Project Century can offer RGG Studio a fantastic triple threat release schedule

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, commonly referred to simply as RGGhas established a strong position in Western markets in recent years, mainly through YakuzaOR Like a dragongames. It is interesting to note that YakuzaThe explosion in popularity outside Japan coincided with its move away from intense action combat in favor of a flashy turn-based system, which defines current releases of the series.

Spin off Like a dragon games, like The man who cleared his name AND Ishinthey maintain a focus on real-time combat even in the wake of RGG's stated desire to stick to the turn-based formula for future games.

But there is also flourishing Judgment series, detective thriller detective games that carry the legacy of bombastic combat Yakuza fans have come to love it so much. Through JudgmentRGG plans to continue developing this location-based brawler formula, placing it within a new narrative that is only loosely connected to the larger Yakuza/Like a dragon universe. This bifurcated approach allows RGG to remain flexible and comprehensive in its game design, ensuring audiences receive a greater variety of high-quality games in the process. With the announcement of Century ProjectIt looks like this two-pronged release strategy could become a three-pronged one.

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Virtua Fighter and Project Century are two sides of the same coin

While they both seem like bold new ventures for veteran RGG Studio, Virtua Fighter and Project Century adhere to one of its oldest strengths.

The Century Project provides yet another path for RGG to explore

Apparent differences between Project Century and Like a Dragon, Judgment

As mentioned above, the Like a dragon AND Judgment the series differ in terms of gameplay fundamentals, but also in tone and story. Make no mistake, the Judgment the games are still silly in many ways, with wacky combat and absurd plot developments like the undercover high schooler plot, but the narrative is overall much more sober and reserved. Much of this comes down to the very different premises of the two franchises: Like a dragon talks about the criminal world of Japan, while Judgment it's a crime drama with a little RGG-flavored humor injected here and there.

It's impossible to say what Century Project will be the same in terms of tone and narrative, but the Game Awards presentation trailer, decidedly dramatic, certainly didn't show much humor. In fact, it offers almost no insight into the fundamentals of the game, other than the fact that it will be set in 1910s Japan, with an apparent focus on the crime and sandbox exploration that RGG has become known for. Yet, at least at this stage, it looks noticeably different than Judgment AND Ladsuggesting it could be spun off into its own standalone series.

Project Century's gameplay feels noticeably different than other RGG games

Although RGG director Masoyoshi Yokoyama claims that no one can know what Century Project based on the trailer alone, you can't help but notice some obvious differences from the studio's previous action titles. Watching the combat, it seems much more grounded, slow and methodical than that of Judgment or the previous one Yakuza games. In fact, the dodging, parrying, and thoughtful positioning feel more like something out of a Soulslike than the high-octane mechanics of Like a dragon. There are no flying kicks, breakdancing-inspired combos, or colorful power effects in sight.

It would be logical, therefore, that Century Project will feel noticeably different to play than its predecessors, regardless of what its story turns out to be. This can only be a good thing, as it suggests further ramification of the larger one Like a dragon tree, meaning players could theoretically enjoy over-the-top turn-based action Like a dragoncrazy combo-based combat Judgmentand something else completely through Century Project. Assuming all of these IPs receive consistent attention, RGG could become an even bigger powerhouse than it currently is.

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