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. 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
  2. PHOdell
    May 17, 2011
    9
    Just to let you know I have been a fan of Rockstar since very earlier on, but that does not weigh in to or bias my review. I am not judging those that have mixed or negative reviews, however, they must not have looked into where the developers were taking this game or what this game is trying to do. I have played this game several hours, and so far really enjoy it. At some points thereJust to let you know I have been a fan of Rockstar since very earlier on, but that does not weigh in to or bias my review. I am not judging those that have mixed or negative reviews, however, they must not have looked into where the developers were taking this game or what this game is trying to do. I have played this game several hours, and so far really enjoy it. At some points there have been frame rate issues but those have been very minor. The story, environment, and style of game play are engrossing, but I do give fair warning for those of you who really enjoyed the GTA free-roam style games & story more so than Red Dead's more rigid storyline will not enjoy the less free roam more-fixed aspects of this game. L.A. Noire focuses more (this is going to sound like a developer comment) the player's ability to read the people of interests' faces to make judgement calls and enveloped themselves within the stylized environments of 1940s Los Angeles. Free-Roam aspects are there, but this story relies more on the crime drama elements and visual aspects to make it a great game. The story itself is a more visceral and cerebral experience in gaming, and that is Rockstar's goal. This is not like Grand Theft and Red Dead in the sense that the story is darker, less comical and much more adult. Therefore, if you are looking for a game that is more dicking around than serious L.A. Noire is not the game to buy, it still has some of those elements, but this is a much more mature game from Rockstar. Hope this helps if you are on the fence about buying it. It is a fantastic game. The face capture technology is amazing and the visual "feel" to the game itself is terrific, but it is not the game for everyone, nor the game for every Rockstar fan, eventhough I personally love it.… Expand
  3. kamelen
    May 18, 2011
    9
    Solid game play. Best game out now. If you only could play 5 games this year, this should be one of them. Must love it. The story, the graphic and the acting.
  4. Darkain_Legacy
    May 18, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After playing for about 4 hours and already being 25 percent done according to the % completed I find myself worried that there is not enough of the game or I would have gave it a 10. The graphics are among the best I have ever seen in a "sandbox" game proving yet again that Rockstar has the monopoly in this genre. The facial animations using the new technology is really something to aww over. I cannot wait to see this implemented in future games, I do believe that this will become a standard in facial animation. The city of angles looks great and the sound is fantastic. Game play is GTA with a nice twist and the interrogations are more challenging some would have you believe, getting 5 out 5 is real hard on the first try every time.

    The game has the Rockstar humor and the feel of real dialogue all through-out the city. As in GTA sometimes it is fun to just sit and listen to the ramblings of others having conversations. I am happy that the game does have the hard reality of real crimes included. Not that I was real worried about a developer such as Rockstar to scale down something (e.g. Hot Coffee) but I think it is good that they included child molestation and the harsh brutality of murdering someone. I think this does add more of a tie to your character in the game, you want to catch the guy (or woman) who did this horrible act in a bad way. Now I am bias in that I love film noir, so this game holds dear to my love of movies, and unlike some of the older favorites such as Big Sleep or Double Indemnity we can see the visuals that this era has alloted us. The people that say this game is just a ripoff of GTA I would ask well what did you expect from the peeps that brought you the GTA's and Read Dead's? This is what they do.

    As I stated before the only thing I don't like is that the game at 25% seems like I will be able to finish in the next day or two. I know that there are the 40 sub mini-missions and the collectibles and landmarks and driving all 200 cars.... My problem is that instead of doing these other things I want to keep doing the crime solving stuff and I fear that I will miss the rest of what the game has to offer due to my inability to to not being an addict of the best part of the game - calling someone a liar! Graphics = 10
    Sound = 10
    Presentation = 10
    Gameplay = 9
    Overall = 10    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. RedLeader
    May 30, 2011
    9
    An excellent game that marks the return of the Adventure Game genre! You get sucked in to the world of being a detective in the 40s. Beautifully acted with great story lines. Finally a game for adults that doesn't treat me like a child. It's not perfect but it's definitely the best game of 2011 so far. Buy it - you won't be disappointed.
  10. 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
  11. Unsung_Paladin
    Jun 2, 2011
    9
    Creative and innovate. A new take on adventure, puzzle solving, and game play. Definitely a fresh idea from Rockstar. They so easily could've made a 1940's/1950's GTA clone, but it is so much more then that. The combat is similar to Red Dead Redemption and the whole concept is fresh. Also, the new technology for rendering actors and delivering convincing facial expression.
  12. halofreak2553
    Jun 3, 2011
    9
    L.A. Noire is a great game overall, except the fact that the gameplay (even though from Rockstar) lacks as much gunplay as i expected. The art is amazing and I give Rockstar full credit for recreating 1947 Los Angelas.
  13. CDGaming
    Jun 14, 2011
    9
    I've sat through some very interesting games in my life. Mass Effect, Assassins Creed, Rock Band, The World Ends With You. The list goes on and on. But LA Noire, wow. LA Noire deserves to be on a list of it's own. Visually and technically, you will see one of the most impressive games of our generation. Musically and thematically, you will hear and feel one of the most impressive gamesI've sat through some very interesting games in my life. Mass Effect, Assassins Creed, Rock Band, The World Ends With You. The list goes on and on. But LA Noire, wow. LA Noire deserves to be on a list of it's own. Visually and technically, you will see one of the most impressive games of our generation. Musically and thematically, you will hear and feel one of the most impressive games of your lifetime.

    You, for the most part, play Cole Phelps, a decorated war hero turned beat cop then detective for the LAPD in the late 1940's. It's just after the end of World War 2, and we see a city not only growing into the city we know it to be today, but also healing from the scars of what the war truly did to it and the world as a whole. people who thought they'd be coming home to hero's praise are working dead end jobs and losing their minds. Families are picking up the pieces after their husbands and fathers come home with scars far deeper than the eye can see. Fear of communism and the red menace is everywhere, as are monsters who are willing to advance by taking advantage of everybody they see.

    The technological advances shown in this game will either be a boon or a curse for all forthcoming titles of similar design. The visuals provided in facial features and gestures is unprecidented. There has never been a game to have this calibre of detail. When you look at Cole and he's upset, or he's angry, or he's intense, you know it, and you feel it. It's not just from the unbelievable facial features and gestures provided, it's from the incredible voice acting and scripting. It's from the entire atmosphere that truly captures your imagination and wholly envelopes you as you watch the story unfold.

    There are 5 main types of gameplay involved. there is investigation, interrogation, driving, gunfighting, and action/brawling. In investigation, you survey crime scenes and discern what possibly could have happened. You gather clues and interview witnesses. It's not as difficult as it sounds, as the interface is incredibly user friendly, and your controller rumbles whenever you come across a clue, even if it may be hard to find. Not everything you see is useful either, but generally your trained gumshoe is able to tell you if the item is useless or not. Given that this is 1947 and not modern day CSI, you'll almost cringe at some of the things you'll see the detectives do with evidence, such as taking a dead body, slogging it over, grabbing the face, hands, and clothing. You'll go through it, looking for evidence or clues, with no concerns for destroying possible hidden evidence. In interrogation mode, you'll generally be sitting across from someone and asking them questions, trying to get the truth out of them using your skills and intuition as a detective. This is where the technology of fantastic facial features really shines, as youu must watch facial features and gestures to see if someone is lying to you or not. This can get difficult at times, given the situation. Sometimes you might get better information from someone if you go easy on them, like when you interview a child. They are generally afraid, or trying to protect someone they love.

    The car driving is simply flawless. Your control over a vehicle is very simple. Left trigger is gas, right trigger is break. If you want to take a turn sharper, simply tap the left trigger to do a sort of handbreak turn. The AI drivers can be a little dumb, but once again, it is 1947, and regulations for driving credentials were far less stringent back in the day, thus explaining this to a degree.

    The shooting and action/brawling segments are almost minigames in a sense. They are generally short sections at the end of a running or driving sequence where you either shoot a fleeing suspect to death or beat him to a pulp. The control in both sections is quite good, as shooting is a pleasure, and fighting, while tangly, is easily completed as well. This isn't a shooter or fighting game, this is a detective, thriller murder mystery. If there was too much of one or the other, you'd lose the true value of the game itself.

    LA Noire is not just a game, it is an experience. Not since my trying Super Mario 64 have a felt this sense of "wow" when playing a game. Mario 64 ushered in an era of real 3D gaming, far more than most of the inferior titles that claimed the same before it. LA Noire has ushered in a era of true "immersion". Yo will genuinely feel for every tough decision, grieving wife or husband, for every scared or abused child. There are no punches pulled, it is full on gruesome for bad scenes, full on joy for good scenes.

    This is a must game for anyone who has ever said "I like video games". It's not my favorite title by any means, but it ranks up there in the amazement and wow factor. Play this game. Experience the next generation of gaming, before it happens.    … Expand
  14. TGK97
    Jun 20, 2011
    9
    It is a great game with has a good story line and a nice fast passe story telling with good interesting cut-seen's . Really good you should go out and buy it.
  15. ReviewerMan44
    Jun 30, 2011
    9
    Rockstar and Team Bondai emerge victorious in this call to arms for 1940's lifestyles and crime the way it was meant to be, dirty, dastardly, and down to earth.
    L.A. Noire is not like anything you have ever played, first of all. It is one of the finest games I've played this generation. It is not anything like what some are comparing to Grand Theft Auto or Red Dead. This is a beast of its    Rockstar and Team Bondai emerge victorious in this call to arms for 1940's lifestyles and crime the way it was meant to be, dirty, dastardly, and down to earth.
    L.A. Noire is not like anything you have ever played, first of all. It is one of the finest games I've played this generation. It is not anything like what some are comparing to Grand Theft Auto or Red Dead. This is a beast of its own nature. The game begins in post World War II 1940's in Los Angeles, California (*duh*). You take on the role of police officer Cole Phelps, who recently finished a tour in Okinawa. Cole Phelps is exactly what you would expect out of a police officer, he is a true down to the bones good guy. His actions show love for his job, and the citizens around him, and while some may call him dull or boring, its just the way he must act on the job. He later in the story, unravels into a deeper and wiser character who we can almost relate to. Overall he is unlike any other Rockstar character out there, seeing as he is a complete opposite from GTA characters.
    From then on you will be able to explore the open world sandbox of 1940's Los Angeles, a world that has been fully and beautifully recreated to the slightest detail. If you are however, expecting a Grand Theft Auto does noir will be extremely disappointed, that's not the point of this game, and not what it was trying to do from the beginning. What it is trying to nail however, it nails perfectly, right down to the little details. From the incredible facial expressions, to the backdrop from gunplay and more to narrative, everything about LA Noire is simply to be marveled at because, well, it is done so good. The narrative in LA Noire can be summed up as marvelous, dark, gritty, and mature. It will take unexpected twists and turns along the way that will lead you gasping and grinning.
    The gameplay is incredible, the highlights being the incredibly revolutionary interrogations that will leave you cheering everytime you get a question correct. Interrogating suspects is a tricky and hard task, because you really do have to be able to use some true detective work and check your suspect's body language. It really goes to show Rockstar's attention to detail. The rest of the game goes into clue solving (where the vibrations and sounds can be taken off for a more realistic experience), freeroaming, and action sequences that range from car chases, foot chases, or close quarters shootouts similiar tol RDR or GTA. Simply put the gameplay is perfect.
    The techinal aspects of LA Noire are astounding. The soundtrack features all the contemparies of 1940''s music in general and for music aficionados will surprise and please. The voice acting and new motion technology have to be the best yet in a game, and a staple for the genre to come. Top that with a beautiful, living, breathing world and all around impressive visuals, LA Noire is a fantastic game, and a long one at that clocking in at around 25 hours if one does everything they can. In the end LA Noire is a game about story and detective work, if you are not here expecting those things, go somewhere else because you won't like what you see and what you get. LA Noire is exactly what it set out to be, a narrative driven, technological advancemant, and no less than the next step for Rockstar Games.    … Expand
  16. thecreep
    Jul 3, 2011
    9
    Really detailed with amazing facial animation with new technology. The interragations are the most challenging part of the game, which makes the player feel like a real detective. The investigations are amazing and really open-worlded. There is really nothing bad about the game expect long loading times and slightly bad framerate, which lowers the game down. The ending, in my opinion, wasReally detailed with amazing facial animation with new technology. The interragations are the most challenging part of the game, which makes the player feel like a real detective. The investigations are amazing and really open-worlded. There is really nothing bad about the game expect long loading times and slightly bad framerate, which lowers the game down. The ending, in my opinion, was though very bad, like most Rockstar games. 9 out of 10… Expand
  17. Hobowithashotgu
    Jul 18, 2011
    9
    I'd be lying if I didn't say I loved this game. There are just a lot of things I wish it had more of but I guess we can just wait for that stuff in the sequel.
  18. aqurban
    Jul 24, 2011
    9
    I especially loved this game for it's sense of novelty and sheer innovation, but the repetitive sequencing is regenerated like oxygen, you really can't stop breathing in, but at the same time you get used to it and think "i'll die someday and that's it" (what?) The things Rockstar promised to showcase through the game were not exactly what we've expected, except it was more than what we'veI especially loved this game for it's sense of novelty and sheer innovation, but the repetitive sequencing is regenerated like oxygen, you really can't stop breathing in, but at the same time you get used to it and think "i'll die someday and that's it" (what?) The things Rockstar promised to showcase through the game were not exactly what we've expected, except it was more than what we've actually imagined it to be, the graphics are purely next-gen and still above that ratio even though it's a bit representative to what Rockstar games have accomplished over the past few years. The games sandbox is quite appealing and it's resemblance to the 40's L.A. is what seems to have achieved Team-Bondi's goals for the game. The narrative is eerie along the unexpected twists and creative direction, how your choices affect your reputation as a detective, and how aggressive or persuasive you are is an amazing element that really brought the genre to life, and not forgetting the mind blowing motion-scan technology that really replicated the intensity, fear, anxiety or the suspicious looks of actors into what made L.A Noire a game that really redefined the detective game genre and blew our minds. (mine at least)… Expand
  19. Acebulf
    Jul 23, 2011
    9
    This is absolutely an amazing game, I am playing it for the 3rd time and it is as much fun as the first, especially since my interviews don't go the same way and different suspects are picked up. Definite must-buy, another classic by Rockstar.
  20. Dufflad
    Oct 12, 2011
    9
    Easily one of the best games of all time. The fact that the crime is all based on real events adds a nice realism aspect. The gameplay is really fun. It got a lot of flac at launch for not being like Grand Theft Auto, but I think that's a good thing based on what we got instead. It's only real flaws are glitches found in any other Rockstar branded game.
  21. Kermie
    May 4, 2012
    9
    L.A. Noire is a phenomenal experience. Not only is it a unique twist on the open world sandbox game, but it is an unbelievably refreshing challenge. While the challenge of most games of today are about shooting and quick kills, gaining experience and killing bosses etc., L.A. Noire challenges the player to investigate, put together esoteric clues, and decide whether or not someone isL.A. Noire is a phenomenal experience. Not only is it a unique twist on the open world sandbox game, but it is an unbelievably refreshing challenge. While the challenge of most games of today are about shooting and quick kills, gaining experience and killing bosses etc., L.A. Noire challenges the player to investigate, put together esoteric clues, and decide whether or not someone is lying or telling the truth during interrogations, via the ridiculously detailed facial animation capture technology. There are shooting moments, but they pepper certain moments of rising action. It's not a normal game by any means, especially coming from the controversial developer Rockstar. But this game is by no means simple; characters are mature, the material is mature, and the way L.A. Noire engages the player is far different than anything I've ever played. The way the story, the sub plots, every single cutscene, and cases all weave together truly engage the player to think as well as examine all aspects of what exactly is going on is masterful, if a little unbalanced. The gameplay mechanics may be a little wonky at some moments, and there are a couple glitches that occur, and the story may take quite some time to start getting good, but the positives more than outweigh the negatives. L.A. Noire is innovative, fresh, and most of all engaging and challenging, all in new ways. Rockstar and Team Bondi have truly crafted an awesome and riveting experience, one that comes fairly close to be crowned the "Citizen Cane" of video games, if it is a minor bit flawed. This is one game I definitely recommend to anyone looking for a now inexpensive and very fresh take on the sandbox video game. 9.5/10, rounds up to 10 on metacritic… Expand
  22. pyromcr
    Nov 27, 2011
    9
    This is one of the best games of the year. Everything about this game is perfect, but I have to give it a nine because there is no replay value at all. Once you beat everything, there is no reason to play the game again. I really cant wait to see what Rockstar does with this franchise in the future!
  23. L4DLegend91
    Mar 1, 2012
    9
    For me, L.A. Noire is one of those games that is very hard not to like. At one point or another in our childhood, we've either wanted to be a detective or played being a detective with our friends and L.A. Noire just allows you to be one. The game has its faults but they are few and far between and nothing that would make this game bad. Driving can be a little hectic, even if you put theFor me, L.A. Noire is one of those games that is very hard not to like. At one point or another in our childhood, we've either wanted to be a detective or played being a detective with our friends and L.A. Noire just allows you to be one. The game has its faults but they are few and far between and nothing that would make this game bad. Driving can be a little hectic, even if you put the siren on, cars tend to not move, people tend to still not care. Also, things can get kind of linear at times. The side missions always involve you shooting someone whose either robbed a bank or gotten into some kind of dispute. The great things about the game is just the experience of playing as a cop. Finding clues, questioning suspects, shootouts, trying to find the right person to charge, that whole experience is brilliant. The graphics are great, the people and their facial expressions are great, overall great game.… Expand
  24. Gidlucifer
    Feb 22, 2012
    9
    As whole the game was gripping, although I play games for the narrative, story and character dev.
    I can't really make an apt review of the game play; one point it was very repetitive.
    The biggest pro to this game is the story, I shed a manly tear.
  25. musto95
    Mar 6, 2012
    9
    The depth and uniqueness that each case possess makes you feel like you're really part of the LAPD. Sure, you don't always have access to a gun, but in all honestly, it is not even necessary. It was exciting and interesting playing the "good guy" rather than the opposite, like in other "Rockstar" games.
  26. watithink123
    May 6, 2012
    9
    L.A Noire s one of the best game I have ever played. Rockstar Games make another masterpiece of a game. This game gets the best story award of 2011 and of any game I have ever played by me. Part 1 of L.A Noire was fantastic and part 2 even better and part 3 was the best. The ending was good. I don't no why people thought it was odd. It was very sad ending. Part 1 8/10 Part 2 9/10 Part 3L.A Noire s one of the best game I have ever played. Rockstar Games make another masterpiece of a game. This game gets the best story award of 2011 and of any game I have ever played by me. Part 1 of L.A Noire was fantastic and part 2 even better and part 3 was the best. The ending was good. I don't no why people thought it was odd. It was very sad ending. Part 1 8/10 Part 2 9/10 Part 3 9/10 L.A Noire 9.4/10… Expand
  27. PatrykG
    Jan 4, 2013
    9
    L.A. Noire reminds me of the old gangster movies. L.A. Noire has brilliant voice acting, cases that are really hard to solve and the graphics are unbelivable. It remains one of the best games Rockstar made. 9/10
  28. Jack97
    Sep 9, 2017
    9
    L.A Noire is an amazing creation. Team Bondi have made a stylish, thrilling and immersive game that engages you with the story and has players bringing out the LAPD detective in them. It is both challenging and enjoyable and a must play for gamers everywhere.
  29. ageofwinter
    Nov 16, 2012
    9
    The feel of this game is great, you feel like you're in LA back in the '40s. The soundtrack is absolutely fantastic, the world looks as good as it can for consoles, and the MotionScan is some revolutionary technology, leading you to get fully immersed with the incredible acting the cast of L.A. Noire did. I think I love the game a bit more than I should simply because they used someThe feel of this game is great, you feel like you're in LA back in the '40s. The soundtrack is absolutely fantastic, the world looks as good as it can for consoles, and the MotionScan is some revolutionary technology, leading you to get fully immersed with the incredible acting the cast of L.A. Noire did. I think I love the game a bit more than I should simply because they used some characters from Mad Men and I love that show, haha. The story was great, made me cry, to be honest lol & the gameplay is fun, being a detective was a blast, reading peoples faces was tough at times and it couldn't have been done without MotionScan. The shooting is what you'd expect it to be from a Rockstar Game, similar to Red Dead Redemption. Team Bondi did a superb job with this game whilst giving it a touch of Rockstars greatness, I highly recommend this title.… Expand
  30. Compi24
    Jul 4, 2013
    9
    Its restrictive world may be a little bit of a turn-off for some hardcore free-roamer fans, but "L.A. Noire's" innovative gameplay and insanely immersive narrative make it an incredible must-play.
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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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