Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s latest game, currently titledProject Century, may break a tradition that has held for other protagonists from the company. Of course, since there is only one short trailer to go off of, the full scope ofProject Centuryis far from clear. That includes how many similarities it will ultimately have with Ryu Ga Gotoku’s flagship series,Like a Dragon. Of course, it’s not even clear ifProject Centurywill be a part of that series yet. However, at least from early indications, there is one important way that it might stand out from its peers.
Trailers for twonew games from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studioswere revealed at The Game Awards 2024. One is a revival ofVirtua Fighter, and the second is a new project tentatively calledProject Century.Project Centurytakes place in Japan in the year 1915, and from early impressions, its lead is a tough guy who knows how to handle himself in a fight. Overall, the gameplay looks like a beat ‘em up in the style ofLike a Dragon’s Kiryu saga. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has succeeded in that genre before, soProject Centurylooks good so far.
Project Century’s Hero is More Brutal Than Any Like a Dragon Lead
Project Century is Ryu Ga Gotoku’s Latest Beat-‘em-up
From the trailer, the gameplay ofProject Centurylooks to followLike a Dragon’s beat-‘em-up roots. While roaming the city, the protagonist is shown getting into several fights with various enemies. In addition to their own fists, they also showed the ability to use items picked from the ground as well as the environment itself as weapons. If nothing else, it looks like a game that fans of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s other beat-‘em-ups should be able to enjoy. However, the combat also shows one contrast between the developer’s earlier adventures. This distinction could have a major effect on the overall direction and tone of the game.
These fights seem to setProject Century’s lead apart fromLike a Dragon’s protagonistsin one major way. Throughout theLike a Dragonseries, its protagonists have generally avoided killing their enemies. Even Ryoma Sakamoto, who fought with a sword and gun, was apprehensive about killing. However,Project Century’s protagonist is quite brutal in his fighting style, with the most prominent example featuring him stabbing an enemy in the neck with a large knife. Fights in theLike a Dragongames could get pretty over-the-top. However,Project Century’s protagonist takes his brand of street fighting to a new, more visceral level.
Ryoma’s fighting style inLike a Dragon: Ishin!is also quite violent, but his opponents always appeared alive after the fact.
Project Century and Like a Dragon Have No Confirmed Connections
There could be one very important reason whyProject Century’s protagonist doesn’t followLike a Dragon’s history. While it is a beat-‘em-up set in Japan by the same company that made those games, there is not a concrete connection between the two yet. That would explain whyProject Century’s protagonist appears to break the mold of that series. Kiryu’s nobility, Ichiban’s kindness, and Yagami’s rationality all made them excellent candidates for protagonists in theLike a Dragonuniverse.Project Centurycould take place in an even harsher world, or its protagonist could be more morally grey, particularly if they’re not associated withLike a Dragon.
Project Century’s protagonist made a powerful and somewhat terrifying first impression. Whether or notProject Centuryis linked toLike a Dragon, its protagonist is clearly a world apart from that series’ usual leads. Brutal, aggressive, and willing to dish out seemingly lethal finishing moves, he will likely leave a trail of blood in his wake. His goals, his backstory, and even his name are still a mystery. However, one thing that fans already know aboutProject Century’s lead is that he’s significantly more vicious than his predecessors.
