L.A. Noire is one of the few games out there that forces the player not to strategize, but to analyze. You’re studying the human face, gathering evidence and coming to conclusions based on that evidence. I just love the whole 1940s vibe so much the cars, style, music. Say what you will about the quality of the game, but to this day it is still one of the most distinct ones out there. Rockstar should give L.A. Noire another shot it would do really well.

L.A. Noire is an action-adventure game developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar Games. It's an exceptional crime thriller set in the golden age of Hollywood. The powerful combination of acting, writing and direction make for an unforgettable narrative where a detective has to uncover the truth in a city where everyone has something to hide.



After an honorable discharge from the US Military, First Lieutenant Cole Phelps joins the LAPD. Just an year on the beat and his brilliant results already land him the role of a Detective. Working each desk of the department and rising through the ranks slowly reveals a bigger, much more disturbing picture, of how the City of Angels really looks. As per the game's name, there is a lot of inspiration taken from classic Noir films of that period. Every case feels like an episode of a Noir show, and while they feel unrelated at first, all cases eventually present a bigger story, one which is anything but angelic. The main protagonist also develops gradually through the game, his backstory is revealed in parts, through flashbacks triggered in different cases. The city changes everybody and everybody really has something to hide. It's a mature and well-written story, which should be experienced slowly.


L.A. Noire is one of the only, if not the only, game that covers this niche genre. This is certainly not "GTA as a cop". There are not as many shootouts throughout, there are some, but they don't happen as frequently as in other Rockstar titles. Detective work is at the center of gameplay, you must carefully examine clues and link evidence in order to solve cases. Interrogation questions also play a big role here, they are well written and challenging enough to get right, especially on a blind playthrough. Shooting and driving mechanics are simple but they get the job done in a game like this.


Under the artistic hood, L.A. Noire is also a technical marvel, especially for its time. Proprietary MotionScan technology is used to capture an actor's face and movements in order to make a cinematic experience. This is interesting technology that is not really used anywhere else and, in my opinion, it still holds up even to this day. There are some weaker technical aspects, of course, such as driving and shooting. They are not the main focus of the game and thus aren't as polished as those in GTA, for example.


Since L.A. Noire is a Rockstar-published title, it is bound to have some jank on PC. Thankfully it is nothing like GTA Trilogy or Bully. The main issue most people would have is the 30fps lock. PCs these days are far more powerful and can run this game without issues. The reason it's locked to 30 is due to the facial technology. All facial scans and animations were made for 30 FPS, unlocking the framerate is possible with external tools but it's not really recommended. The game's narrative and structure work like a movie, there are many cutscenes that transport you in the world of 1940s Los Angeles and if you pay attention to those, you'll get used to the framerate quickly. I've only played this game on Xbox 360 prior and had no idea PC ran at 30 FPS as well, with that said, after like 10-15 minutes I already stopped paying attention to the frames and had no issue with the lock at all.


L.A. Noire is unique and bloody brilliant, if you are even remotely interested in this genre, definitely give it a shot. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Unless you don't care about stories and only appreciate high-octane gameplay... if that's the case then this likely won't be your cup of tea.

Gosh, what I can say? Fantastic game all around, even all these years later for a first play through.
Phenomenal story, impressive facial expressions (for the time), and really interesting setting for post-war 1940s LA. The writing is incredibly smart and ties in through so many repeating themes and nods to what comes next. Acting is very good and feels authentic to the time period.
If any game deserved a sequel, L.A. Noire would be that game. It's a shame we won't see another game like from the Rockstar team again, but it is still a fantastic thriller to play through.