L.A. Noire

 PlayStation 3
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1212 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 848 out of 1212
  2. Mixed: 259 out of 1212
  3. Negative: 105 out of 1212
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  1. ModernUnit
    May 25, 2011
    9
    This game is amazing. The majority of negative reviews are dumb because if you click on the user profile, you will see that person is just a hater. Who gives a zero to a game like this? LA Noire's story is great. The free roam is cool. But the story is where its at. You have to really look at the person you're questioning to crack the case. It's not a GTA game like so many people assume.This game is amazing. The majority of negative reviews are dumb because if you click on the user profile, you will see that person is just a hater. Who gives a zero to a game like this? LA Noire's story is great. The free roam is cool. But the story is where its at. You have to really look at the person you're questioning to crack the case. It's not a GTA game like so many people assume. It's a combo of Heavy Rain and GTA.… Expand
  2. josh671
    May 26, 2011
    9
    Really great game, the motion capture works remarkably well. The presentation is near faultless especially in the cut scenes at the beginning of each case. The pacing of the story is done really well and Team Bondi have done really well to create a 3-D protagonist in Cole Phelps. I do wish there were different difficulty settings and the latter street crime call outs seem to be moreReally great game, the motion capture works remarkably well. The presentation is near faultless especially in the cut scenes at the beginning of each case. The pacing of the story is done really well and Team Bondi have done really well to create a 3-D protagonist in Cole Phelps. I do wish there were different difficulty settings and the latter street crime call outs seem to be more difficult than the action sequences in the final cases. Other than that a great game that has plenty of replay value as you try to get a correct response for each question you ask and get 5 star rating on every case… Expand
  3. zorakandbrac
    Jun 17, 2011
    7
    Just finished it wanted to get my honest opinion out before i had time to think about it. First of all the gimmick for LA Noire being the "Mo-cam". in my opinion there is nothing that can touch what they did here, the facial animations blew me away. The interrogations make great use of the technology. I did notice a few hiccups but nothing noteworthy. The open world was very detailed andJust finished it wanted to get my honest opinion out before i had time to think about it. First of all the gimmick for LA Noire being the "Mo-cam". in my opinion there is nothing that can touch what they did here, the facial animations blew me away. The interrogations make great use of the technology. I did notice a few hiccups but nothing noteworthy. The open world was very detailed and full of activity on the npc's part. This game could have had the game on a linear path and it would have been the same game. Your a cop your not preoccupied with running amok killing hookers, so the space feels wasted to me. Still a very beautiful period environment. The driving felt like GTA4 go figure. Te gun play felt floaty and slow, i know the point of the game is not the gun play, but they could have been tightened it was a little too dull feeling for my taste. The story line and characters are imo great. I liked the twists and the atmosphere, like a dark suffocating feeling, where you felt like something was watching over you and that the events were bigger then what they appeared, which was the case. all in all i felt it was a good game, not alot of replay value. This is a renter for sure.… Expand
  4. DaReviewDude
    Jun 23, 2011
    8
    Rockstar tends to go above and beyond when it comes to making a video game. With games like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption on their resume, they know a thing or two on what makes a video game successful. L.A. Noire is no exception. The best facial recognition in a video game I have ever seen (And not just in cutscenes but gameplay as well) Stunning graphics, amazing voice acting,Rockstar tends to go above and beyond when it comes to making a video game. With games like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption on their resume, they know a thing or two on what makes a video game successful. L.A. Noire is no exception. The best facial recognition in a video game I have ever seen (And not just in cutscenes but gameplay as well) Stunning graphics, amazing voice acting, and a variety of over 100 different vehicles will help to keep you entertained from the minute you put it into your console.

    Even though it is a good game, it did have some flaws. Sure, walking around a crime scene finding clues is interesting but after doing this 10-15 times, it can become very monotonous. At that point you want to just get the mission over with in order to advance the story. Also, the controls (At least for the PS3) are a little clunky and sometimes can hinder your playing ability. I was a little disappointed that Rockstar didn't implement the same controls as Red Dead Redemption. Overall, I would suggest renting this game or borrowing it from a friend because once you are finished with the game it doesn't have much replay value. But it definitely deserves a playthrough.    … Expand
  5. duffmanth
    Jan 20, 2013
    9
    The guys at Team Bondi/Rockstar definitely have seen L.A. Confidential too many times, L.A. Noire is basically the video game version of that movie. I just recently bought L.A. Noire and I wish I had gotten it a lot sooner. This game is such a refreshing departure from the sea of shooters and sandbox games out there. I applaud Rockstar for taking a bold new direction with this game.The guys at Team Bondi/Rockstar definitely have seen L.A. Confidential too many times, L.A. Noire is basically the video game version of that movie. I just recently bought L.A. Noire and I wish I had gotten it a lot sooner. This game is such a refreshing departure from the sea of shooters and sandbox games out there. I applaud Rockstar for taking a bold new direction with this game. The graphics and character modelling/animations are some of the best I've seen. Post WW2/1940's Los Angeles is beautifully detailed, alive, and accurate to the time period, as you feel like you're actually in 1940's L.A. on a movie set. The voice acting is well done to, props to the casting team. This game certainly is an open world/sandbox game where you have the freedom to roam around, do side missions, and do the main missions at your own pace.
    Speaking of the main missions, they're varied, but get repetitive at the same time. There's missions where your'e doing high speed car chases, foot chases, interrogations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, gun fights, etc. If you're expecting some mindless shooter or GTA, this isn't your game, but if you want a game that offers something different and succeeds on what it has set out to do, this is a great game!    … Expand
  6. tekshow
    May 26, 2011
    9
    There are mature games where the meaning of the word is defined by bloodshed, gore and violence. Grand Theft Auto has lived up to these descriptions for years. Comments on the interwebs and message boards where fans of consoles linger decry "Mature" games as something to achieve through your age. Much like the drinking age in America, people consider themselves adults when they hit thatThere are mature games where the meaning of the word is defined by bloodshed, gore and violence. Grand Theft Auto has lived up to these descriptions for years. Comments on the interwebs and message boards where fans of consoles linger decry "Mature" games as something to achieve through your age. Much like the drinking age in America, people consider themselves adults when they hit that magic number of 21. Once you arrive, at 21, you might feel as I did that being a real adult is completely elusive. It takes a few more years for seasoning and experience to set in. Then there are other "mature" games, but you may or may not find an M rating on the title. Hotel Dusk and Heavy Rain to name a couple examples, stand out as games of maturity without the need for gratuitous red paint everywhere. It's the narratives and experiences of games like these that propel the industry not only as a medium of story telling but as art. A tale of two dicks and mad men: Team Bondi has crafted an incredible tale of kitchy 1940's action that plays like an interactive version of L.A. Confidential. Phelps the main protagonist is as straight and rigid as they come. From the beginning you always get the sense as if he's going to have one glaring flaw to bring his world crashing down. Can he be as upright as he portends? Questions like these run rampant in L.A. Noire. Who is good or bad? Did I convict the right man, was justice served? Frankly they're questions we're rarely asked in our daily lives, and if we are we don't want to share it with other people, and even more scarce in the landscape of gaming. Rockstar's 1940 version of LA oozes with charm like the series Mad Men. Down to the details in cigars, whiskey lounges and Jazz the city seems abuzz with all the appropriate nuances. Some have decried the game as there not being much to do. Well if you mean you can't hit someone with a baseball bat and grab a rocket launcher while driving down the sidewalk with your gat, then no, L.A. Noire doesn't allow for those kinds of freedoms. It does however put you on your toes and give you the freedom as a detective to act like one. Who to investigate, what you deem evidence, and where to search for your next answer is up to officer Phelps. As a company known for those other "mature" titles Rockstar has hit a homerun with L.A. Noire. There's a few things they've tightened up from other 1940s and period pieces. For instance driving never feels sluggish, unlike some of the Mafia games where they try to give a real time impression of driving an old Plymoth. Traveling is quick and easy, but the city is huge so it's even better that they threw in a fast travel feature. It's about the A to B here, but if you want to explore you can. The music, and the production values are all top notch, needless to say so is the acting. By now you may have heard that one of LA Noire's biggest selling points is the evolution of facial animation. They have done it. Real, believable faces in sync with the audio are ready to interact with Phelps at every turn. It makes getting attached to characters an easy windfall, and contributes to the games premise of discovering who's telling the truth and who isn't. That's what you have to go on, a wink here, pinched lips, a glance to the side. It's amazing how far they went with the level of emotion, some looks can be the difference between telling a lie, and a question rolling around the person's noodle. Without this feature I doubt Noire would have achieved the level o game it became in the end. Things aren't one hundred percent roses in Noire either. As an initial effort the game is a creative success. There's some minor flaws in the gun play, the cover system feels tacked on, and the fisticuff sequences are too easy and bland. One time I was out numbered 3 to 1 and quickly dispatched two of the thugs. I'm a trained Ninja in real life, that probably helped. Next I was given a cutscene showing my character getting a good thrashing, I wasn't supposed to win the fight. It immediately took me out of the fluidity of the experience. There's tons to build on here and I bet with the success it's getting we're guaranteed to see a sequel. Some people used to the Rockstar formula may be quick to judge this title. Those missing rocket launchers and strip clubs may be immediately turned off. For the rest of the intended audience willing to take a chance on something refreshing, to savor it, you are in for an incredibly adult experience.… Expand
  7. Commen0136
    May 24, 2011
    8
    Good game but L.A. Noire could have been better. The map is pretty big but the city just doesn't seem as alive as Rockstar's previous games and there isn't really much to do in free-roam. The graphics are good. The faces look excellent but the bodies are not as good. The gameplay is pretty good and unique. The story and voice acting are solid. The music of the game is great. L.A. NoireGood game but L.A. Noire could have been better. The map is pretty big but the city just doesn't seem as alive as Rockstar's previous games and there isn't really much to do in free-roam. The graphics are good. The faces look excellent but the bodies are not as good. The gameplay is pretty good and unique. The story and voice acting are solid. The music of the game is great. L.A. Noire isn't GTA in the 40s. Its much more different. Its not better but its still a good game.… Expand
  8. VaVa_Reviews
    Jun 22, 2011
    10
    My reviews go like this. A 10 means you should get this fast. A 7 means get it if your interested, but not for everyone. A 5 means you should rent. A 2 means screw this game. La noire is a **** ten La noire is a ten because it is immersive with so much to do. This masterpiece gives you your sixty bucks worth and it really is fun. L.A is a great environment and I really enjoyed this game,My reviews go like this. A 10 means you should get this fast. A 7 means get it if your interested, but not for everyone. A 5 means you should rent. A 2 means screw this game. La noire is a **** ten La noire is a ten because it is immersive with so much to do. This masterpiece gives you your sixty bucks worth and it really is fun. L.A is a great environment and I really enjoyed this game, everything is great and I love this definitely a perfct addition to other ps3 games like portal 2 and dead space 2… Expand
  9. metalaries
    May 29, 2011
    9
    This game requires that you actually pay attention and make actual decisions. as others here have pointed out, you're going to hate this game if you're just thinking you can run rampant all over the place and not fail. The graphics are great even though in HD there are lines here and there which in this age of HD is very odd indeed. the biggest reason in my book why this game didn't get aThis game requires that you actually pay attention and make actual decisions. as others here have pointed out, you're going to hate this game if you're just thinking you can run rampant all over the place and not fail. The graphics are great even though in HD there are lines here and there which in this age of HD is very odd indeed. the biggest reason in my book why this game didn't get a 10 is because of unbelievable POPUP!! there was one point where i was clipping a curb to get around a car and right at the corner the lightpole just APPEARS OUT OF NOWHERE. there are frequent issues of this throughout the game and it gets either quietly accepted or cussed out depending on what and where it is. the driving scenes are something that makes me squirm, this game was make by friggin ROCKSTAR, hello?? why is the driving so clunky?! when you go to turn the car, it is immediate and VERY sharp, as taking a turn at even normal speeds you're bound more often than not to have a head on collision especially if making a left turn. chase scenes with the cars are even more problematic, as unless you're extremely good with your reflexes, you're going to run into buildings, people and everything else trying to catch somebody since the turning of your car again becomes more of a huge problem than it should. the facial animations are as everybody else has said here are the cream of this game. All I'm gonna say now is that if you're not a thinking gamer, willing to take time and invest into a game that really does make the best of what it offers, don't even bother with this.… Expand
  10. spydercanopus
    May 29, 2011
    8
    Boobies on the PS3? Nice. I was hoping for a little more, but this game breathes new life into PS3 adventure RPGs in my opinion. This is exactly what I've been needing in a console game.
  11. CPB
    May 28, 2011
    8
    A fun game, but also a disappointing one. There is some screen taring, some of the cases are just rinse and repeat, and the ending is unsatisfying. But most cases are fun, sometimes having the choice to charge suspect A or suspect B, and a pretty good story (minus the ending and one thing that happens that doesn't have a reason behind it).
  12. Jelly
    Jun 7, 2011
    9
    as a simulator, the game is out of this world! the best simulator ever. you really feel like your on the crime scene, it feels like real police word... in that perspective I would give LA Noire 10. but if you look at it as a game, then there is some things which ruins the game a bit... the story isn't good enough... and the game suffers a bit on being very much the same all the wayas a simulator, the game is out of this world! the best simulator ever. you really feel like your on the crime scene, it feels like real police word... in that perspective I would give LA Noire 10. but if you look at it as a game, then there is some things which ruins the game a bit... the story isn't good enough... and the game suffers a bit on being very much the same all the way through... so to rate it as a game, as it is... I will give it 8,7… Expand
  13. Rosco
    Aug 24, 2011
    8
    LA Noire is a truely outstanding achievement for gaming. Never has there been such an ambitious game that delivers such a revolutionary feeling. Developed by Team Bondi and Rockstar LA Noire see's you assume the role of Cole Phelps a strict by the book Cop amongst the corrupt and sexist city of LA Noire in the 1940's which see's you solving murders and working you way to the top. ForLA Noire is a truely outstanding achievement for gaming. Never has there been such an ambitious game that delivers such a revolutionary feeling. Developed by Team Bondi and Rockstar LA Noire see's you assume the role of Cole Phelps a strict by the book Cop amongst the corrupt and sexist city of LA Noire in the 1940's which see's you solving murders and working you way to the top. For anyone expecting GTA then your in the wrong place. LA Noire is a much deeper, atmospheric and immersive experience to say the least and visually well the graphics are game changing. It raises the bar as you will have witnessed nothing like this to date. The detail that has gone into each character is phenominal and a break-through moment for gaming. The acting in all departments is sublime and possibly the best to date. The gameplay is more about using your mind, thinking and watching each suspect as the majority of the time thats what you spend doing. Whilst at times it gets reptitive and can hit a few nerves it is refreshing as theres nothing else like it on the market. However there are guns but there less important as the shootouts are few and far between. Theres no multiplayer involved in LA Noire but theres no need for an online mode as there is so much to do especially with DLC available and more on the way however the prospect of LA Noire online is intriguing. The truth is LA Noire is a defining moment for gaming no questions asked. It's certainly ambitious but it largely pays off as the mechanics are magnifcent and leave you in awe! The only grievance I have is that eventually it does become repitive and follows a similar pattern in the endgame however don't let that put you it's worth the experience. LA Noire is game you can't afford to miss… Expand
  14. LagPlay
    Jun 4, 2011
    9
    This is not a GRAND THEFT AUTO GAME! This is a detective crimestory game, and what it does, it does damn well, I always trust Rockstar to pump out amazing titles and this is not exception.
  15. midgard30
    Jun 6, 2014
    6
    If you're looking for a true investigation game, L.A. Noire may not be the one you're looking for. The 1950's Los Angeles is just amazing and technically a masterpiece from Rockstar. Unfortunately (for me), I felt it was more an interactive movie, No matter how you screw your investigations, you will always find the culprit. The difference between a successful and ruined investigation willIf you're looking for a true investigation game, L.A. Noire may not be the one you're looking for. The 1950's Los Angeles is just amazing and technically a masterpiece from Rockstar. Unfortunately (for me), I felt it was more an interactive movie, No matter how you screw your investigations, you will always find the culprit. The difference between a successful and ruined investigation will reside on missions score and your boss paying you compliments or bawling at you! But if what your looking for is an immersive adventure in the 1950's L.A., then go for it!… Expand
  16. cornagandarub
    Oct 16, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this is a review for la noire. it is a video game where things happen and some things that do not happen. it was okay. i would say that it was a video game.… Expand
  17. Xpadsyx
    May 25, 2011
    8
    One of the most anticipated games of the year and only really the second or third massively anticipated release so far this year L.A Noire promises much with its revolutionary face capturing technology and its deep investigatory game play but has it delivered? The story of L.A Noire is the titles strongest facet. You play as Cole Phelps (Aaron Staton), a former military hero returning fromOne of the most anticipated games of the year and only really the second or third massively anticipated release so far this year L.A Noire promises much with its revolutionary face capturing technology and its deep investigatory game play but has it delivered? The story of L.A Noire is the titles strongest facet. You play as Cole Phelps (Aaron Staton), a former military hero returning from the War in the Pacific to become a member of the LAPD. You start as a street cop but are quickly promoted to the Traffic division. This is where the detective fun really begins. The Traffic Desk is one of the most enjoyable out of the four that you work in throughout the game (traffic, homicide, vice and arson), because the cases are the most varied. Each case is individually interesting and enjoyable. All the way through the story there is the undercurrent of a larger case which ultimately builds to a superb climax at the end of the game. What makes the story so immersive are the great characters that you encounter throughout. This is bolstered by the great face animation Rockstar has implemented as well as some of the finest voice acting in video game history. Characters are multidimensional and often not what they seem. The setting of the game is also terrific. Late 1940s Los Angeles is a fine setting for this crime drama. The developers have gone to great lengths to replicate the feeling and ambiance of the period and this makes the experience all the more immersive. The golden age of Hollywood and Jazz is wonderfully replicated throughout. The Map is massive and diverse. You are able to skip driving between locations throughout the story by letting you partner drive but you feel that doing this would not do justice to the work the developers have put in replicating every detail of 1947 LA. The investigatory part of the gameplay is executed very well. Whilst questioning a suspect or speaking to a witness or victim players are given three options of dialogue, truth, lie, or doubt. Basically, the player picks truth if he knows that the person he is talking to is telling the truth, the player selects lie if he knows the suspect is lying and has evidence to prove it, and doubt if you know the person could be lying but you have no truth. This system works well, but sometimes you do feel that your character is not questioning exactly what you want him to. Overall the investigation mechanics are solid. Where the gameplay falls down slightly are the open world controls. To cover system feels dated as it is basically the same the one in GTA 4. One other mildly irritating issue emerges whilst the player is engaged in an on foot chase. Players are able to fire a warning shot, tackle the fleeing suspect or simply shoot them. However you never have the option to do either of the three, it is always one or the other. You also cannot shoot people in the leg to stop them running, if you shoot someone they will die no matter which area of their body you target. It may have been more realistic to be able to choose one of these options in order reprimand a fleeing suspect rather than having one method chosen for you. The game also seems a little buggy. I played through the 360 version and do not know if the same can be said for the PS3 version. Cars often disappeared as you were driving by them. This is especially annoying if you are trying to collect every car in the game. All this said the controls and gameplay mechanics are good and it is only on one or two occasions that they become problematic. Graphically this game is one of the best on the consoles. 1940s LA is stunningly diverse and interesting and the character animation is second to none. The environmental detail is outstanding, particularly the 95 vehicle models. Each car is beautiful spurring players to drive all 95. The graphical wait of this game is underpinned by the fact that it shipped on 3 disks for the 360. LA Noire must have one of the largest casts ever assembled for a video game. There are hundreds upon hundreds of individually mapped faces throughout the game and it is no wonder it took five years to develop. Overall LA Noire is an extremely fun gaming experience. Rockstar is able to replicate the splendour of its other marquee sandbox title making this game a must play especially if you want to experience something new and different to what you may normally play. The story is diverse and interesting from beginning to end even if the dated on foot controls let it down slightly. LA Noire is a marvellous game that furthers the notion that video games are as an immersive experience as film, literature, and theatre if not more so. Score 8.8/10 http://padsysblog.blogspot.com/… Expand
  18. CursedKnight187
    Nov 6, 2012
    9
    A linear style of gameplay and a story driven mission style may scare some people away, but the innovation this game achieves with its visuals and acting is incredible. Not only does the game achieve the level of excitement which wouldn't normally be achieved with simple detective style gameplay, it has stunning visuals and an excellently told storyline that is to be expected of RockstarA linear style of gameplay and a story driven mission style may scare some people away, but the innovation this game achieves with its visuals and acting is incredible. Not only does the game achieve the level of excitement which wouldn't normally be achieved with simple detective style gameplay, it has stunning visuals and an excellently told storyline that is to be expected of Rockstar these days. All in all, an ambitious new game that sets the scene for a perhaps a new genre to emerge.… Expand
  19. trescharmant
    May 25, 2011
    8
    PROs: A true gaming breakthrough, facial animation wise. The gameplay was amazing. Intriguing cast of characters. CONs: Lagging in some parts. A bit repetitive at times. Awkward body animations. Although it has a great story, it kinda got confusing and fell flat in the end. Plot holes here and there. Overall, a great game and worth playing but don't set your expectations too high.
  20. melkat3
    Jun 1, 2011
    7
    I do agree this game was very over-rated.
    The game has great potential but I just found it was a waste of space (i.e the big area of land). The game graphics are excellent but they could of made it into something more then what it was. And it sucks that you cant play free play after the game missions are done.
  21. Mezinger
    May 28, 2011
    9
    LA Noire picks up a 9/10 and a coveted spot on the podium of my all time favourite games.

    Pros:
    Fabulous period piece atmosphere
    Most realistic in game characters ever
    Challenging & fresh gameplay mechanics
    Gripping story lines
    Great expandability with case structure, and big free roam worldâ
  22. illmtu
    May 24, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is a beautiful example of how taking some risks can pay off. This game is fairly unique in what it does. It reeks of Rockstar. Yeah, I know Team Bondi had the bigger involvement in the development but you can can tell that Rockstar had a hand in this and that's in no way a bad thing.

    The characters and plot in this game was for me gripping. There is an arc that stretches across the length of the game, first being quite subtle and unimportant but building up as the game goes on. My only complaint would be that there wasn't enough normal cases and a lot of cases actually weren't properly solved until later on in the game. Stand-alone cases such as those you encounter in 'Traffic' are amongst my favourite - though of course these are the sort of cases that will become available through DLC in the future.

    The driving and shooting are pretty much pulled straight out of GTA, so fans of that series won't be disappointed in that department although they aren't the main focus of the game. That of course is the investigation. The investigation side of things is remarkable, I have seen a lot of people complain that there is always a set outcome which is a fair complaint I suppose. Though at least 3 times you have to choose between two suspects, and which suspect you pick will determine what rating your case gets at the end and how those above will either be pleased with Phelps or not so pleased.

    What I developed an obsessive compulsion for was collecting all of the evidence and getting all of the questions right to secure a good case rating at the end. This didn't always work out, but for people who are like me and have a perfectionist streak in them should get more out of the game than the cynics who will scoff and say "Who cares what happens, it's the same result" it's less about the result and more about how you reach that result that is important.

    Personally, I would buy a sequel. Give me a new setting or era to work in to spice things up some more and I'd happily work through another load of cases, I just can't wait for the DLC to come in June.    … Expand
  23. boom_shuckalaka
    May 24, 2011
    7
    A great showing of the facial mapping technology and quite entertaining to watch; however, the game largely rides on this component alone with shallow game-play elements injected. After the glorified point and click mini-game of finding clues, the interrogations are frustratingly difficult for the wrong reasons, that is if a person has a blank face --> true (rare occurrence) , if after aA great showing of the facial mapping technology and quite entertaining to watch; however, the game largely rides on this component alone with shallow game-play elements injected. After the glorified point and click mini-game of finding clues, the interrogations are frustratingly difficult for the wrong reasons, that is if a person has a blank face --> true (rare occurrence) , if after a second (for the facial sequence to load) there face moves then you have to pick doubt or lie. If you pick lie you have to pick a piece of your evidence to get the question right. The problem being that this is often not logical and there is only one right answer so instead of thinking your guessing what the developers want at this particular point. Much more satisfaction would result from system where a certain amount of information was divulged based on how effective the evidence is and the questions leading up to that point (suspect's current emotional state); albeit this is more complicated to create and again at the subjective mercy of the developers "rating" the effectiveness of the evidence, imo it is better than a black n white you are either wrong or right system. I consider the interrogation sequences to be part the heart of the game and b/c this ultimately feels shallow (almost mini-game feeling) I was left unsatisfied. I won't go into detail on the other parts of the game since it feels clunky and tacked on to simply get from point A to point B or to add in some action. A significant amount of time must have been spent creating details of old L.A., but it seems to go mostly unused or will be unnoticed. I wonder how many reviewers bought the game day one and proceed to give it 10 (supposedly a perfect game score) and overlook any kind of obvious critique in an attempt of preventing buyer's remorse (or maybe to counteract the zero ratings of the haters but that's an issue in itself). I suppose if your thoroughly entertained it makes no difference..though I would be interested to see what kind of scores people would give L.A Noire if it had the voice acting / facial animation typical of most current games because it is hard to argue that the game-play is carrying this game.… Expand
  24. spango_joe
    May 24, 2011
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A masterpiece... but a flawed one. While the game play mechanics maybe ingenious and innovative, it suffers from repetition mid way through the game. The story is is engaging but is paced poorly, and the characters are never quite developed enough, with certain motivations seeming strange to the player. Graphically it is top notch and when combined with the excellent soundtrack, creates a memorable atmosphere. Replay value is limited but a definitely worth at least one play through.… Expand
  25. Papanator
    May 31, 2011
    7
    A great pickup to play once, but I can't see it having any replay value. Although it's a lot different than a lot of games around, the lack of story and character development makes the game fall a little short. You don't really learn too much about your character, Cole Phelps, or anyone around him. Mentions of his family are very subtle, and he doesn't seem to have any friends, aside fromA great pickup to play once, but I can't see it having any replay value. Although it's a lot different than a lot of games around, the lack of story and character development makes the game fall a little short. You don't really learn too much about your character, Cole Phelps, or anyone around him. Mentions of his family are very subtle, and he doesn't seem to have any friends, aside from his partners, who also seem to have a bit of a distaste for him at times. There is definitely a plot, but it definitely left me feeling a little empty as I watched the credits roll, and to be honest, any even remotely interesting didn't really end up happening until about 2/3's into the game, which is where the game truly shines. The gameplay is definitely fun and unique, but can get a little redundant and boring at times. I respect the fact that the main point of the game is not to blow the heads off anyone you choose, but you gotta have something to keep the player going. I can't even count how many times I've gone to one place, found something, gone to another place, talked to some dude, then either chased them or the person they referred me to. Obviously, the big hype about the game is the motion capture, and having the ability to judge whether someone was lying or not, which was definitely a great aspect to the game. A problem I had, however, was being able to tell if someone was lying or not. You'd assume if they couldn't look you in the eye, they'd be lying, but there were definitely points where that was not the case, as well as vice versa. Overall, I think the game is definitely worth a try, but don't be expecting an amazing story. Sadly, when it comes to being engaging, again, this game falls a little short… Expand
  26. Captain_Morgan
    May 26, 2011
    9
    L.A. Noire is truly a unique game. Never before have I played a game quite like it. All my life video games have trained my eye-hand coordination, but L.A. Noire teach gamers something different. L.A. Noire teach people how to think. How to read people. How to create scenarios in your head and weight evidence. Who is likely to be guilty? Who is lying, and who do you trust? Other than aL.A. Noire is truly a unique game. Never before have I played a game quite like it. All my life video games have trained my eye-hand coordination, but L.A. Noire teach gamers something different. L.A. Noire teach people how to think. How to read people. How to create scenarios in your head and weight evidence. Who is likely to be guilty? Who is lying, and who do you trust? Other than a truly unique experience, L.A. Noire looks fantastic, with excelent light and color. The facial expressions are just as beautiful as they are flawless, and 1940's Los Angeles is a sprawling city, full of life and constant movement. Rockstar and Team Bondi has created a true masterpiece.… Expand
  27. smk123
    May 26, 2011
    8
    First thing's first; this is like no other Rockstar game you've played before, the good news is that it has a fantastic story rich in plot twists and engaging gameplay, the bad news is that it is very lacking in terms of content. The fact the game is entirely linear may also not be to your taste; no matter how poor or impressive you are at investigating crimes or interrogations you'llFirst thing's first; this is like no other Rockstar game you've played before, the good news is that it has a fantastic story rich in plot twists and engaging gameplay, the bad news is that it is very lacking in terms of content. The fact the game is entirely linear may also not be to your taste; no matter how poor or impressive you are at investigating crimes or interrogations you'll still always have the same outcome which although not game ruining, it may put some people off. Obviously much praise deservedly should be given to the facial motion scanning, you may not think you'll notice it whilst you play but believe me you will! As previously stated the plot is superb but when you've completed the game the replay value is effectively non-existent; the lack of multiplayer and the linearity are to blame for this. However if you like a good, convincing plot, some of the finest acting in a videogame to date or a murder-mystery esque game then you should give it a try. It may be worth renting, rather than purchasing though as I purchased the game on release day and finished it that very weekend, nonetheless it was a thourgoughly enjoyable experience which unfortunately is a bit on the short side.… Expand
  28. Keoki
    May 27, 2011
    5
    Not a bad game, but far away from being one of the Rockstar jewels that they use to create. The open world it's just limited to driving, leaving the game with a single predefined path making it so linear. The best feature in the game is the graphic part.
  29. borrrden
    May 28, 2011
    8
    I was anticipating this game for quite some time, and I am happy to report that it did not let me down. I will start off with the good things. Of course, the facial animations are absolutely gorgeous and I found myself sometimes staring at them so much that I realized I wasn't paying attention to the interrogation. The game has a great story, and for me it had replay value because whenI was anticipating this game for quite some time, and I am happy to report that it did not let me down. I will start off with the good things. Of course, the facial animations are absolutely gorgeous and I found myself sometimes staring at them so much that I realized I wasn't paying attention to the interrogation. The game has a great story, and for me it had replay value because when I played it a second time I found subtle references to later events and I was able to perform some of the things that I had missed the first time. Yes, the result is almost always the same, but there are different ways to get there. The majority of the voice acting is superb, and really helps to draw players into a cinematic experience. Now for some bad. I found myself very annoyed on more than one occasion when my character drew their gun in the wrong direction, and it takes so long to spin around that I got shot to death. This usually happens when I enter an area and there is a guy sitting there about 3 feet away. Also, sometimes there is a huge lag for repeated tasks that gets on my nerves. The notebook, in particular, is guilty of this. I get sick of waiting for the character to put his pencil down onto it so that I can make a selection. Also when examining evidence there is a lag between when you push the stick and when the action actually happens. So, yes, the controls are a bit hokey, but it's not impossible to get used to them (Heavy Rain had a similar situation). Overall, this is a very solid game, and I barely noticed glitches at all. If you are looking to give your trigger finger a rest, this might be a good game for you!… Expand
  30. theGamer
    May 28, 2011
    8
    Not too bad but not up to my expectations. my major complaint that ive seen is the horrible framerate as you drive around. On foot though its ok and the indoor enviroments are beautiful. other than that its not too shabby of a game. also, outdoor enviroment in my opinion coulda looked better. game seems alil rushed. maybe?
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PS3 Game of 2011
8
#8 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
3
#3 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 78 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 78
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 78
  3. Negative: 0 out of 78
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 19, 2011
    90
    At first L.A. Noire seems a bit too easy, then it gets interesting and reading people's reactions makes for some of the best gaming this year. The atmosphere is spot on and the late 40's LA really feels like an authentic, living place. [June 2011]
  2. Armchair Empire
    Aug 16, 2011
    75
    Team Bondi created a technical masterpiece with L.A. Noire. The problem is that they didn't create an artistic or even entertaining masterpiece.
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  3. Absolute Games
    Jul 26, 2011
    66
    Look past the glitz of technical achievements, richly designed sets, ostensibly interactive environments, and you will see the real L.A. Noire – a vapid adventure with a hole-ridden plot, a boring unsympathetic hero, and rough stitches in places where content should be.
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