Rockstar Games never ceases to amaze when it comes to gameplay experiences that truly draw you in. The Grand Theft Auto games speak volumes in themselves, particularly Vice City and GTA IV. Manhunt was pretty engrossing as well, with more emphasis on the “gross”. And last year’s Red Dead Redemption was a superb example of how to create authentic Western atmosphere and combine it with modern gameplay mechanics. Now we have L.A. Noire, the latest from Rockstar and its studio at Team Bondi. But if you’re expecting this game to be a Grand Theft Auto for the 1940’s, you might be in for some slight disappointment. While the open, sprawling world of Los Angeles may appear wide open, you’ve actually got a lot on your plate, though you can still go nuts in the street if that’s what kind of day you’re in the mood for.
But sticking to the cases in the game is probably the most rewarding experience, as that’s where the genuinely deep gameplay really kicks in. The game centers around Cole Phelps, an up and coming lawman who’s made a not-so-easy return from the war. He’s enlisted with the LAPD hoping to find a future for himself, starting out as a street cop and eventually working his way up in the ranks by solving a series of cases. The job doesn’t get any easier as you progress, however. Along with engaging in occasional fisticuffs, shootouts and car chases, you’ll also have to log everything thoroughly in a notebook, from checking out clues and seeing how they tie in with suspects, to logging locations and suspect files, to eventually leading an examination, in the hopes of getting a key confession. That’s right, you cover all the bases of a 1940’s cop in this game, and that’s where most of its appeal truly lies. L.A. Noire has no shortage of authenticity, particularly with the confessions. These are some tough nuts to crack, and even in the early going, you’ll find that mistakes you make are costly, as you’ll sometimes point a finger the wrong way or show someone your vulnerability. Fortunately, you can try it again and maybe get a better idea where you screw up, which is nice. But it also makes the game slightly laborious when it comes to moving story along.
Investigations also play a vital part in the game. You’ll look through logbooks, talk to (and occasionally harass) witnesses and store owners, log pieces of evidence and search dead bodies in the hope of finding some sort of clue. The gameplay system for clue finding and searching is very well done, as you’ll have no trouble stumbling over something vital in a crime scene and examining every part of it. (We’re particularly fond of how the camera goes close-up when something is worth noting.) As for the rest of the gameplay, it’s very good. There are times we were mildly frustrated with how Cole’s run and shoot functions were assigned to the same trigger button (especially during foot chases), but as a whole L.A. Noire handles well. The cars, while slightly floaty at first, are fun to drive around in, though you don’t want to get too reckless, or you’ll wind up with a crappy case rating. The shootout sequences are good, and the fighting relies on excellent style when it comes to dodging and counter-punching.
This feature review concludes on the next page, please click Page 2 below to see our final thoughts on Rockstar's L.A. Noire.
