Before you dismiss the latest game from developer Rockstar, infamous creator of the Grand Theft Auto series, as an opportunity to run riot and cause destruction as and when you see fit you will need to think again. L.A. Noire is unlikely to be similar to any game that you have ever played in your life. Combine ground-breaking graphics with action-packed gunfights and car chases, combine an open-world gaming experience with compelling investigation work as a detective – it wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that this game has everything! But can a title that combines so many different styles of gameplay really succeed in them all?
Storyline
L.A. Noire provides you with the opportunity to take control of a detective in the American city of Los Angeles and in the year 1947. Unlike the vast majority of games brought to us by Rockstar, you are actually one of the good guys now! With a setting of eight accurate square miles of the city to explore as you will, there is plenty to see as you progress through the plot. Unfortunately it seems that the city of L.A. has descended into darkness and corruption and, unsurprisingly, it’s your job to climb the ranks as you discover exactly what’s going on with the multiple murders and arson attacks in the city.
The story may be more linear than we’re used to from this developer, and some of the cases to solve can become a little repetitive, however there is plenty to seek your teeth into and you can still explore at will.
Gameplay
The bulk of L.A. Noire’s gameplay is in discovering clues from the cases to which you are assigned, as well as interviewing any witnesses and potential suspects. You will need to keep your eyes peeled for even the smallest details, as it could be these that provide the answers that you are searching for. You’ll soon get the hang of which pieces of evidence to pay closer attention to; a useful skill to develop as, if you miss something important at a crime scene, you won’t be able to ask a witness about it later.
At the outset of the game you will find your hand held quite substantially as you work to find clues. Although this can make the game feel a little artificial it won’t last for long, and you’ll soon have more freedom to discover the answers for yourself. You may appreciated that initial guidance though, as there is only one automatically updating save game, preventing you from jumping back in time to spot something that you missed.
Graphics
Say what you will about the gameplay of L.A. Noire, there is absolutely no disputing that this game is truly gorgeous. A new technology known as MotionScan means that the facial expressions of the characters within the game were not created by animators, but by skilled actors. And it shows! It’s almost unnerving seeing the almost-real look of those citizens that you are interrogating.
This incredibly level of facial expression has another bonus to the gameplay, in that you simply won’t be able to look away and pay partial attention as you listen to the replies to your enquiries. Often the answer that you are looking for will be portrayed through a subtle expression or a dropping of the eyes.
Conclusion
You will never have played a game quite like L.A. Noire, and that alone may be reason enough to make the purchase of this title. Stunning graphics, great attention to detail, an interesting story and complex gameplay are all features that contribute to the success of this game. While the story may not delve as deeply as some games to involve you on an emotional level, and occasional sections of the game can feel repetitive, there is such a great atmosphere to enjoy that you may not even notice these flaws.