Comprehensive Evaluation of Promise Mascot Agency

Back in 2020, Kaizen Game Works caught my attention with “Paradise Killer”—a narrative-driven game that was not only a delight to explore but also a treat with its engaging storytelling and memorable characters. Fast forward to their latest release, “Promise Mascot Agency,” initially, it seems like a departure from their previous work. However, after investing nearly twenty hours exploring its fascinating world, it becomes clear that Kaizen Game Works has once again crafted a game that’s hard to pigeonhole but easy to love. If you’re on the hunt for something truly unique and enjoyable, this one’s for you.

In “Promise Mascot Agency,” you step into the shoes of Michi, also known by his notorious yakuza moniker, The Janitor. After botching a mission, his family writes him off and sends him to Kaso-Machi, a tiny town in Kyushu rumored to be cursed for male yakuza. Michi’s task? Revitalize a mascot agency on the brink of collapse to pay off his crushing debts. But what exactly is a mascot agency? Think of it as a hub to employ those wonderful, larger-than-life mascots you see at various events, who bring attention wherever needed. Joined by your assistant Pinky, a quirky pinky-finger-shaped mascot, your goal is to turn Promise Mascot Agency into Japan’s premier mascot hub—unraveling the town’s secrets and its residents’ stories along the way.

Normally, I’d compare a new game to similar titles you might already know. But “Promise Mascot Agency” stands apart in such a way that conventional comparisons don’t quite fit. You could consider it a narrative-driven adventure, where you navigate a small but dense open world and take on tasks to recruit mascots, upgrade Kaso-Machi, and help mascots achieve their ambitions. You drive around in a battered old truck, meeting the townsfolk, but never leaving the vehicle. No crashes or fall damage to worry about; instead, you focus on upgrading your truck for improved mobility. You’ll find yourself jumping and boosting through the landscape, all while the humor and absurdity of the game draw you in.

The characters are intriguingly relatable, from the yam-coated mascot Tororo, who dreams of promoting the joys of adult entertainment, to Miss Wambui, an exchange teacher who has fallen in love with her students and the picturesque countryside. The game’s witty writing complements the creative mascot designs, turning them into instant favorites. You’re even encouraged to sell mascot merchandise, which I now wish existed for quirky characters like To-Fu, Neko Roll, and Koke-Maru.

Sending mascots on gigs sometimes leads to mini-game challenges, transforming the experience into a card-based strategy game. You’ll need assistance from Kaso-Machi’s residents, who lend their expertise to solve problems—anything from misdirected boxes to malfunctioning vending machines. Each challenge gives you 60 seconds to play your cards wisely, affecting the outcome. Initially tricky, these puzzles become more manageable as you upgrade your allies through side quests and interactions. As you advance in the game, the various systems start interconnecting nicely. It’s not just your agency that grows; the whole town flourishes, making your bond with the community integral to your enjoyment.

The attention to detail is impressive. While most dialogue isn’t voice-acted, the game’s cutscenes and mascot introductions are fully voiced, adding depth to its characters. I especially appreciate the choice-making system where you’re shown Michi’s intent rather than precise dialogue, ensuring interactions feel genuine and aligned with your desired emotional tone.

Playing “Promise Mascot Agency” stirred up the same feelings I had with “Paradise Killer”—a testament to how Kaizen Game Works has honed its craft. It even surpasses their prior success in some aspects. The soundtrack deserves a special mention, combining lo-fi, Japanese City Pop, and ‘90s arcade vibes, perfectly capturing the essence of Kaso-Machi with contributions from artist Alpha Chrome Yayo.

However, if you’re thinking of playing it on Nintendo Switch, be aware of its technical hiccups. Framerate drops, delayed rendering, and texture pop-in issues make the Switch version less ideal. I did experience a couple of crashes, notably towards the game’s finale, where performance issues became more persistent.

Lastly, while the chapter structure offers great freedom, I found myself advancing through side quests so briskly that the last few chapters flew by once the agency was running smoothly. My advice? Balance your focus on both side quests and main story missions to maintain a steady pace and savor every moment. It can be a lot to juggle, especially initially, so take your time and engage with the characters and world at a comfortable pace.

In many ways, “Promise Mascot Agency” feels like a cult classic from the golden era of gaming, echoing the charm of PS2 and GameCube titles. This game allows Kaizen Game Works to showcase their creativity without fear of blending in with the crowd. In an industry often hesitant to take risks, this game is a breath of fresh air—unapologetically different and charming. Its distinct world and unconventional gameplay create a narrative about fulfilling dreams that both surprises and delights. Dive in with an open heart (and a suitable platform if possible), and you’ll find an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.