Review of Promise Mascot Agency

Kaizen Game Works first caught my attention with their 2020 creation, Paradise Killer. That game was a delightful mix of exploration and absorbing prose, drawing me into its rich world and fascinating characters. Initially, their new release, Promise Mascot Agency, seemed to diverge quite a bit from its predecessor. Yet, after immersing myself in its charming universe for nearly twenty hours, it’s evident that Kaizen Game Works is a studio full of surprises. Despite its refusal to be easily categorized, Promise Mascot Agency is something I wholeheartedly recommend to those in search of the extraordinary or anyone simply fond of quality games.

In this quirky game, you step into the shoes of Michi, also known by his yakuza moniker, “The Janitor.” After a bungled assignment, he’s pronounced dead by his mob family and exiled to Kaso-Machi, a rural town in Kyushu rumored to curse male yakuza visitors. Michi’s mission? To breathe life into a struggling mascot agency in order to clear his hefty debt. You might be curious about what a mascot agency does. Imagine mascots—those colorful characters we see at events—needing gigs to showcase their talents. Your role, alongside your assistant Pinky—a quirky mascot that resembles a disembodied pinky finger—is to elevate the Promise Mascot Agency to the top of its game, while uncovering the secrets and stories of Kaso-Machi’s residents along the way.

Now, typically I’d draw parallels between the game I’m reviewing and other popular titles. But Promise Mascot Agency is truly in a class of its own. At its core, it’s a narrative adventure game, where you explore a tight-knit open world, carrying out tasks to recruit new mascots, spruce up Kaso-Machi, and help mascots achieve their dreams. Much of your time is spent driving a beat-up truck through town, getting to know the locals. You won’t step out of the truck, but there’s no need to worry about taking damage or crashing. As you upgrade the truck, you’ll enjoy the thrill of jumping, boosting, and even plunging into water! This is all a part of learning more about Kaso-Machi. The game revels in its absurdity, making its characters surprisingly relatable. Take Trororo, for instance—a yam-covered mascot whose singular objective is to promote Adult Videos. Or Miss Wambui, an exchange teacher whose love for her students and the scenic Japanese countryside keeps her anchored. The exemplary writing brings to life the mascots’ creative designs, leaving a lasting impression. Progress in the game involves selling mascot merchandise, and trust me, you’ll find yourself wanting figurines of To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.

When mascots go on assignments, things can go awry, introducing a minigame card-battler element. You’ll need the townsfolk of Kaso-Machi as Support Heroes to resolve mishaps, ranging from misplaced boxes to malfunctioning vending machines and overzealous fans. You have 60 seconds to whittle down the health bar of these problematic objects by playing strategically chosen cards. Two action points are available per round, and chaining cards increases your options. Initially, these challenges can be daunting, but upgrading Support Heroes with town quests or conversations aids in overcoming them. As you delve deeper, the interconnected systems unfold, linking not only your expanding and thriving agency but also Kaso-Machi’s growth. This bond with the town enriches the entire experience. Though visually moody, the game’s warmth quickly shines through, and exploring it becomes an absolute joy.

What truly elevates Promise Mascot Agency is its meticulous attention to detail. While the majority of the text isn’t voice-acted, cutscenes and mascot introductions are fully voiced, adding depth to the characters. I particularly appreciate how dialogue options for Michi aren’t specific lines but rather convey the emotion or intent behind the words. This feature is something I’d love to see in more narrative-driven games, as it avoids unexpected reactions and perfectly conveys Michi’s supportiveness, reassurance, or directness. As I played, it elicited the same feelings I had during Paradise Killer—a testament to the game’s brilliance. Kaizen Game Works has truly come into its own, with Promise Mascot Agency arguably outshining its predecessor. And the soundtrack? Phenomenal. Alpha Crome Yayo’s mix of lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and ‘90s arcade vibes enhances Kaso-Machi’s every nook and cranny. It’s the perfect finishing touch to an already delightful experience.

However, playing on the Nintendo Switch can be a bit of a letdown, with inconsistent frame rates, rendering delays, and noticeable pop-ins marring the open-world experience. While still enjoyable, if another platform is available, I’d recommend considering it. Just because the game feels like a nod to a bygone era doesn’t mean you want those bygone glitches.

I also loved the freedom to tackle chapters and quests at will, but caution players against rushing through side content, as I did. A more balanced approach to the main narrative paired with side activities ensures a richer experience. Early on, the game may seem overwhelming due to its various systems. So, take your time, chit-chat with Pinky, and engage with interesting characters as you journey through this captivating world.

Promise Mascot Agency feels like a beloved cult classic from the PS2 and GameCube days, and I mean that as a compliment. It’s clear how much passion went into crafting a delightful story, with endearing characters and a vibrantly explorable world. It’s refreshing to encounter a game that dares to be different, especially in today’s risk-averse industry. Promise Mascot Agency radiates confidence in its unique world and gameplay, encouraging players to pursue their dreams. While exploring, the creators’ joy in bringing this universe to life is palpable. It’s an experience unlike any other—one that, if embraced, leaves a lasting impression.