L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire is an action-adventure video game developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar Games. Set in Los Angeles in 1947, players control detective Cole Phelps through a series of cases inspired by film noir and crime fiction stories.
L.A. Noire image
detective crime noir 1940s los-angeles

L.A. Noire: Detective Adventure Game

Action-adventure video game with film noir-inspired cases, set in Los Angeles in 1947, controlled by detective Cole Phelps

What is L.A. Noire?

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.

L.A. Noire Features

Features

  1. Open world gameplay set in 1940s Los Angeles
  2. Investigate crime scenes and interrogate suspects as Detective Cole Phelps
  3. Advanced motion capture technology for realistic facial expressions and body language
  4. Solve cases across multiple desks including Homicide, Vice, Arson, and Traffic
  5. Historically accurate rendition of 1947 Los Angeles with over 30 square miles to explore
  6. Cinematic experience with Hollywood-quality motion-captured cutscenes
  7. Challenging investigations requiring paying attention to details and clues
  8. Variety of gameplay including shooting, chasing suspects, and clue-finding

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Immersive story and setting

Innovative facial animation technology

Satisfying investigations and interrogations

Great attention to historical detail

Engaging characters and acting

High production values

Cons

Repetitive investigations

Occasional graphical glitches

Plot loses focus in later cases

Gunplay and action sequences feel dated

Some technical issues on PC version


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