Promise Mascot Agency: Ryo Koike
The name Ryo Koike is one that you can't miss in the world of gaming soundtracks. From Ninja Gaiden to Resident Evil he has marked and shaped the industry to where it is now. We had the opportunity to get to know more about his vision and the process of making the soundtrack to Promise Mascot Agency, a brand-new game by Kaizen Game Works, the creators of Paradise Killer, coming out on April 10th.
Congratulations on the PMA OST announcement! How do you feel about having the soundtrack you made being available for pre-order on vinyl AND cassette tape?
Nice to meet you, I'm Ryo Koike.
Thank you so much! I'm truly delighted and honored. This is my first time having my music released on vinyl and cassette, and I'm beyond excited! I guess it’s time to 'color in the eyes of the Daruma' now. I’d also like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this release.
Answer in Japanese
“はじめまして、小池令です。ありがとうございます！とても嬉しいし、光栄です。自分の楽曲がレコードやカセットになるのは初めてで興奮しています。ダルマに目を入れないと。この度のリリースに関わるすべてのスタッフに感謝いたします。”
How did it come about working together with Kaizen Game Works and was there any direct collaboration with Alpha Chrome Yayo?
A friend reached out to me about a company creating a really cool game that was looking for a composer. I immediately submitted a demo. I was truly thrilled to be chosen—thank you, Kaizen Game Works!
Although there wasn’t a direct collaboration with Alpha Chrome Yayo, since we were both involved in the same project, I’d still consider it a collaboration. It was an incredibly valuable and honorable experience.
Answer in Japanese
“とてもクールなゲームを作っている会社があり作曲者を探していると友人から連絡がありました。私はすぐにDEMOを提出しました。本当に選んでくれてうれしかったです。ありがとうカイゼンゲームワークス！今回直接アルファ・クロム・ヤヨとのコラボレーションはありませんでしたが、作品全体としてはコラボレーションといえるかもしれない。とても貴重で光栄な経験です。”
What was your vision for this soundtrack? What was something you paid the most attention to?
My job was to create unique music that matched the game's situations and characters. What I focused on was making each track so memorable that just hearing it would instantly bring the scene back to mind.
Answer in Japanese
”私の仕事はゲームのシチュエーションやキャラクターに対し、個性的な楽曲を作ることでした。こだわったのは、その曲を聞いたら、すぐに場面を思い出せるような印象的なものにする事。”
Which sounds and atmospheres influenced you in your production process?
At the end of the day, the music I heard in countless TV shows and movies growing up has had the biggest influence on me. And of course, Alpha Chrome Yayo’s music—I still listen to it all the time. It’s just so cool.
Answer in Japanese
“結局のところ子供のころから見てきたTVや映画等の数々の音楽の記憶が一番影響を受けています。あとはやっぱりAlpha Chrome Yayoさんの曲ですね。今でもずっと聞いてます。とてもかっこいいんですよ。”
As a well-respected composer, having written for “Dead or Alive”, “Ninja Gaiden” and “Resident Evil” among many other famous games, how was it making a soundtrack to a different, more light-hearted style of game?
You really did your research—that makes me happy!
Composing for Promise Mascot Agency was a challenge for me. Most of the projects I’ve worked on in the past have been for violent games, so the sound selection and overall approach to the music were completely different this time.That said, about ten years ago, I did compose for a pop-style RPG on the 3DS, and that experience might have come in handy for this project. I hope this opens up even more opportunities for me in the future!
Answer in Japanese
“調べてくれたんですね。嬉しいです。今回のプロミスマスコットエージェンシーの楽曲制作は自分にとってチャレンジでもありました。 これまで携わった作品は、バイオレンスなゲームが多く、使う音色や、音のアプローチの仕方が全然違うのです。ただ実は10年ぐらい前に唯一、3DSのPOPなRPGの楽曲制作をしたことがあってその経験が今回のプロジェクトで生きたかもしれない。これを機に私の仕事の幅も増えるといいな。”
What did your writing process look like? What instruments did you use?
I usually start by looking at images and videos from the project, then build the music in my head before programming it into my composition software.
I have both a keyboard and a guitar, and I initially tried recording some guitar parts for this project. However, in the end, I decided to program the guitar as well—I wanted to capture a certain 'game music' flavor.
Answer in Japanese
“基本的に作品の画像や動画を見て、頭の中で組み立てたものを作曲ソフトに打ち込むスタイルです。
楽器は、鍵盤とギターがあり、今回ギターでの楽曲も試みましたが、
最終的にはギターも打ち込みにしました。
何かゲーム音楽としての味が欲しくて。”
What were some of the challenges you faced along the way and how did it influence the outcome of this soundtrack?
The first time I heard Alpha Chrome Yayo’s music, I was blown away by how original and incredibly cool it was. Since my own tracks were turning out bright and poppy, I asked the producer if I should make any adjustments. But they told me to keep it as it was—so that was a relief!
Answer in Japanese
“Alpha Chrome Yayoさんの楽曲を初めて聞いた時、本当に独創的で抜群にクールなものでした。私の楽曲は明るくPOPに制作していたので、修正が必要かをプロデューサーに聞いた事があります。ただこのままで良いと返答がきたので、良かった！”
What’s your favorite track and why? And what’s your favourite track of Alpha Chrome Yayo’s album?
(Listening to my own tracks) Hmm… I feel attached to all of them, but Safe Driving was the last one I finished, and I really like its steady, understated vibe.
My favorite track from an Alpha Chrome Yayo album?
Have you heard Home for Hitodama?
Honestly, every single one is just too cool—I could never pick just one.
I could listen to them forever.
Answer in Japanese
“（自分の曲を聴く）うーんどれも愛着があってお気に入りなんですが、safe drivingという曲は最後にできたんだけど淡々としていて気に入ってます。
Alpha Chrome Yayoのアルバムで一番好きな曲？
Home for Hitodamaは聞きましたか？
どれもカッコよすぎて一番を選ぶのなんて無理なんですよ。
ずっと聞いていられるよ。”
We are stoked about this exciting release, both the game and the soundtrack! What do you want to tell people who are considering playing the game / considering buying the soundtrack?
Thank you! I’m really excited too. This game has such a unique world, and the soundtrack is incredibly diverse—there’s so much to enjoy.
You can download a demo version, so I absolutely recommend giving it a try.
And of course, don’t forget to check out the full game too!
Answer in Japanese
“ありがとうございます！私も本当に興奮しています。このゲームの世界観はとても特別なものだし、音楽もバラエティに富んでいてとっても聞きごたえがあります。ゲームは体験版がダウンロードすることができるので、絶対プレイしてほしい。
もちろん製品版もね！”
The game releases on the April 10th 2025. Wishlist here.