Action-adventure video game with film noir-inspired cases, set in Los Angeles in 1947, controlled by detective Cole Phelps
L.A. Noire is an action-adventure video game developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar Games in 2011. It is set in the city of Los Angeles in 1947, with players controlling police detective Cole Phelps as he investigates a series of cases inspired by crime fiction from the era.
Gameplay involves investigating crime scenes for clues, interrogating witnesses and suspects, and piecing together evidence to solve cases across a series of desks - including traffic, homicide, vice and arson. A key feature is using motion scan technology to capture extensive facial and body animation from actors, helping bring more realism and emotion to character interactions.
The game has a strong focus on historical accuracy and attention to detail recreating 1940s Los Angeles, with its mix of glamor, post-war turbulence, jazz music, and seedy crime underworld. The storyline has many twists and turns across Cole Phelps' career, interweaving with real-world events like the Black Dahlia murder.
Upon release, L.A. Noire received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to the adventure genre. Its use of motion capture and focus on detective skills over high-action sequences set it apart. While some found the game too slow-paced at times, it is widely regarded as an important stepping stone within narrative driven, story-based gaming.