L.A. Noire

[Charlie Brown]

After playing for a couple of hours last night, my impression is that this is a very well-executed game. The controls are tight and not overly complex, the graphics are absolutely stunning, and the plot seems compelling.

The new technology they used to render actors in the game is amazing! You can really read facial expressions and the characters look more realistic than in just about any other game I can think of. They also did a good job stylistically--it really feels like I'm watching an old noire film.

The gameplay itself may be a turn-off to some. Though there are action sequences (fist fights, shootouts, suspect chases, etc.), they are fairly rare and usually not lengthy. The bulk of the game really is in the "investigation" part of things, which some may find a bit slow or boring.

Personally, I'm fine with the pacing and thrilled with the game structure (I like puzzles and figuring stuff out). My biggest problem so far is that it really seems like even though most of the game has you finding clues, examining evidence, and questioning witnesses (and figuring out whether or not they are telling you the truth), you'll progress in the plot no matter how bad you are at these things. In other words, it seems like the only way to fail or get stuck in this game is to die--you can screw up witness interrogations and still solve cases by just doing what the game tells you to do. Also, I haven't come across anything yet that has really stumped me or required a lot of thought; most of the clues and answers are pretty obvious as long as you search around enough to find them. It almost feels more like an Easter egg hunt sometimes than an exercise in deduction or logic.

But it's still entertaining, and it's been fun so far. If you only played or liked GTA 4 of RDR for the gunfights and chase scenes, this one might not be for you. But if you enjoyed those games for their plots, character development, or ability to explore and gather stuff (how many flowers did you collect in RDR?), then you should really like this game.

The last homicide mission is a real tough spot to get stuck on. (Spoiler but not really revealing just helping).


The killer leaves clues that point you to certain monuments that you may not have discovered yet. You will be stumped if you haven't discovered them. However, monuments will appear as a "?" on your map. If you create a waypoint to the location, the quest will update and say to "investigate _______" if you select the correct waypoint.

Just an "FYI"!

[ebsoria]

(how many flowers did you collect in RDR?),.

All of them...

[Hoserman117]

Only played a few hours so far, but man it's awesome!

[theMileHighGuy]

worth 60 bucks? I will get it tomorrow maybe. I dont' like buying games when they first come out though.

[Poindexter]

worth 60 bucks? I will get it tomorrow maybe. I dont' like buying games when they first come out though.

HELL YES.


Not just because the game is awesome, but with all the new DLC coming out for the game over the coming months it's going to have tons of replay value.

[jcdavey]

i actually got this game for only the price of trading in black ops , earlier today


which was nice


haven't had a chance to play it yet but the review videos i saw for it at ign and gametrailers, sold me on it.


i had thought it was going to just be GTA type game, running around, indiscriminately causing havoc, but the game looks pretty linear (aside from the huge map you can explore)

i don't really have alot of time to play games these days, so this, combined with mlb show 11 and sony's make-good plan 2 free games , is going to carry me to battlefield 3!

going to be a good gaming summer

[Hoserman117]

Just made it to Homicide.... this game is just awesome. One of a kind. I really hope more developers continue to try to push the envelope like this.

[jcdavey]

Just made it to Homicide.... this game is just awesome. One of a kind. I really hope more developers continue to try to push the envelope like this.

can you imagine if one of the DLC's is the ability to turn this game into mass chaos gta-style mode? that would be amazing!

(and i say that with still not having played it yet lol)

[Jermz79]

Going to trade in "Suckom4" today and pick this up!!

At first I was leary but after the reviews it has been getting ... I don't think you can pass this one up!

[BroncosDivision]

It's pretty good.

[Hoserman117]

can you imagine if one of the DLC's is the ability to turn this game into mass chaos gta-style mode? that would be amazing!

(and i say that with still not having played it yet lol)

That seems like it would sorta ruin the point You're supposed to be a good cop

[DoomTrooper]

Just realized I could change the display to Black and White, now I love it even more!

Just like one of those old mystery movies now.

[Jermz79]

Just realized I could change the display to Black and White, now I love it even more!

Just like one of those old mystery movies now.

You did that in the game options?

the only thing I could see that affecting is when you are getting shot at, in the color version when your getting shot the screen fades to black and white, not sure how that would work if your playing on Black and White!

[DoomTrooper]

You did that in the game options?

the only thing I could see that affecting is when you are getting shot at, in the color version when your getting shot the screen fades to black and white, not sure how that would work if your playing on Black and White!

Yeah, you go Start>Game Options>Display>Black and White.

I haven't really noticed if it changes when you get shot, and you can't really see the "gold door knobs" and such, but those are pretty minor IMO.

[CodyRoark]

From what I've read it seems as if this is a good bet to buy! I was going to buy it today, but was four bucks short! I'll get it tomorrow or next week! Can you ignore a mission and run around if you want and mess around?