap, boost, and splash across the landscape. The encompassing sense of absurdity only adds to the charm, rendering the characters more relatable than one might expect. Whether it’s the yam-clad mascot Trororo with its peculiar passion or the devoted English teacher Ms. Wambui, who’s smitten with her students and the scenic countryside, the writing brings these personalities to life. Cleverly, as your agency flourishes, you’re prompted to sell mascot merchandise—a move that feels almost tongue-in-cheek; I’ll admit, I’d love to see gear for To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru in real life.
When dispatching mascots on assignments, there’s always a possibility of mishaps, which leads to a clever twist—a card-battler minigame. Here, Kaso-Machi’s citizens transform into Support Heroes to help resolve issues, which range from misplaced boxes to malfunctioning vending machines, and even fan frenzy. With 60 seconds on the clock, strategic card play helps you whittle down these obstacles. The mechanics can seem daunting initially, but as you gather pace and upgrade your team by resolving town quests, everything begins to click. Success translates into not only profits but the revitalization of Kaso-Machi itself, making your bond with the town an integral part of the adventure. What might visually appear as dark and brooding eventually unfolds into an experience that is surprisingly wholesome and fulfilling.
The game excels in its finer details. While not every bit of dialogue is voice-acted, cutscenes and mascot introductions shine with full voiceover, lending greater depth to each encounter. I especially appreciate the nuanced dialogue system, where the choices indicate not the exact words Michi will say, but the emotion behind them—something I’d love to see more of in narrative games. It makes interactions more fluid and supports clear character portrayal. Echoing the sentiments sparked by Paradise Killer, Promise Mascot Agency, though departing from the former’s style, represents an evolution for Kaizen Game Works. And let’s not skip the fantastic soundtrack by Alpha Crome Yayo, blending lo-fi, city pop, and a nostalgic 90s arcade vibe that encapsulates Kaso-Machi’s essence perfectly.
There is, however, a noteworthy hiccup with the Nintendo Switch version. Performance issues like inconsistent framerates, delayed rendering, and pop-in problems make it less appealing on that platform. Although these don’t drastically detract from the narrative journey, if possible, play on a different system for a smoother experience. The game might evoke classic titles from the PS2 or GameCube era, but struggles with technical hiccups here and there. Thankfully, despite two crashes and some occasional bugs, the overall ride remains enjoyable.
The freedom to approach chapters and quests at your leisure is refreshing, yet it resulted in me speeding through the final chapters after completing side activities early on. While enjoyable, it’s a bit overwhelming initially with many mechanics to juggle. My advice? Pace yourself through the main story and engage with mascots as they offer ‘life satisfaction reviews.’ Attempting them all at once isn’t recommended. It’s essential to savor the journey, converse frequently with Pinky, and engage with the townsfolk you meet along the way.
Promise Mascot Agency captures the heart of cult-classic games from the PS2 and GameCube era. I say this with affection, acknowledging the meticulous effort poured into crafting a compelling story, charismatic characters, and a richly detailed world. It’s a breath of fresh air in an industry leaning towards predictable formulas. Promise Mascot Agency stands out for its self-assuredness, embracing its idiosyncratic universe with open arms and delivering an unforgettable adventure about fulfilling one’s dreams. The joy and passion that crafted this world are palpable—try it out on a platform other than the Switch if you can, and let it leave a lasting impression.
