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- Yakuza developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has presented a new IP, Project Century.
- Featuring a more gritty setting with pumped-up violence, it feels quite similar to Sleeping Dogs.
- First, a new Yakuza and now a vastly distinct and unique franchise, RGG is raising the stakes.
Considering how many games are out there, it’s only natural that not every title receives the recognition it deserves. However, occasionally, people come across such franchises, enjoy the hell out of them, spread the word, and form a dedicated fan following.
Seeing a series you’ve known for years as a masterpiece finally get mainstream recognition is an indescribable feeling of joy. For me, one such series is Yakuza. It started as a rather niche franchise but was always beyond amazing, and now the whole world knows this. Plus, it’s about to get even better with Project Century.
Why it matters: After the legendary Yakuza series, RGG is now going in a different, albeit equally exciting, gory direction, which can proudly co-exist with its arcade predecessor.
Project Century, RGG’s Fascinating New Venture
The recent Game Awards were filled with exciting reveals, but I must say I was not mentally prepared for this one. With Pirates in Hawaii coming in February, I never imagined in my wildest dreams that RGG would drop another bomb this soon.
When the reveal trailer began, I was momentarily lost for words. From the setting and character designs to the violent gameplay and the beautiful engine, I thought this was something brand new. It wasn’t until the RGG logo appeared that I realized this was the legendary Yakuza developer flexing its muscles.
Anyone else liked how the Project Century trailer actually shows actual gameplay? I know it’s incomplete and all but getting an appetizer on how the game actually plays is pretty good imo
byu/Bellpow inyakuzagames
Despite the little info available, I’m deathly excited about Project Century. Rather than Yakuza’s rather modern Japanese setting, Project Century is taking things further in the past, and I’ve always been a sucker for past Japanese settings.
The Sleeping Dogs 2 We Never Got
Practically nothing is known about the story and the actual location, except the period of 1915 and an obviously dark and gritty setting, true to Japan of that era. The protagonist is also a newcomer, making things more interesting. At least the “alive” world of RGG and city exploration aspects are still present.
What fascinates me the most is what RGG is doing with the gameplay and combat. We’re back to brawler, but it’s a lot more bloody and gory than the Yakuza series. Yes, there’s plenty of violence in Yakuza, but it’s more of an arcade-y brawler. Project Century, in contrast, is going all in on realistic brutality and the graphical impact to match it.
I was so happy seeing people think this reveal was a sleeping dogs sequel, VERY glad to know everyone still remembers the game and gives it the love it deserves
byu/Quick-Cause3181 insleepingdogs
I don’t know about you, but without the RGG logo, I mistook it for a new Sleeping Dogs. The gory combat, brutal executions, environmental takedowns, crowbar smashes, grim setting, and criminal organizations, it’s Sleeping Dogs through and through. Two of my favorite things coming together have me practically in a serene trance.
Project Century Has A Distinct Identity
It’s important to mention that while Project Century certainly has borrowed many elements from its predecessor, it’s not going to be overshadowed by the Yakuza identity. With a single glimpse, it has brilliantly set itself apart, and that’s no less than a feat.
It’s not like being a Yakuza game is a bad thing, not at all. Judgment is a spin-off essentially considered a Yakuza game but is better than many mainline entries. Being a Yakuza game is great, but after years of consuming similar stuff, a brand new product is a whole new level of thrill for me.
Project Century is different in the gameplay and setting and has a distinct feel. RGG absolutely killed it with the art direction and visual impact to establish a gritty world. Plus, replacing the arcade combat with a more grounded and realistic approach seems to work well so far.
I love how Nonchalant but in a cool the protagonist fights in Project Century
byu/Leon_Dante_Raiden_ inyakuzagames
A brand new IP that sheds the Yakuza name and identity yet is looking just as impressive, perhaps even more? Only RGG could have done this.
RGG Is On Fire Lately
What shocks me the most is just how exactly RGG is doing all this. The developer has produced nothing but quality and at an unrivaled speed. In a time of lengthy production cycles and monotonous blockbusters, RGG is somehow creating games like crazy, none of which compromise on quality. It’s mind-boggling.
If you thought last year with Like a Dragon Gaiden and Infinite Wealth consecutively was impressive, RGG is now doing Pirates in Hawaii, the new Virtua Fighter, and Project Century. I don’t know what black magic it is, but efficiency and quality like this are the need of the hour.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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