L.A. Noire Reviews

L.A. Noire is a game that accurately simulates what L.A. would've been like back in the late 40s with a pretty damn good attention to detail. It's atmosphere as a Noir work of fiction is immaculate along with some stellar writing on too boot. Characters are really well animated for a game in 2011 (even if it ventures a bit into the uncanny valley with the face motion capture) and the individual cases are really intriguing. However the actual main plot of the game can be a bit hard to follow at first unless you've been picking up the Newspaper collectibles to get more background in to what is going on but it's just as well written as the rest of the game. As you have to piece together what is REALLY going on in the latter half of the games cases but I've said enough just be sure to find those newspapers. Now for the negatives and I have to say despite me loving the X to Doubt memes to death....why the hell is called that? I recently learned prior to writing that the dialogue system was originally going to be Coax (Truth) Force (Doubt), and Lie (didn't change). I gotta say why the hell was it changed? Once you learn what these options actually DO it's not as big of problem however I will count it against it as while it was funny the first two or three times with Cole screaming his lungs out it got old quick. Another one is that I feel that the gameplay is a bit stiff even on a controller which it was made for as this is a console port through and through so expect the usually fixing that it comes with it like uncapping the FPS from 30. I'd buy it on a sale especially if you're a fan of Noir Detective flicks or a History Nerd after my own heart. The game will need some fixing up as I've mention but once you got that down you're in for a hell of a ride.

Rockstar games locked me out of all my games because my account is tied to a dead email.....and eventually theyll do it to you too.

do not buy any rockstar games. should you not remember the exact date you create your rockstar account for their third party launcher you will permanently lose access to your games and will never be able to play them on steam again. you cant even buy a new CD key. Avoid Rockstar games at all cost.

I'm not buying ANYTHING from Rockstar games cause my steam account is permanently and irreparably linked to a old Rockstar account. If i try to launch a game bought on steam it will ask me to recover my childhood Rockstar account i lost 15 years ago and won't let me play a game i own in the only platform i care about, Steam. I tried with Steam support, but they can't unlink them because it's up to Rockstar, but Rockstar wants me to access the 15 year old email simply to perform a disconnection from my Steam account which obviously I can prove to be in my possession. I'm going to laugh when people will be buying GTA 6 on Steam and will have to refund it because he can't play it.

Rockstar launcher does not work properly. I reset my password and tried to log in but it does not let me log in. Every time it says can't log in now. I played it before. But because of this Rockstar launcher I don't recommend this game. They don't even let you play offline

Another masterpiece from rockstar. Cole Phelps is a goated MC. The only "negative" about this game is that it's unbelievably obvious when suspects are lying. Just watch them for 2 seconds and you'll know. Really wish they made another game like this, it's incredibly satisfying to put 2 & 2 together to solve a case or get a new lead or even just get new information. Underrated era/setting, we need more games set in post-WW2 LA. Fuck Roy Earle, all my homies hate Roy Earle. An absolute must play at some point in your life.

Can't play from Ukraine. I was so excited to get this game that I've heard good things about it. I was eagerly waiting for a Steam sale so I could finally live out my dream of being a detective. After I purchased and installed the game, it, of course, wanted me to run it through a custom launcher. Fine, I'll create an account, no big deal. But GUESS WHAT!? YOU CANNOT CREATE AN ACCOUNT FROM UKRAINE! Apparently, you cannot create an account if you're from Ukraine since 2022. NO WARNING ON THE PAGE, NO WARNING IN THE LAUNCHER, and you can even SELECT UKRAINE as your region! So I literally had to find out that I won't be able to play AT THE LAST POSSIBLE STEP!!!!! I am SO PISSED! I want a refund.

Applied for a detective agency and put this on my CV as experience... Didnt get the job but now I have deep interest for jazz music 10/10 wish I had dementia so I could forget about the game so i could play it again for the first time :D

L.A. Noire stands out as a distinctive blend of detective work, storytelling, and action set against the moody backdrop of 1940s Los Angeles. From the very start, the game immerses you in a meticulously recreated cityscape teeming with period detail—from vintage cars and architecture to jazz-infused streets and noir aesthetics. This dedication to atmosphere helps establish a compelling world that feels authentic and alive, transporting players to a time when crime was rampant and justice was murky. The core gameplay revolves around investigation and interrogation, tasks that set L.A. Noire apart from typical action titles. As detective Cole Phelps, you sift through crime scenes, gather clues, and question a wide cast of characters, relying heavily on facial animation technology to read suspects’ micro-expressions and body language. This interrogation mechanic is fascinating and requires players to pay close attention, making every conversation feel like a subtle psychological game of truth and deception. The facial animations, cutting-edge for their time, still impress, adding depth to character interactions and reinforcing the tension in critical moments. The structure of the game is episodic, with each case presenting unique storylines that range from domestic disputes to brutal murders and political corruption. This format keeps the narrative engaging and varied, though some cases resonate more strongly than others. The pacing balances moments of meticulous investigation with bursts of high-speed car chases and shootouts, ensuring that gameplay never becomes monotonous. Driving around the sprawling city is enjoyable in itself, as L.A. Noire’s open-world design invites exploration and discovery beyond the main story beats. Combat and action sequences, while competent, feel secondary to the investigative elements. Gunfights and chases are straightforward but occasionally break immersion due to stiff controls or repetitive encounters. However, these moments serve more to heighten drama and provide pacing rather than define the gameplay. The game shines most when you’re piecing together evidence or deciding whether a suspect is telling the truth, lying, or withholding information—decisions that can affect case outcomes and your overall rating. Visually, L.A. Noire is impressive, with detailed character models, authentic period costumes, and environments filled with atmospheric lighting and weather effects. The sound design complements the visuals perfectly, with a jazz-infused soundtrack and carefully crafted ambient noises that further immerse you in the 1940s world. Voice acting across the board is strong, giving life to the diverse characters you encounter, from fellow officers to shady suspects. One potential drawback is that the game’s reliance on subtle visual cues and dialogue choices can lead to occasional frustration, especially for players unfamiliar with the era’s mannerisms or those who find the interrogation mechanics less intuitive. Some may also find the slower pace and methodical investigation sequences less appealing compared to more action-focused games. Additionally, replay value is moderate, as cases tend to play out similarly once you understand the clues and dialogue patterns. Ultimately, L.A. Noire offers a unique, atmospheric detective experience that blends narrative depth with investigative gameplay rarely seen in the genre. Its commitment to storytelling, mood, and character interaction creates a compelling journey through a dark and complex city, making it a memorable title for fans of crime dramas and story-driven adventures. For those willing to invest time in its methodical pace and nuanced interrogation system, L.A. Noire rewards with a richly textured world and engaging mysteries that stand apart from typical action games. Rating: 8/10

Rockstar games requires a third party application to run any of their games. Rockstar games has some of the worst support that I've ever experienced. I can no longer play this game because I lost access to the original email account that I signed up to RS social club with. There is no discussion or attempts to provide proof of ownership of the account. They just close every ticket after a few preloaded AI responses. I will never purchase Rockstar games again.