Review of Promise Mascot Agency

Kaizen Game Works first caught my attention back in 2020 with their game Paradise Killer. It was an intriguing narrative experience that combined the joy of exploring a unique world with captivating storytelling and lively characters. Now, their newest offering, Promise Mascot Agency, seems at first glance to be a departure from that style. But after spending nearly twenty hours immersed in its charming world, it’s clear that this studio is full of surprises. Don’t be too quick to pigeonhole it, because Promise Mascot Agency is an absolute gem for anyone craving something truly unique in the gaming landscape.

You start the game as Michi, also known as “The Janitor” in his yakuza circle. After a disastrously botched job, Michi’s mob family declares him dead and dispatches him to a rural town in Kyushu called Kaso-Machi, which carries a deadly curse for male yakuza. The town houses a struggling mascot agency that Michi is tasked with reviving to settle his towering debts. Now, you may be wondering, what exactly is a mascot agency? Imagine a colorful world where mascots are lively characters in need of work, promoting events and drawing attention to various causes. Your mission, alongside your sidekick Pinky—a mascot shaped like a pinky finger—is to elevate Promise Mascot Agency to the pinnacle of success in Japan. Along the way, you unravel the many secrets and stories of Kaso-Machi’s citizens.

Ordinarily, I’d draw parallels between this game and other well-known titles, but Promise Mascot Agency is a breath of fresh air that stands apart. It’s an adventure game with a narrative twist, where you roam a small open world, completing tasks to recruit new mascots, revamp the town, and fulfill the mascots’ dreams. Driving around town in a beat-up truck, you foster connections with locals. There’s no need to step out of your vehicle, yet crashing or stumbling isn’t a concern. Upgrades to your ride transform it into a capable machine, ready for jumps, boosts, and water splashes that enhance your journey. The game’s absurdity is part of its charm, making encounters with both mascots and humans surprisingly relatable. Take, for instance, Trororo, a yam-covered mascot dreaming of promoting adult videos, or Miss Wambui, an English teacher who can’t bear to leave the countryside despite her situation. The detailed writing brings each character to life, with mascots like To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru becoming unforgettable and even merch-worthy.

When sending mascots out on jobs, things can go awry, leading to a shift in gameplay where you tackle challenges using a mini card-battler. Here, Kaso-Machi’s residents become your Support Heroes, helping resolve issues from misplaced boxes to malfunctioning vending machines or overzealous fans spoiling events. You have 60 seconds to whittle down the health bar of the faulty element using strategically played cards. Initially daunting, these challenges become manageable as you boost your Support Heroes by assisting them in their day-to-day struggles or simply engaging in friendly chats. As the game progresses, the interconnected systems reveal themselves, expanding your profits and enhancing Kaso-Machi. Your ties to the town are crucial, as the game transforms from seemingly dark and brooding to a wholesome, rewarding experience. The exploration is satisfying, with an ever-deepening understanding of the town’s layout and the quirks of its automated map.

Promise Mascot Agency shines in the little touches. Although not every line has voice acting, all major scenes and mascot intros are fully voiced, infusing the characters with personality. I especially appreciate the dialogue choices for Michi, which focus on the sentiment or intent behind his responses. This innovative approach lets players shape the narrative outcome without the uncertainty that often accompanies decision-making in other story-driven games. The writing and character portrayals are top-notch, reminiscent of the delightful experience I had with Paradise Killer. Kaizen Game Works has truly come into its own, surpassing their previous work with this creation. And I can’t forget to mention the stellar soundtrack by Alpha Crome Yayo, with its blend of lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and arcade vibes, setting the perfect tone for Kaso-Machi’s world.

However, it’s not all sunshine for the Nintendo Switch version, which suffers from some technical hiccups. It’s plagued by choppy frame rates, delayed rendering, and long loading times, making it a tough sell for Switch-exclusive players. While these issues don’t ruin the experience per se, if you have the option of playing on another platform, I’d recommend it. The game, despite its homage to an older era, should still aim for crisp visuals. I experienced a couple of software crashes and a particularly stuttering final act, which was disappointing.

I love the freedom the game provides, allowing you to tackle chapters and main quests at your own pace. However, driving around and completing side objectives early on was so much fun that I found the last few chapters flew by once the agency was running efficiently. Although Promise Mascot Agency doesn’t strictly restrict advancement, I’d advise other players not to neglect the main quest. Engage with your mascots regularly during their “life satisfaction reviews” for a richer experience. Systems can seem overwhelming at first, so take your time, converse with Pinky during your drives, and chat with intriguing characters as you explore.

Promise Mascot Agency offers a nostalgic nod to cult classics from the PS2 and GameCube days. It’s a labor of love, evident in the engaging story, endearing characters, and the wonderfully crafted world. In an industry veering toward safety, this game stands courageously as a testament to creativity and innovation. It’s bold, bizarre, and confident in its oddity—a narrative about pursuing dreams that resonates deeply. As you play, you’ll discern the creators’ passion for crafting this one-of-a-kind universe. While it defies comparison, Promise Mascot Agency, if you give it a chance, will leave a lasting impression.