L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire's intriguing character profile, deep interrogation and investigation system, and impeccably detailed facial technology puts this detective thriller in a class of its own.

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"L.A. Noire" is a detective crime thriller set in 1940s Los Angeles. As detective Cole Phelps, players solve a variety of cases while navigating the city's criminal underworld. Realistic facial capturing technology creates a unique and immersive gameplay experience, allowing for interrogations and investigations that lead to arresting and convicting suspects.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

84%

Audience ScoreBased on 16,802 reviews

story2,657 positive mentions

optimization144 negative mentions

story
6,146 mentions
43 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story of "L.A. Noire" is widely praised for its intricate narrative and mature themes, effectively capturing the essence of a noir detective tale set in post-World War II Los Angeles. Players follow the journey of detective Cole Phelps as he navigates various cases, with each mission contributing to a larger, interconnected storyline that explores corruption, morality, and personal redemption. While the storytelling and character development are often highlighted as standout features, some players note that the pacing can be slow and the gameplay repetitive, which may detract from the overall experience.
- “Every case feels like an episode of a noir show, and while they feel unrelated at first, all cases eventually present a bigger story, one which is anything but angelic.”
- “The main protagonist also develops gradually through the game; his backstory is revealed in parts through flashbacks triggered in different cases.”
- “It's a mature and well-written story, which should be experienced slowly.”
- “The plot is incoherent and never gripped me during the time I wasted with this wannabe detective game.”
- “The overall story did not interest me and missing the newspapers made it even more confusing.”
- “The main problem I guess with the game is the storyline; the developers messed up the storyline as at times they just either make the lead character do something out of the blue or cut away scenes without explaining anything, especially at the end of the game.”
gameplay
2,448 mentions
34 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "L.A. Noire" is centered around detective work, requiring players to investigate crime scenes, gather clues, and interrogate suspects using a unique facial recognition mechanic to determine truthfulness. While the game offers a compelling narrative and innovative mechanics, many players find the gameplay repetitive and the driving and shooting mechanics lackluster compared to other Rockstar titles. Overall, it is praised for its storytelling and atmosphere, but criticized for its pacing and some clunky mechanics, making it a mixed experience for those seeking engaging gameplay.
- “Detective work is at the center of gameplay; you must carefully examine clues and link evidence in order to solve cases.”
- “Set in post-World War II Los Angeles, the game combines traditional open-world exploration with investigation-focused gameplay, offering a unique blend of noir storytelling and interactive drama.”
- “The investigative mechanics are a standout, requiring you to scour crime scenes for clues, interrogate suspects, and make critical decisions that impact the outcome of your cases.”
- “There's so much potential here that is lost to its extremely repetitive gameplay, the length overstaying its welcome by a good 10-15 hours, and the characters and dialogue being literal dog poop.”
- “The gameplay is dull to say the least, without the atmosphere to justify it.”
- “The gameplay is extremely repetitive; whether it is a side mission, main story quest or whatever, you do the same thing: drive to location, then either: chase on foot, chase by car, tail a suspect, fist fight suspect, shooting, investigate a crime scene and/or interrogate a witness/suspect.”
graphics
1,495 mentions
42 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The graphics of "L.A. Noire" have received mixed reviews, reflecting both admiration and criticism. Many players appreciate the game's atmospheric visuals and groundbreaking facial animation technology, which was impressive for its time, while others note that the graphics feel dated by modern standards, with issues like a locked 30 fps frame rate and occasional graphical glitches. Overall, while the graphics may not meet today's expectations, they still contribute significantly to the game's immersive storytelling and noir aesthetic.
- “The graphics are absolutely stunning!”
- “The graphics and facial animation were groundbreaking at the time and remain impressive, adding realism and depth to character interactions.”
- “The graphics hold up well, aside from some small issues to do with shadows.”
- “The graphics are so dated that you might wonder if the internet even existed when this game was released, yet they still require a connection to play this single player game.”
- “The graphics are hideously ugly for a 2011 game - even 2008 Fallout 3 looks way better.”
- “It's a technical letdown – locked at 30fps, with minimal graphical upgrades and disjointed sound design.”
music
775 mentions
47 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in "L.A. Noire" is widely praised for its authentic representation of the 1940s, featuring a rich jazz soundtrack that enhances the game's immersive atmosphere. Players appreciate the period-accurate tunes and radio broadcasts, which contribute significantly to the overall experience, although some express a desire for more variety and the ability to change radio stations. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout element, effectively capturing the noir vibe and elevating the game's storytelling and setting.
- “Its richly detailed open world is teeming with period-accurate cars, fashion, music, and architecture, immersing players in a noir-inspired atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere is further enriched by an authentic soundtrack that captures the era’s feel.”
- “The jazzy soundtrack captures the era's essence, enhancing the atmosphere as players roam the city streets.”
- “Sometimes the 'clue-finding music' doesn't turn off after you find them all.”
- “You can't turn off the music or switch radio stations.”
- “The music after you made the wrong choice doesn't help as well.”
atmosphere
639 mentions
62 % positive mentions
37 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "L.A. Noire" is widely praised for its immersive recreation of 1940s Los Angeles, capturing the essence of the film noir genre through meticulous attention to detail in visuals, music, and character design. Players feel transported to a bygone era, with the game's rich soundscape and period-accurate elements enhancing the overall experience. While some critiques mention gameplay limitations, the atmospheric depth remains a standout feature that keeps players engaged in the narrative and detective work.
- “Its richly detailed open world is teeming with period-accurate cars, fashion, music, and architecture, immersing players in a noir-inspired atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere is rich with period-accurate details, from the music to the fashion, which truly immerses you in the era.”
- “The atmosphere, acting, facial animations, etc., draw you into a dark, crime-ridden version of 1947 Los Angeles.”
- “The gameplay is dull to say the least, without the atmosphere to justify it.”
- “I'm both happy and disappointed by this game; on one hand it sets a moody atmosphere and you definitely feel the old Rockstar design with its world design and characters, but it is ruined by frankly, bulls**t.”
- “Despite writing a negative review, I'd like to list the positives of this game first: the stylistic choice absolutely nails the atmosphere and feel of the noir film genre, and the facial capture is done extremely well, making each person highly lifelike.”
optimization
427 mentions
20 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
34 % negative mentions
The optimization of L.A. Noire on PC has been widely criticized, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, and a frustrating 30 fps cap. While the game's innovative facial capture technology and strong voice acting are praised, the poor optimization detracts from the overall experience, often requiring players to seek out patches and workarounds to achieve a playable state. Despite these challenges, some users still recommend the game for its engaging story and character performances, albeit with caution regarding its technical shortcomings.
- “Noire's groundbreaking facial capture technology paved the way for more nuanced and realistic character performances in video games.”
- “The technology captures the smallest facial details of the actors, resulting in remarkably realistic and expressive performances.”
- “The awesome performances and great facial capture make every interrogation and investigation a riveting affair.”
- “It's a very good game but an awful experience on PC thanks to the Rockstar launcher and poor optimization.”
- “The biggest problem is optimization; Rockstar's launcher totally ruined this game and your gameplay will be affected. Evidence: you are forced to play in 30 fps which is far from perfect.”
- “The PC version of this game has been optimized incredibly poorly, and even the most high-end system will have trouble getting a playable framerate out of it.”
stability
220 mentions
7 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
93 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a range of bugs and glitches, particularly in the PC port, which is often described as "buggy" and "unstable." While some users have managed to enjoy the game without significant issues, others have faced frequent crashes, graphical glitches, and performance problems, especially related to the 30fps cap and the Rockstar launcher. Overall, while the game can be enjoyable, players should be prepared for potential technical difficulties and may need to invest time in troubleshooting.
- “Runs great on the Steam Deck!”
- “Runs great and doesn't crash.”
- “After a little tinkering, this game runs great on Windows 10.”
- “The fact that regular people with no background in game design can pinpoint the exact issues that are causing these bugs/glitches means that someone in Rockstar knew about them and chose not to fix them.”
- “This port is pretty rubbish: it's a buggy, unstable mess.”
- “Despite the frequent mechanical glitches and broken driving gameplay, I found myself completely immersed.”
replayability
189 mentions
21 % positive mentions
61 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it offers some opportunities for replay through collectibles and different case outcomes, the linear narrative and familiarity with the story significantly limit its overall replay value. Some players enjoyed revisiting the game for achievements or to explore different approaches to cases, but for most, a single playthrough is often deemed sufficient. Overall, while there are elements that encourage replay, many agree that the game lacks the depth and variety found in more replayable titles.
- “Although its emphasis on narrative hinders its replayability, I've still managed to put in over 200 hours, replaying missions, dealing with street crimes, and generally vibing in 1940s Los Angeles.”
- “Replayability: with multiple cases to solve and different paths to take, the game offers considerable replay value.”
- “This game delivers an amazing experience with plenty of replay value.”
- “The replay value is limited due to the linear storyline.”
- “Replayability is absolutely killed just because you know you're wasting your time accusing innocent people for the last half of the game and there's no way to step away from it, which would be an opportunity for multiple endings.”
- “The game itself is quite specific and, to be frank, due to the nature of it, the replayability of this title is very low (what's the point in solving a case if you already know the culprit?).”
humor
178 mentions
98 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a blend of intentional and unintentional comedy, highlighted by exaggerated facial expressions and quirky character interactions that often lead to hilarious moments during interrogations and gameplay. Players appreciate the witty dialogue and absurd situations, such as the protagonist's outrageous behavior and the amusing reactions of NPCs, which contribute to a light-hearted atmosphere amidst the serious narrative. Overall, the game successfully balances its noir themes with comedic elements, making for an entertaining experience.
- “It's got the seriousness that you'd expect of rdr's narrative and it's lighter on the satire than the gta series while still being able to keep its humor to lighten the serious tone of the game.”
- “The interrogation scenes are pure gold – trying to read people's faces is as addictive as it is hilarious.”
- “The characters are very expressive, especially when they're not telling the truth; they can look very funny!”
- “And Phelps going berserk when you just want to tell someone you doubt their opinion is never not funny.”
- “Introduction to the story: [spoiler](I know everybody hates reading those, especially mine, because of my stupid writing style consisting of repetitions, long sentences, unfunny jokes which are based on 30-year-old memes that are understandable only by people of Baltimore and are recorded on worn-out VHS tapes, and also explaining either obvious things or making outlandish claims such as the one above about the aforementioned meme being understandable only to people of Baltimore while in fact it is known among all internet users since at least 2006 despite being made in the late 1980s, so you don't have to read this, unless you really like reading and stuff, but I don't mind, because I am not a pretentious 14-year-old kid who has to complain about people not bothering to read his complaints about people not bothering about his complaints etc. in a pseudo-intellectual fashion, especially in a Steam review - no, seriously, I've seen that already, can't remember where exactly, but I did)[/spoiler]”
- “Not funny, very good (10/10)”
grinding
145 mentions
2 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
84 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling that the repetitive nature of tasks, such as collecting clues and replaying missions, detracts from the overall enjoyment. While some appreciate the investigative elements, they often find the mechanics frustratingly opaque and the pacing slow, leading to a sense of monotony, especially in later stages of the game. Overall, players suggest that the game requires significant time investment, often feeling like a chore rather than an engaging experience.
- “Clue gathering is not too tedious, as you can get a sound effect when there is one, the music will change when you have gathered all of them and Cole will comment if something is not relevant to the case.”
- “- Puzzles are pretty fun and not tedious except for maybe 1 or 2 through the whole game.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “I picked this game up on sale because I love mystery/puzzle/detective games, and while it’s impressively made in some regards, I can’t recommend it because it’s simply tedious.”
- “The gameplay is just so tedious, as you spend most of your time walking around staring at the ground and looking for objects to pick up that mostly don't even relate to the case you're investigating.”
- “The central mechanics in this game are tedious at best, and frustratingly opaque at worst.”
emotional
107 mentions
97 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its intricate storytelling and character depth, with many players expressing a strong attachment to the characters and their journeys. The narrative tackles heavy themes such as corruption, addiction, and the psychological effects of war, often evoking genuine emotional responses, including tears at the conclusion. However, some players noted that certain side characters lacked development, which diminished the overall emotional investment in the story.
- “The storyline interweaves multiple cases, touching on themes like corruption, addiction, and the psychological scars of war.”
- “It's not often that a game can make you genuinely care about the fate of its characters, but LA Noire succeeded in pulling at my heartstrings and making me emotionally invested in their lives.”
- “Detective Cole Phelps' journey from a rookie officer to a high-ranking detective is both engaging and emotional, offering unexpected twists and turns that keep players invested in the narrative until the very end.”
- “Most boring story and case structure I have ever witnessed in a detective game.”
- “There are many other cons like the boring story, soulless city, silly free roam missions, etc., but I think this is already more than enough to give a negative review.”
- “Boring and repetitive gameplay, frustrating interviews, and overall, a boring story.”
character development
46 mentions
43 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting the depth and complexity of the main character, Cole Phelps, as well as the supporting cast, despite some criticism regarding the latter's lack of depth. The narrative is described as engaging and rich, effectively intertwining character arcs with the overarching story, making it a standout feature for players who appreciate strong storytelling. However, some players noted inconsistencies in character development, particularly in relation to gameplay choices and certain characters' arcs.
- “The character development is top-notch, with each member of the cast contributing to the rich tapestry of the game's world.”
- “Totally worth every minute for the excellent character development and storytelling.”
- “You witness incredible character development as you follow detective Cole Phelps on his crusade of justice in the corrupt city of Angels, working with his partner(s) to solve crimes even Sherlock Holmes would be stumped by.”
- “Character development: while the main character, Cole Phelps, undergoes significant development, some supporting characters lack depth.”
- “There is no character development and the dialogue is completely cringe-worthy.”
- “Also, the ending was awful and most of the characters were clear-cut with no character development.”
monetization
21 mentions
5 % positive mentions
24 % neutral mentions
71 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, particularly for its reliance on microtransactions and in-game purchases, which many players feel detracts from the overall experience. Users express disappointment over the integration of ads and the shift in focus from quality content to profit-driven strategies, lamenting the decline of Rockstar Games from its earlier standards. Despite these concerns, some players appreciate the game's immersive world-building, which includes period-appropriate advertisements and music, suggesting that the core gameplay remains strong when not overshadowed by monetization tactics.
- “Overall an amazing experience, testament to the ultra high quality that characterized Rockstar games before they deteriorated into the world of wokeness, online game modes, and microtransactions, as with so many other major game devs of our time.”
- “That is a publisher sin and they should be ashamed, but they just want that sweet, sweet money and user data to sell off to the highest bidder to give you ads.”
- “I miss when Rockstar Games didn't have microtransactions.”
- “Shows what Rockstar are capable of when they're not milking millions out of microtransactions.”