Fans of the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for their immersive storytelling and unique gameplay, have exciting prospects ahead. The recent announcement at The Game Awards unveiled two promising new projects from the talented developer. Set to launch on February 21, 2025, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is one such title, while RGG Studio is concurrently developing a fresh entry in the enduring Virtua Fighter franchise, alongside a mysterious project dubbed Project Century. Though details surrounding Project Century remain scarce, speculation abounds regarding its potential ties to the expansive Like a Dragon universe.
The intrigue surrounding Project Century thickens with the few glimpses provided in the teaser trailer. Players are poised to navigate the gritty criminal landscape of Japan in 1915, portraying a protagonist characterized by an unprecedented level of brutality. This portrayal indeed marks a departure for RGG Studio, though the character’s design might ring a bell for veteran fans of the series. It remains uncertain whether this new title fits into the established Like a Dragon narrative, but the character does share connections with the beloved franchise.
Unraveling Project Century’s Protagonist Connection to Kazuki Kitamura
The trailer suggests that the unnamed leading character may be modeled after the talented Japanese actor Kazuki Kitamura. Notably, this is not Kitamura’s first collaboration with RGG Studio; he previously voiced the character Kurosawa in the 2012 action title Binary Domain. Furthermore, his ties to the Like a Dragon saga are even more pronounced.
Before the live-action adaptation of the franchise by Amazon Prime, acclaimed director Takashi Miike released his interpretation with the 2007 film Yakuza: Like a Dragon, in which Kitamura portrayed the series’ iconic protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu. This connection adds a layer of excitement and nostalgia for fans, who may relish seeing Kitamura return to a familiar universe if Project Century indeed weaves into the fabric of Like a Dragon.
Kazuki Kitamura’s Legacy in the Like a Dragon Universe
Despite his extensive career in film, Kazuki Kitamura’s only video game role to date has been in Binary Domain. The actor’s familiarity with the series and history of portraying Kiryu emphasizes a continuity of storytelling and character evolution within the RGG Studio projects.
Exploring Project Century’s Ties to the Like a Dragon Legacy
While the definitive role of Project Century within the larger Like a Dragon narrative remains to be clarified, its roots are undeniable. Should the title develop as an independent intellectual property, it is still heavily influenced by the motifs and aesthetics established in the Like a Dragon series, marking a significant creative connection.
Notably, the combat mechanics showcased in the Project Century trailer resonate with the classic gameplay elements that predate the series’ shift to turn-based battles. This attention to preserving the essence of the franchise while venturing into new storytelling territories positions Project Century as a worthwhile addition, regardless of its affiliation with the Like a Dragon canon. Moreover, leveraging an actor with Kitamura’s background reinforces the notion that RGG Studio aims to bridge contemporary narratives with previous styles that fans hold dear, potentially paving the way for either an enriched franchise experience or even a thrilling new series.
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