Developer(s): Team Bondi, Rockstar Games
Publisher(s): Rockstar Games
Platorm(s): Playstation 3, Xbox 360
Release date(s): 17 May 2011 (NA) 19 May 2011 (AUS) 20 May 2011 (EU)
Genre(s): Open world, action-adventure, third-person shooter
Mode(s): Single player 
Months before release, L.A. Noire has been the centre of attention within the media regarding the newly developed technology MotionScan it utilizes. Before the release, it was easy to overlook the concept and potential of L.A. Noire as an actual video game. After avidly playing the game for the best part of two weeks, I’m extremely anxious to discuss the revolutionary masterpiece that is L.A. Noire.
L.A. Noire takes place within the streets of Los Angeles in 1947, a city where corruption, crime, fame and wealth can be found at every corner. Our protagonist is a character by the name of Cole Phelps, an LAPD officer who rises through the ranks of the department. Cole joined the police force to ‘’right the wrongs’’ he committed whilst serving during the Second World War. Cole begins his career as a patrolman, he then advances through the ranks to work on traffic, homicide, vice and arson desks. With each desk Cole works, he is given a partner to assist his interrogations, investigations, fights and arrests.
Combining the revolutionary technology in facial animation and an emotionally-wrenching story, L.A. Noire became an instant favourite. As you progress through the ranks, the player gains insight into Cole’s past during the Second World War. You immediately discover it is a painful topic for him to discuss. With Cole being a clean-cut hero and a devoted married man, the player takes an instant liking to him. As the story develops, the crimes mount and the pressure is increasing, therefore, do these events become ‘’personal’’ for our protagonist? With such a compelling story and gut-wrenching twists and turns, you will be left on the edge of your seat in complete and utter disbelief upon occasion.
With the MotionScan technology mentioned earlier, the visuals within L.A. Noire have never been achieved within past titles. In-depth interrogations, that require a keen eye, reading people and their expressions are essential to achieve valuable sources of information. The mind blowing technology is created by utilizing 32 cameras whilst an actor performs, to capture facial expressions from various angles. To view this fascinating technology in action, I’ve included a video at the end of this article which truly reflects the vast amount of time and effort that goes into MotionScan.
Regarding the interrogation process, it is divided into a group of questions that the protagonist must ask the suspect. These questions can be asked in any order the player chooses. When the suspect answers the question, the player has the choice of believing the suspect, doubting the suspect or accusing them of lying. If the player selects the lying option, they must supply evidence to back up this accusation. Evidence can be found throughout the case, in various locations and crime scenes, that can drastically change the options of interrogation if some were not found or presented correctly. The suspect’s expressions are fundamental during the interrogation process. You may find that if an individual is lying, they may be unable to make direct eye contact with Cole.
There is a rank system within L.A. Noire, the maximum level for that is 20 at the moment, but this could be altered with future downloadable content. The player gains experience points to progress within the rank system. These experience points are earned by completing various tasks, such as obtaining correct answers during interrogations or apprehending suspects at street crimes. As your rank increases, you are given rewards, such as intuition points or hidden car locations. These intuition points can aid you during your interrogations to eliminate one incorrect answer. You can also use these to access the community section, which highlights what percentage of the L.A. Noire community gave the correct answer following the use of an intuition point. Street crimes are side missions you are able to complete within the streets of Los Angeles. You are able to do these within the story or if you’d prefer, during free roam. L.A. Noire includes a vast amount of collectables including, landmarks, film reels and vehicles. Obtaining these collectables will award you with experience points. The collectables must be obtained to ensure 100% completion of the game.
As in previous Rockstar titles, the Social Club makes an appearance within L.A. Noire. This tool enables you to track your overall game progress, which will be useful if you are seeking 100% completion. It will specify the amount of collectables you have successfully located thus far. The Social Club also enables you to compare your progression with your friends. Speaking of community capabilities, I feel I must mention the lack of multiplayer presented within L.A. Noire. I can understand Rockstar may have wanted to concentrate on a successful and powerful single player title, but I also believe some form of multiplayer should have been included.
I was looking forward to a multiplayer option for L.A. Noire and was slightly disappointed that the it was not included. One possibility could have been a team based objective, one team being detectives seeking the team of criminals. Also, another suggestion of mine would possibly be a free for all or team based objective. This objective could be used to locate evidence across Los Angeles and interrogate suspects in brief cases. Whoever ‘’solved’’ the case first, would have won the match. Do you as the reader feel this is a wise suggestion? Feel free to comment or let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts regarding this topic!
Upon release, L.A. Noire contained one of two bonus cases depending on where you purchased the title. These cases were The Naked City and A Slip of the Tongue. The Naked City included an additional badge challenge, which enables the player to collect police badges scattered throughout Los Angeles. These cases were released as downloadable content for those who were did not receive the cases. Rockstar also released the ‘’Rockstar Pass’’ which allows the player to obtain additional content, both bonus cases and the ability to pre-order two cases. The cases released will be Nicholson Electroplating and Reefer Madness.
With a captivating story, countless collectables and promising downloadable content, L.A. Noire is a truly mind blowing title. Utilizing a unique approach on storytelling and astonishing visuals, L.A. Noire is guaranteed to bring out the detective in any individual. As always, I thank you for taking the time to read my review, I hope this information was useful to you! If you have any further queries or questions, please feel free to send me a tweet @x_FV or my personal account @xsuperhan.
Thank you again for your time, I’ll see you in the city of angels!
Hannah
sources:
ign.com
youtube.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L.A._Noire
gamespot.com
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