L.A. Noire

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 998 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 717 out of 998
  2. Mixed: 207 out of 998
  3. Negative: 74 out of 998
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  1. Wheezy247
    Jun 20, 2011
    9
    L.A. Noire shouldn't be confused for a Rockstar game, because it is a Team Bondi game. The concept is something entirely new, and it comes close to Heavy Rain in bringing movies and gaming closer together. Playing as a detective is a lot of fun, and L.A. Noire is probably the best detective game I have ever played. If it wasn't for the music in the background indicating clues, which youL.A. Noire shouldn't be confused for a Rockstar game, because it is a Team Bondi game. The concept is something entirely new, and it comes close to Heavy Rain in bringing movies and gaming closer together. Playing as a detective is a lot of fun, and L.A. Noire is probably the best detective game I have ever played. If it wasn't for the music in the background indicating clues, which you can turn off, I felt I was honestly a cop searching for the next lead to solving the case. The story is excellent. Between the flashbacks, the newspapers and the main story, L.A. Noire tells the story not only of Cole Phelps, but of the corruption that plagued L.A at the time, and it all works together quite nicely. The action parts are fun as well, but the detective gameplay really shone though. The best feature of the game is their new technology that allows cameras to capture peoples expressions. It was essential to the interrogation parts I found, and I can't wait to see other games with this new budding technology. The sound, music, voice acting, and real acting for that matter all are perfect in my book. Team Bondi created a beautiful Los Angeles, but I was disappointed in how little to do. Sure, you can search for the film reels, visit landmarks and find newspapers, but not much more than that. The street crimes are repetitive and often times boring. The game was just overall very linear for being an open world game. Aside from that, L.A. Noire offers a lot of fun, and a game that everybody should experience for themselves.… Expand
  2. JohnFrink
    Jun 10, 2011
    8
    Story and character are the stars of L.A. Noire. The gameplay is only adequate, not great but never bad enough to break engagement with the story.
    ---
    Much of the gameplay should be familiar to GTA players, mediocre driving and cover based shooting in a large open world. L.A. Noire adds very basic investigation and interrogation modes where the player attempts to solve the current case.    Story and character are the stars of L.A. Noire. The gameplay is only adequate, not great but never bad enough to break engagement with the story.
    ---
    Much of the gameplay should be familiar to GTA players, mediocre driving and cover based shooting in a large open world. L.A. Noire adds very basic investigation and interrogation modes where the player attempts to solve the current case. Although none of these gameplay elements are very impressive on their own, there is enough variety that they never become tedious and together are more than the sum of the parts.
    ---
    Although it takes a while before the different threads of the story come together and the non-interactive cutscenes can feel disruptive, it really pays off later in the game. There is some fantastic storytelling and character development here that drives the game forward. The much hyped facial technology looks very good, but it is the quality of the story and excellent voice acting that makes the characters engaging.
    ---
    While there is some side content and collectibles, there is not so much that the player can easily get distracted from the main storyline by less satisfying tasks. All travel sequences are skippable without penalty.    … Expand
  3. rotku
    Nov 3, 2011
    7
    Good story line and interesting characters make this game well worth playing and the detective type role offers an unusual game playing experience on the downside the chase felon, drive to point A, chase felon, drive to point B sections get a little repetitive but still worth a play through.
  4. raingiver
    May 27, 2011
    9
    This game is incredible. LA Noire is a unique gaming experience that I hope will pave the way for similarly mature experiences in future games. This is not GTA, though elements of the open world may borrow from it. This is a slow-paced exercise in careful examination and interrogation that takes place in a mostly faithfully recreated 1940s Los Angeles. It is heavily story driven so youThis game is incredible. LA Noire is a unique gaming experience that I hope will pave the way for similarly mature experiences in future games. This is not GTA, though elements of the open world may borrow from it. This is a slow-paced exercise in careful examination and interrogation that takes place in a mostly faithfully recreated 1940s Los Angeles. It is heavily story driven so you will spend a lot of time watching cut-scenes and talking to people. It is basically a stylized take on the popular film noir of the 40s and 50s (think: LA Confidential). If you appreciate the era, the genre, or a good crime drama then you will most likely find a lot of enjoyment in LA Noire. The gameplay is divided into a series of cases and mostly breaks down like this: Explore crime scene and gather clues, interview witnesses, look for more clues at other locations, interview more witnesses, interrogate suspects. This is interspersed with the occasional car chase, foot chase, fist fight, or shootout to break up the pace and add a bit of action. In fact, these events sometimes feel a little forced and were occasionally annoying in their frequency (sometimes it feels like every suspect wants to run from you). I get the opinion that these events were mostly put in to satisfy the gaming crowds that have come to expect heavily action-driven games. But LA Noire doesn't need it because the thrill of being a cop in 1940's LA is enough on its own. This game is obviously geared towards mature gamers, and to those of us that are tired of the endless shooters and mindless kill/blowstuffup games that seem to flood the gaming market. Ultimately, LA Noire is a unique and refreshing gaming experience. It won't satisfy those who are looking for 1940's GTA, but offers a nice change for those looking for a little more from their gaming experiences.… Expand
  5. MAGiCR
    May 30, 2011
    9
    I do worry about Rockstar, thatâ
  6. sdwillie
    Sep 23, 2011
    0
    I really wish I knew what happened to Rockstar, because GTA3 was as much fun as I've had playing a video game. it's also the last time I nad fun playing a game put out by Rockstar. Their 'games' are technically brilliant. The graphics are outstanding, the sounds are spot on they do a solid job creating environments and mood, but their games don't have the tiniest bit of fun in them.
  7. baddeadtaste
    May 24, 2011
    9
    If you are someone that enjoys previous entries by companies like Quantic Dream you will more than likely enjoy L.A. Noire. If you are simply expecting the next Red Dead or GTA then this style of game play probably is not for you and you should give it a rent first to test the waters. I personally love the game. It has a great gritty feel and really pulls you in to the story. The castIf you are someone that enjoys previous entries by companies like Quantic Dream you will more than likely enjoy L.A. Noire. If you are simply expecting the next Red Dead or GTA then this style of game play probably is not for you and you should give it a rent first to test the waters. I personally love the game. It has a great gritty feel and really pulls you in to the story. The cast and voice acting is great along with the dream sequences that flesh out your characters story. The city of L.A. looks and sounds amazing, one of my all time favorite game to date.… Expand
  8. imautobot
    Jun 1, 2011
    7
    For those who loved the GTA series, L.A. Noire has got to be a taste of something familiar. But that's not always a good thing. The characters and cars handle about as good as a drunk guy pushing an overloaded wheelbarrow over a grease covered hockey rink. Now that I've got the biggest negative out of the way, we can move onto more positive territory.Ã
  9. shaansagoo
    May 21, 2011
    10
    L.A Noire is just one of the best games I have ever played to be totally honest! The replayability is there, you can easily replay all of the cases again, with many different outcomes, etc. In Short: The graphics are just perfect, I would rate them 10/10
    Sound and Voice Acting is AMAZING! 10/10
    Gameplay - 10/10 Replayability - 10/10 - Trust me, I would play this over and over again, it    L.A Noire is just one of the best games I have ever played to be totally honest! The replayability is there, you can easily replay all of the cases again, with many different outcomes, etc. In Short: The graphics are just perfect, I would rate them 10/10
    Sound and Voice Acting is AMAZING! 10/10
    Gameplay - 10/10
    Replayability - 10/10 - Trust me, I would play this over and over again, it does not get repetitive, so don't listen to this negative reviews, they are just HATERS! Rockstar games and team Bondi have made history......

    L.A Noire is a Masterpiece!    … Expand
  10. VeteranD13
    May 24, 2011
    7
    Wow this game is Amazing ON PS3,to bad for Xbox users 3 discs LMAO. Overall it's a must have game that harkens back to era of simpler times.Gunplay is it not as exciting as you would expect,but the story is where it shines,think of this game as more of an interactive story and treat it as such.
  11. Jihad_Unit
    May 17, 2011
    7
    Let me begin by saying that if you think this game is grand theft auto in the 1940's you should stay away. This game was probably a little over-hyped because it's published by Rockstar and we usually know what to expect from them. This game goes in a completely different direction. You CAN NOT go around and jack cars and beat up hookers. You actually have to act like a cop, which is goodLet me begin by saying that if you think this game is grand theft auto in the 1940's you should stay away. This game was probably a little over-hyped because it's published by Rockstar and we usually know what to expect from them. This game goes in a completely different direction. You CAN NOT go around and jack cars and beat up hookers. You actually have to act like a cop, which is good and bad. It's not quite as open as the grand theft auto games, but it is much more interesting and engaging. Some cases are boring, and some are great. The interviews and interrogations are pretty cool, but they kind of hold your hand through it. If you do something wrong and fail the case, you just go back to the last checkpoint. The facial animations are awesome, but not something I particularly care much about because it's a GAME. It is not a movie, which is what it feels like at times. I would usually be upset that the developers spent most of their money on crap like facial animations because I would think it would take away from the rest of the game. In this case, I don't notice anything. This is a very polished game. I'm giving it a 7 because it was over-hyped and the interviews and game videos leading up to the release were very misleading (trust me, I saw all of it). Please don't expect an action packed, high-octane thrill ride of a game. This game moves much slower. I expected this, but I wanted the investigations and clue system to be a little bit deeper. Overall, this game is a good buy. Unlike everyone else, I don't necessarily think it makes you feel like a detective, but it is certainly very fun and engaging. Definitely rent before you buy if you can. This game is good, but it's not for everyone.… Expand
  12. CoPaZoS
    May 18, 2011
    10
    Simplemente comentar que este juego es una fantástica aventura de novela negra, y la gente que está decepcionada es porque espera un GTA, y este juego es de todo menos un GTA. Solo queda felicitar a todo el equipo de Team Bondi por su trabajo, y a Rockstar Games por haber dado una vez más con la tecla correcta, y por supuesto felicitar a toda laSimplemente comentar que este juego es una fantástica aventura de novela negra, y la gente que está decepcionada es porque espera un GTA, y este juego es de todo menos un GTA. Solo queda felicitar a todo el equipo de Team Bondi por su trabajo, y a Rockstar Games por haber dado una vez más con la tecla correcta, y por supuesto felicitar a toda la gente que va a poder disfrutar del título, entre los que me incluyo yo. Título imprescindible en vuestras estanterías. Salu2!!… Expand
  13. SMURPH44
    May 20, 2011
    10
    This is a must have game for those who place story and atmosphere at the top of there wish-lists when it comes to the things they seek for entertainment. L.A. Noire brings these elements in spades. Each case brings you deeper into the "reality" the developers have constructed. Action junkies will complain about its pace, which admittedly is not as urgent or fast as some people requireThis is a must have game for those who place story and atmosphere at the top of there wish-lists when it comes to the things they seek for entertainment. L.A. Noire brings these elements in spades. Each case brings you deeper into the "reality" the developers have constructed. Action junkies will complain about its pace, which admittedly is not as urgent or fast as some people require for it to hold there attention, but with a little patience you can enjoy this groundbreaking game in all its glory. --As a side note to those who complain about the ease with which clues may be found or interrogations can be carried out, TURN OFF THE HINTS AND DON'T USE INTUITION. They are adjustable for a reason-- To summarize, great graphics, great story, great gameplay (in its own niche), and GREAT GAME.… Expand
  14. KhangJim1998
    May 21, 2011
    10
    One of the best games of 2011. Thanks Rockstar GAmes, thanks Team Bondi was give us a very great game and a very awesome story mode ever! I played it and i really love it. Hope Team Bondi makes the sequel or prequel of L.A. Noire.
  15. gamesreflexoes
    May 22, 2011
    10
    The review under green don't like videogames anymore, don't like inovations anymore. L.A. Noire is the best game of the year and Rockstar proved that sandbox is a kind of game that you can enjoy FOREVER. This games is innovative, beatiful and the new motion face cap is the most wonderful thing that I've seen in a videogame. Im from Brazil. Mateus Prado Sousa
  16. Gagnar
    May 23, 2011
    10
    Rockstars history is violent and bloody for sure. Known for creating Red dead redemption, Bully, Manhunt and ofcourse the 'notorious' Grand theft auto series. Rockstars team Bondi does things differently and places you on the opposite side of drug dealers, murderers and the mafia. Story

    You play Cole Phelps, a veteran who fought the japanese in the second world war and started working in    Rockstars history is violent and bloody for sure. Known for creating Red dead redemption, Bully, Manhunt and ofcourse the 'notorious' Grand theft auto series. Rockstars team Bondi does things differently and places you on the opposite side of drug dealers, murderers and the mafia. Story

    You play Cole Phelps, a veteran who fought the japanese in the second world war and started working in the city of Los Angeles for the police as a street cop. Through out the game little will be told about cole's social and personal life. Information about he's experiences in the war are told by cutscenes after certain cases you solve. They provide some info about cole's personality and past but later in the game these cut scenes will occur less often. Not much is givin away about Cole nor he's family or social ties. You will occasionally get some additional information about the protagonist from the conversations with you're partner while driving to a location but this is not enough for me to make me care about him. The entire story aspect however is not bad. As the cases you must solve have plenty of good story telling in them. They keep you interested and there are plenty of plot twists in them to make you keep guessing and investigating. Together with the sublime voice acting and face animations it will keep you hooked till the last second. Gameplay

    L.A. Noire is a sandboy game but with it's restrictions. I found Mafia 2 quite a linear sandbox game with little to do outside story progressing missions. If this made you dissapointed and trade back or not buy mafia 2 then you should not even attempt at trying this game out. There are no real side missions except for the occasional dispatch call. You are givin all the time in the world to visit all the landmarks, collect all movie reels and read all newspapers but it doesn't fit in a serious game like this as you are always investegating a case. There are 5 kinds of gameplay in L.A. Noire: Investigating, shooting, driving, interrogation and chasing. Investegating and interrogation are the primary gameplay aspects in this game. This game is about detective work. To find evidence and exctract evidence from suspects in order to succesfully solve you're case. Shoot outs are rare but a good diversion and chases on foot or car are exciting and make the experience less repetative. Investegating a crime scene or a another location is simple. Walking near an object you can investigate will make you're controller vibrate. Once you have picked up the item you are able to inspect it from different angles, making you search for information about the item you picked up. once you have discoverd all clues the investigation soundtheme will stop playing. Interrogation is not as simple as gathering clues. When interogating a suspect you will pull out you're notebook which is a tool mainly for marking a destination on the map, writing down clues and asking questions. People you interview will react differently to the questions you ask. After you asked someone a question they will either Lie, tell the truth or are in doubt. Judging by how they react to a question you can select one of the three options. It is really awesome, But there are also some little flaws here in there. Judging if someone is lying or is in doubt can be really difficult as the facial animations are alike. And since a question can only be asked once this can be frustrating. To claim that a person is lying you must always have evidence to back up you're claim. This is a risky business as you must always have the right evidence in you're notebook to prove them wrong. sometimes evidence seems most likely to prove that a person is lying. This is not always the right one and sometimes after you claim that you're suspect is lying, the clue you thought that would prove it becomes the wrong clue because sometimes after you stated that the suspect is lying the suspect will raise a question irrelivant to the question you asked. It is still very well executed never the less.

    Shootouts and chases are situations you won't come across often although chases are more common. I noticed one thing almost immediately. You don't have a weapon reel nor can you store weapons anywhere. Everytime you pull you're gun you will always use you're standard pistol. You can pick up weapons from fallen enemy's. Unfortunatly you can't keep them. Chasing someone in a car or on foot is easy but fun. the routes and car crashes are all scripted but they still managed to impress me. Presentation & Sound

    L.A. Noire looks very good and ofcourse the main selling points of this game is it's revolutionary face animations. This game would not have been that special if they did not use this technique. Graphics look smooth, realistic and the mechanics work fine. This game is very special no doubt. This game is the best in what it offers.    … Expand
  17. harcoregamertag
    Jun 12, 2011
    10
    this game is awesome no dout its based pro world war 2 your officer cole phelps u start off as a loley cop but u finish the game much more than that it has amazing graphics,acting great gamplay though most gamers who refuse 2 evolve like the gaming industry has every case changes its just great has great side missions crime street cases,collect cars,locations & due 2 dlc police badgesthis game is awesome no dout its based pro world war 2 your officer cole phelps u start off as a loley cop but u finish the game much more than that it has amazing graphics,acting great gamplay though most gamers who refuse 2 evolve like the gaming industry has every case changes its just great has great side missions crime street cases,collect cars,locations & due 2 dlc police badges which unlocks a new costume ive played it 2 times straight & never got bored its a masterpeice must own 4 any gamer & this game is not grand theft auto your a detective not a gangster remember that… Expand
  18. DJPurge
    May 24, 2011
    9
    I can safely say that it stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of GTA IV, GTA: Vice City, Alan Wake and Red Dead Redemption. It earns it's stripes in all areas of merit and playing it you do get the feeling that after this, games will never be the same again.

    The bar has been set now, and I think only GTA V will raise it. It has the second best graphics ever seen in a third person    I can safely say that it stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of GTA IV, GTA: Vice City, Alan Wake and Red Dead Redemption. It earns it's stripes in all areas of merit and playing it you do get the feeling that after this, games will never be the same again.

    The bar has been set now, and I think only GTA V will raise it.

    It has the second best graphics ever seen in a third person game, Red Dead Redemption being in first place. Graphically the game doesn't start off great, but your jaw will be on the floor by the end of the game. A very smart move from Rockstar, who I sense were the brains of this operation. The last taste left in your mouth is a very pleasant one, and it's easy to see how that pays off.

    With Rockstar's involvement, the game benefits greatly from their expert execution of games, but they couldn't make it better or as good as a GTA title for obvious reasons. That said, the missions towards the end of the game do bring into question whether the missions beat the latter missions of GTA IV and I'm inclined to say they do, though something tells me that they won't be as good as the latter missions in GTA V.

    The music is perfect throughout, paranoid and tense, adding to the dense atmosphere of each darkened scene, though much of the game is bright and colourful. Some parts of the score reminded me of the Donnie Darko score, other parts reminded me of 70s James Bond themes.

    It also has the best script ever written for a video game and a fantastic story that plays out at a perfect pace. Adult gamers will rejoice in how well the game is written and how good the voice acting is. It truly feels like playing a movie, and that's why it feels so revolutionary.

    Praises sung, it's not without it's flaws. The cars don't handle all that great. I know that they are 1940s cars, but their handling just doesn't feel very realistic. That said, it never once bothered me and I did take great pleasure in tearing through 1940s L.A. at 80mph. The framerate is very laggy and the game is spread over 3 discs? Red Dead Redemption is held on one...

    The game is also very linear, and while it's still the same chassis used for GTA IV and RDR, the missions are episodic and anything in between crops up while you're driving around trying your best to piece together cases, which is the worst possible time. I also found that it was obvious when interrogating whether suspects were telling the truth, but you had to guess between doubt and lie, which became irritating very quickly. However, there is a 'Free Roam' option which allows you to explore at your own pace.

    I should stress that this game is absolutely not intended to be played by those with short attention spans or those who just want to go around blowing things up. GTA veterans can still take control of any car they like and drive like a maniac, but there are consequences to your every action.

    I have a feeling that this is a delicious taste of what GTA V will be like, and I now feel like an 8 year old boy who knows what his present from Santa is going to be.

    Based on what this game promised to be, I want to give it a 10 out of 10 for bringing truly original joy to the formula that the GTA games spread out over their last 4 games (RDR not counted of course) and for setting the standard so high. However, due to it's flaws I am forced to give it a 9, which reflects it's Metacritic score of 90, which I consider to be fair. I'll continue to play it and I may even update the score if I feel that's necessary.

    I hope that discerning buyers find this review helpful, I can say safely that not since Red Dead Redemption have I felt that a game was worthy enough to warrant spending £40 on release date.

    I eagerly await the first DLC package!    … Expand
  19. mandem
    May 25, 2011
    10
    LA Noire, is set in a gloriously convincing depiction of Los Angeles in 1947.
    The controls are similar to GTA, the game style is very different to GTA. You are a LAPD detective, question suspects and witnesses, solving cases. You have to analyze facial responses and bodily twitches, just like in real life.
    Overall it is an outstanding game, very fun, well worth the money. Breathtaking    LA Noire, is set in a gloriously convincing depiction of Los Angeles in 1947.
    The controls are similar to GTA, the game style is very different to GTA. You are a LAPD detective, question suspects and witnesses, solving cases. You have to analyze facial responses and bodily twitches, just like in real life.
    Overall it is an outstanding game, very fun, well worth the money. Breathtaking camera work, well done rockstar and Team Bondi for producing an outstanding game. Very addictive.    … Expand
  20. bodean
    May 25, 2011
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. About 3/4th of the way through. Fun game, great concept. However it is a little repetitive. Chasing the suspect every other mission with the same outcome is kind of becoming common. Other than that, I would recommend the game.… Expand
  21. arkanoid
    May 26, 2011
    10
    L.A. Noire is unlike ANYTHING in stores now. Its worth the 60 bucks it really is. It's a slow pace game so if youre used to shooting up things then just rent it and try it but everyone needs to at least give this game a go
  22. Triggern0metry1
    Jun 3, 2011
    10
    I love Rockstar games, I loved Gta IV, I loved RDR. but L.A. Noire is just an ok game, its brilliant what Rockstar tried to do but the first part of the game I was bored the homicide disc was brilliant then th rest of the game was ok. I don't understand why they didn't have stranger missions, that was one of the best parts of RDR. This was a good attempt at what could have been a brilliant game.
  23. M1ckJagger
    May 26, 2011
    9
    An honest review from an honest gamer. I read every detail about this game, from dev to release date. It took six years to hit the shores and i can honestly say it hits a strange spot as a gamer. On one hand you have the incredible facial scan and setting of the 1940's. Every detail from the artfully decorated L.A. circa 1940's to the sound of your shoes hitting the pavement creates aAn honest review from an honest gamer. I read every detail about this game, from dev to release date. It took six years to hit the shores and i can honestly say it hits a strange spot as a gamer. On one hand you have the incredible facial scan and setting of the 1940's. Every detail from the artfully decorated L.A. circa 1940's to the sound of your shoes hitting the pavement creates a feeling like you've just crossed the threshold of gaming and cinematic experience. Then time kicks in and as your play on you feel a little less involved, like its already done, like your just pushing the right buttons to keep the story moving. This fault isnt dealt with well but to its credit, the story hits you in the middle and as you come closer to the conclusion you'll be amazed at just the change of pace and style the game undertakes. If your a fan of film noire you'll enjoy this game as if its your last. For the mainstream CoD Blops fans you'll hate it...every moment. But i urge everyone to buy it even at a discount price months even years from now because this game does what no other games has or maybe will do, and that is empathy. You feel every hard knock, every inch of doubt and frustration as Cole Phelps. While it certainly isn't a perfect game, it lacks a solid fighting system,even basic controls such as jump, it's linear gameplay. But its story, art, characters and feel are unlike anything and i mean ANYTHING you will encounter its the gaming world today. Not perfect but as damn close as anything you'll buy on consoles to date.… Expand
  24. Keoki
    May 27, 2011
    6
    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.
  25. minharo200
    May 29, 2011
    9
    To start off, this game is easily one of the most surprising games to come out in a long time. Is it good? Better, its GREAT. But that doesn't make it immune to a few problems.
    PROS:
    Story - The story is fantastic. You are Cole Phelps, a war veteran, trying to bring justice and control to a city that is beginning to burst with fame and crime. The story is mature and does put in its quips    To start off, this game is easily one of the most surprising games to come out in a long time. Is it good? Better, its GREAT. But that doesn't make it immune to a few problems.
    PROS:
    Story - The story is fantastic. You are Cole Phelps, a war veteran, trying to bring justice and control to a city that is beginning to burst with fame and crime. The story is mature and does put in its quips of humor here and there. However, the cases you follow definitely have a serious tone to them and each and every crime you come across gives new challenges and rewards you for interrogating and investigating appropriately to how well you handled a situation.
    Graphics:
    Facial animations are superbly done well and when you think you have learned all the tricks of when someone is lying or doubting you, then begins the whole new area that throws you off your feet and you are cornered in a room in which you can't discover a lie.
    Music - A very classy soundtrack that fits the territory well. Makes the atmosphere relateable that you can relax into the plot.

    CONS:
    Graphics: While yes, the facial animation is well done, if you were to compare graphics to other games, it would make LA Noire low on that list. It is similar to GTA and while yes, for 2011, the graphics are good, they aren't enough to write home about.
    Replay Value - Once you beat the cases, the sense of mystery and danger is gone, and you know where to look for clues. However, it is fun to see how perfect of a score you can get if you try hard enough [which isn't easy even with a 2nd play through].
    More Dark than Noire - For something to be called Noire, good guys can't be as good as they appear to be and bad guys need to be either evil or borderline understandable [Watch Memento, LA Confidential]. It is still a dark and shadowy world in which you will enter with femme fatales and dark streets, but I felt it being more dark and detective opposed to being part of the noir genre. but that's is really not a complaint, mainly because it is still a great atmosphere and great game.
    Overall? Get this game if you enjoy thinking and playing in the roles of cops who are trying to save a city from a menace. Don't get this game if you are too anal about everything and think COD plots are the best thing on earth.    … Expand
  26. thaje
    May 29, 2011
    8
    When you go into this game, don't expect an old fashioned GTA or a modern RDR. L.A. Noire is a completely different game. Everything about it shys away from the classic sandbox genre, and as one can expect with such a genre changing game, it does some things right, and some things wrong. What it does right is to connect the player to the game. This was the first sandbox title that made meWhen you go into this game, don't expect an old fashioned GTA or a modern RDR. L.A. Noire is a completely different game. Everything about it shys away from the classic sandbox genre, and as one can expect with such a genre changing game, it does some things right, and some things wrong. What it does right is to connect the player to the game. This was the first sandbox title that made me actually feel guilty after smashing someones car or running over a lamppost. The cases are fun and engaging, the characters are believable, and the gunfights and chases managed to keep me on the edge of my seat. But throughout the game I couldn't help but think that something was missing. There just wasn't anything to do between cases. A few side quest would have helped, maybe even a few street crimes that weren't half way across town. You just take a case, ace it or screw it up, and move on to the next one. And that's why I can't give this game a perfect score.… Expand
  27. Miga
    May 30, 2011
    9
    I love this game. Please don't expect GTA by any means. Think of it more like the open world of GTA combined with the interactive game play of Heavy Rain. If you loved heavy rain you will love this game. I will not lie there was a yearning for more gun play but it by no means was a deal breaker. I buy games because I usually have a good sense of production value. I would say rent thisI love this game. Please don't expect GTA by any means. Think of it more like the open world of GTA combined with the interactive game play of Heavy Rain. If you loved heavy rain you will love this game. I will not lie there was a yearning for more gun play but it by no means was a deal breaker. I buy games because I usually have a good sense of production value. I would say rent this title. Make sure its for you. If it is then go out and pick it up. It seen the only people who dislike this game thought it was going to be GTA. Make sure to read the reviews and watch previews. Study up before you drop your cold hard cash. If you are reading this its a start.… Expand
  28. CanadianSoldier
    Jun 1, 2011
    8
    This game was, at the very least, interesting. It's facial expressions were very realistic, and the city made me feel like I really was in the late 40's. However, this game fell flat on it's face in some areas. First of all, the gameplay, while fun, becomes somewhat repetitive after several missions. The process was Look for clues, Interview, Chase, Interrogation. This game seemed toThis game was, at the very least, interesting. It's facial expressions were very realistic, and the city made me feel like I really was in the late 40's. However, this game fell flat on it's face in some areas. First of all, the gameplay, while fun, becomes somewhat repetitive after several missions. The process was Look for clues, Interview, Chase, Interrogation. This game seemed to suffer from "Assassin's Creed Syndrome" (putting so much effort into new tech that you forgot to focus on the gameplay). However, the story is somewhat interesting, and the music really blended nicely. This game could improve, but was very well done.… Expand
  29. SamiNami
    Jun 1, 2011
    8
    I'll start of by saying that this game is very different from other "sandbox" I'd go as far to not even call this game a sandbox game. The things you can do outside the main plot are very trivial, but fun for people who like achieving everything in games.

    Keeping thins in mind, La Noire is a really well made game. The story is strong, and the use of professional actors really makes the    I'll start of by saying that this game is very different from other "sandbox" I'd go as far to not even call this game a sandbox game. The things you can do outside the main plot are very trivial, but fun for people who like achieving everything in games.

    Keeping thins in mind, La Noire is a really well made game. The story is strong, and the use of professional actors really makes the plots believable. La Noire is a game for people who like games with a strong story like: " Heavy Rain, Mass Effect or basically any story driven RPG"    … Expand
  30. macbrazel
    Jun 1, 2011
    9
    People play games for a lot of different reasons. If you like shooting or driving in video games, this might not be the title for you. Gunplay and driving mechanics in LA Noire are loose at best. You can ask your partner to drive, and if you fail too many times during a shootout the game will let you skip it, which demonstrates that even the developers know their systems are not asPeople play games for a lot of different reasons. If you like shooting or driving in video games, this might not be the title for you. Gunplay and driving mechanics in LA Noire are loose at best. You can ask your partner to drive, and if you fail too many times during a shootout the game will let you skip it, which demonstrates that even the developers know their systems are not as polished or finely tuned as almost every other game out there. I love this game in spite of some sloppy flaws because it lets you feel like a detective. You search the scene of a crime, interview the witnesses, and grill the suspects. The voice actors give (mostly) inspired performances which directly influence your interaction with the game, a first in my experience. Decisions you make have immediate consequences, and the narrative flows on with numerous possible branches depending on your input. Brilliantly executed!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
9
#9 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
7
#7 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 83 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 78 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 83
  3. Negative: 0 out of 83
  1. 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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  2. Play.tm
    Jul 13, 2011
    75
    In attempting to ape the triumphs of another medium, it overlooks the triumphs of its own. The result is disappointing game, but an impressive interactive experience.
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  3. CD-Action
    Jul 1, 2011
    85
    L.A. Noire is a new breed of adventure game. It's quality and scale completely eclipse even the most important achievements in this genre and I strongly recommend it as the best interactive detective story of all time. [June 2011, p.52]
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