On this episode Bryan and Josh drive into Promise Mascot Agency, developed by Kaizen Game Works, the team behind Paradise Killer. Released in April 2025 for Windows, Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, the game blends open-world driving, management sim mechanics, visual novel storytelling, and crime drama into an experience Bryan called his Game of the Year 2025. Set in the cursed town of Kaso-Machi, the story follows exiled yakuza lieutenant Michizane “Michi” Sugawara (voiced by Takaya Kuroda) as he attempts to repay a debt by rebuilding a failing mascot agency alongside his chaotic, foul-mouthed assistant Pink, a literal severed finger with a heart of gold. We explore how the game’s “PS2-feeling” open world, bizarre truck physics, card-battling support system, and management mechanics shouldn’t work on paper but absolutely do in practice. Buoyed by an infectious east-meets-west soundtrack from Alpha Chrome Yayo and Ryo Koike, Promise Mascot Agency delivers a potent dose of earnest absurdity.

From negotiating mascot wages and launching Pinky out of a truck-mounted cannon to debating civic policy and upgrading town landmarks, every system feeds into a larger story about found family, labor, accountability, and rebuilding community. So hop into your mascot laden truck and listen in as Bryan and Josh discuss Promise Mascot Agency!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Uplifting Offbeat Sincerity

Josh - A Rambling Tale