As we look ahead to 2025, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the creative force behind the Like a Dragon series, seems poised for an exciting year. The studio is set to launch Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, a direct sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. In addition, two new titles were announced at The Game Awards 2024, including a fresh installment of Virtua Fighter and an intriguing new project known as Project Century. This latter title appears particularly promising for die-hard Like a Dragon fans, as it seems to harken back to the series’ action-brawler roots while possibly deepening the franchise’s lore.
Despite the excitement, details surrounding Project Century remain scarce. It’s uncertain if this new project will be a standalone title or if it will intertwine with the established Like a Dragon universe. However, the one significant detail revealed in its teaser trailer is its historical setting in 1915 Japan—a time period that could hold considerable relevance for fans familiar with the series’ intricate storyline.
Project Century’s 1915 Setting and the Omi Alliance’s Foundation
Yakuza: Aligning the Omi Alliance’s Founding with a Century Mark
The “century”reference in Project Century is potentially a vital clue regarding its narrative significance within the broader Like a Dragon lore. Historically, the franchise has not explored events prior to 1988, as seen in Yakuza 0, and details regarding the origins of the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance have largely remained unexplored. Interestingly, in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Omi Alliance Captain Masaru Watase states that the organization celebrated over 100 years of existence in 2019, hinting at a foundation around the year 1915.
While spin-offs like Like a Dragon: Ishin! and Like a Dragon: Kenzan! delve into historical settings, they are not considered canon to the main storyline. As a result, Project Century could serve as a crucial addition to the franchise, filling in gaps related to the origins of the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance.
Project Century: A Prelude to the Tojo and Omi Alliance Clash
The alignment of Project Century’s 1915 setting with the establishment of the Omi Alliance raises speculation about the game’s narrative direction. This timing could suggest that players will finally witness the origins of these rival factions in a manner that culminates in the eventual dissolution of their criminal empires, as showcased in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The game’s reveal trailer hints at a brutal struggle among disorganized criminals banding together to form formal clans, echoing historical patterns.
Notably, the Yamaguchi-gumi, the largest yakuza conglomerate in reality, was also founded in 1915. Considering the Omi Alliance’s prominence within the Like a Dragon series, Project Century can draw on this real-world history to craft a narrative steeped in authenticity.
Speculation regarding Project Century’s protagonist is also intriguing, as the character featured in the trailer remains unnamed. This character could either be the inaugural leader of the Tojo Clan, Makoto Tojo, or the founder of the Omi Alliance. Alternatively, we might encounter a character loosely connected to these clans, offering a unique perspective on their historical context. Regardless of the character’s identity, the year 1915 undoubtedly holds significance for both the actual yakuza landscape and the fictional lore of the Like a Dragon series, suggesting that Project Century may explore the foundations of the Omi Alliance, the Tojo Clan, or both.
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