Overview of Project Century
- The upcoming Project Century transports players to Japan in 1915, emphasizing arcade-style beat-em-up gameplay.
- The lead character bears a striking resemblance to Kazuki Kitamura, the actor known for his role as Kazuma Kiryu in the 2007 film adaptation.
Excitement is brewing around Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s Project Century, especially among fans who believe the main character may be modeled after Kazuki Kitamura, the live-action Kazuma Kiryu from the 2007 film Like a Dragon. Known for its acclaimed Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio appears to be delving into new and uncharted territories with this game, hinting at a grittier and more diverse narrative.
Unveiled at The Game Awards 2024, Project Century quickly captured the imagination of the gaming community. This historical game is set in rural Japan during 1915, focusing on an original character who engages in combat reminiscent of classic arcade beat-em-ups rather than the turn-based JRPG style seen in the recent Ichiban Kasuga titles. This shift back to a more action-oriented gameplay style has sparked discussions among fans about potential connections to the broader Like a Dragon universe, primarily due to the character’s attributes closely resembling those of Kitamura.
Influential voices on social media, including Jack Yakuza and Ultra Oak, have highlighted the protagonist’s uncanny resemblance to Kazuki Kitamura, noting his distinctive facial features. Despite mixed opinions about the 2007 film’s overall quality, many fans praise the fight choreography, particularly in scenes featuring Kitamura and his on-screen counterpart, Goro Kishitani as Goro Majima.
Kazuki Kitamura: Beyond Like a Dragon
Now that some people mention it, the new protagonist looks REALLY similar to Kazuki Kitamura (Kiryu actor from the Yakuza movie). Maybe it is him? pic.twitter.com/941gVQHFUc — Jack Yakuza (Yakuza spoilers ahead) (@jack840A) December 13, 2024
The MC’s Face Model is 100% Kazuki Kitamura, this is crazy https://t.co/BNhvpmIMTO pic.twitter.com/qYLp7FfQl5 — Ultra Oak | ウルトラオ˜ƒ¼‚¯¯ (@OakTreesMan) December 13, 2024
Outside of his portrayal in the Like a Dragon adaptation, Kazuki Kitamura’s portfolio includes several notable roles in live-action adaptations of anime. His recent performances include Gonzo Kosugi in the 2023 film Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead and Shirosuke Inudo in the 2024 drama Golden Kamuy: Hokkaido Tattooed Prisoners Scramble Arc. Utilizing prominent actors like Kitamura aligns with Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s trend of casting established names for pivotal roles, reminiscent of Takuya Kimura’s involvement in the Judgment spin-offs.
Although the explicit casting details for Project Century remain unverified, the discussions surrounding the game’s release suggest a growing intrigue in its potential connection to the Like a Dragon narrative canon. Some fans speculate it could serve as a prequel, taking place a century prior to the main game’s events. For more concrete updates on Project Century, enthusiasts will need to stay tuned for official announcements from Sega and RGG Studio.
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