Every once in a while, a game comes out that is so bizarre that you can’t help but sit up and take notice; Promise Mascot Agency is one of those games. It proudly wears its unconventional design and storytelling on its sleeve, showing would-be players that it will be an experience quite unlike anything else.
Welcome to the Promise Mascot Agency
In Promise Mascot Agency, the player takes on the role of a yakuza lieutenant named Michi. After being ambushed by a rival gang, he decides to save his brother rather than the large sum of money they were meant to protect. Subsequently, he is sent away in disgrace to manage the titular Promise Mascot Agency, a defunct mascot agency located in a cursed town. There, he meets Pinkie (a large dismembered finger), who helps him get started in his mission to repay his debt.
Throughout his career with the Promise Mascot Agency, Michi will meet a whole host of colorful characters. The oddball mascots are only just the beginning, too, as the various supporting characters around town are also truly strange. Over time, Michi will uncover a conspiracy threatening to take down the Japanese underworld. Tonally, it seems that players can expect a sense of humor similar to that of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, only with the dial turned up to eleven (or higher).
Gameplay
Open-World Exploration
Based on what’s been shown, the gameplay in Promise Mascot Agency has three main forms. First, there’s open-world exploration. Michi can drive his truck around the town, upgrading it periodically to allow for further adventure. The trailer footage shows the vehicle is convertible. Michi’s truck can take off into the sky or set sail in lakes and rivers. Pinkie will be riding in the back of the truck. In case of any threats, Pinkie will use weapons such as missiles and machine guns.
Recruiting Mascots
There are mascots that Michi recruits can be deployed to jobs. These mascots will likely encounter trouble, such as To-Fu getting stuck in a normal-sized door. The player will use character cards representing the aid of the various townspeople. Each of these strange employees has certain stats that can help Michi’s cause for Promise Mascot Agency to thrive. The stats are Happiness, Life Satisfaction, Popularity, Motivation, and Stamina. These stats contribute to knowing your mascot’s health to ensure they can work and are satisfied with their work ethic. There is a Mood Meter on the left to check.
And with each job, there’s a chance of Negotiation. Negotiation helps mascot secure a position. Every one has Negotiation Bonuses that increase business revenue. They can even ask for vacation when their Mood Meter is low.
Michi The Manager
Finally, there is a management sim lurking behind the rest of the game. The player can invest in businesses, subcontract other mascot agencies to complete contracts, and more. This is probably where the biggest chunks of money will be made. Your work ethic will require a startup capital. Promise Mascot Agency expect players to pay attention to the jobs for the correct mascot to get the tasks done. Let’s hope Michi has the patience with these odd strangers.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying that Promise Mascot Agency is going to be weird. For developer Kaizen Game Works, though, that seems to be entirely on brand based on their debut title. It’s not going to be for everyone, but anyone with a sense of humor and an appreciation for the strange should definitely pay attention to this one. It’s expected to be released in 2025 for PC and all modern gaming consoles.
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