L.A. Noire
Nov 08, 2011 15 years ago
L.A. Noire is a neo-noir detective action-adventure video game developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar Games. It was initially released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms on 17 May 2011; a Microsoft Windows port was later released on 8 November 2011. L.A. Noire is set in Los Angeles in 1947 and challenges the player, controlling a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer, to solve a range of cases across five divisions. Players must investigate crime scenes for clues, follow up leads, and interrogate suspects, and the player's success at these activities will impact how much of each case's story is revealed. The game draws heavily from both the plot and aesthetic elements of film noir—stylistic films made popular in the 1940s and 1950s that share similar visual styles and themes, including crime and moral ambiguity—along with drawing inspiration from real-life crimes for its in-game cases, based upon what was reported by the Los Angeles media in 1947. The game uses a distinctive colour palette, but in homage to film noir it includes the option to play the game in black and white. Various plot elements reference the major themes of detective and mobster stories such as The Naked City, Chinatown, The Untouchables, The Black Dahlia, and L.A. Confidential.
What it’s like
L.A. Noire offers a meticulously crafted neo-noir experience set in 1947 Los Angeles, where you play as LAPD officer Cole Phelps. The core loop revolves around authentic detective work: examining crime scenes for physical evidence, tailing suspects through the city, and conducting high-stakes interrogations that rely on reading subtle facial micro-expressions to detect lies. While the game features an open-world backdrop for travel and side activities, the structure is fundamentally mission-based, guiding players through five distinct police divisions. The atmosphere is thick with period-appropriate dread, moral ambiguity, and cinematic flair, supported by a dynamic soundtrack and striking visual direction that honors classic film noir aesthetics. The narrative slowly unravels layers of systemic corruption, blending procedural mystery with a larger, overarching conspiracy. It is less about action prowess and more about the intellectual satisfaction of piecing together clues in a world defined by shadows and deceit.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicGameplay / MechanicsStory / NarrativeVisuals / Art
Keep in mind The real-time combat mechanics are often criticized as clunky and unresponsive, making action sequences feel like a chore rather than a skill check. Additionally, the open world serves primarily as a transit hub; without fast travel or compelling side content, traversing the city can become tedious for players seeking pure exploration.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from ign.com, metacritic.com, reddit.com, eshopperreviews.com, savvygaming.net.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 3 | Worldwide | Full release | May 17, 201115 years ago |
| Xbox 360 | Worldwide | Full release | May 17, 201115 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Nov 08, 201115 years ago |
| SteamVR | Worldwide | Full release | Exact dateno date yet |
