L.A. Noire

Moby ID: 51693
Xbox 360 Specs
Note: We may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made via eBay or Amazon links (prices updated 3/28 1:28 AM )

Description official descriptions

L.A. Noire is a hard-boiled detective game set in Los Angeles of 1947. Drawing strongly from the stylistic film noir, players control LAPD officer Cole Phelps through 21 cases as he works his way through the ranks of his department to solve a series of murder mysteries. Each case forms an independent section in the game, but there is an overarching story with recurring characters and Phelps's personal history while serving during the Second World War. He starts off as a patrolman, but eventually advances to a traffic detective, homicide, vice, and finally arson investigator. With each promotion, a new partner and new locations become available.

During a case the game blends slower investigative elements with fast sequences that involve on-foot and car chases, and gun-play. There is a strong focus on the story and character development, often with long cinematic sequences. Even though the game offers a large amount of freedom with exploration by car and on foot, it cannot be compared to Grand Theft Auto due to a number of restrictions. Playing as a detective, random civilians cannot be attacked and gun-play is reserved for specific sequences. In addition, each case is confined to a limited number of venues. The player is free to choose the order of investigation, but ultimately the game cannot be furthered until a satisfying conclusion for the case has been reached. Next to the main story Phelps can accept optional side-investigations through dispatch calls.

When arriving on the scene of a murder case, it needs to be hunted for clues that can be researched. The game offers hints through rumble and audio chime when Phelps walks by, but these can also be disabled. Armed with evidence, the next step is usually interrogating witnesses and suspects. Faces of characters have been animated through the motion capture MotionScan technology and the detailed realism of these captures is used as an element of gameplay. When talking to characters, not only the evidence is important, but also their tone of voice, and especially facial expressions. Characters will sometimes look away, or have tics and expressions that can reveal information. During an interrogation the player needs to interpret these and then decide how to proceed through one of three options: Truth, Doubt, or Lie. Based on the decision, different paths and reactions open up. Failed action sequences can be replayed, but when the player constantly interprets the situation incorrectly and the investigation grinds to a halt, the entire case needs to be replayed. Plenty of chances are offered to correct mistakes and try a new approach, also often after the investigation of clues.

Each case takes about an hour to complete. Depending on the speed and correct intuition applied to solve cases, the player earns ranks that provide intuition points. These can be used to eliminate options during conversations when stuck.

Spellings

  • L.A.ノワール - Japanese spelling

Groups +

Screenshots

Promos

Videos

See any errors or missing info for this game?

You can submit a correction, contribute trivia, add to a game group, add a related site or alternate title.

Credits (Xbox 360 version)

1,547 People (1,465 developers, 82 thanks) · View all

Written by
Directed by
Producer
Technical Directors
Lead Gameplay Programmers
Lead Design
Art Director
Lead Artist
Production Designer
Graphic Design
General Manager
Production Coordinators
Additional Production Coordination
Original Score
Programming - Gameplay
[ full credits ]

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 86% (based on 61 ratings)

Players

Average score: 4.1 out of 5 (based on 69 ratings with 0 reviews)

Be the first to review this game!

Analytics

MobyPro Early Access

Upgrade to MobyPro to view research rankings!

Related Games

L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition
Released 2011 on Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3...
L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files
Released 2017 on Windows, 2019 on PlayStation 4
Harley-Davidson & L.A. Riders
Released 1997 on Arcade
L.A. Blaster
Released 1996 on DOS
L.A. Noire: DLC Bundle
Released 2011 on Windows
L.A. Noire: Rockstar Pass
Released 2011 on PlayStation 3
Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart
Released 2015 on PS Vita, Windows
L.A. Noire: "The Broderick" Detective Suit
Released 2011 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
L.A. Noire: "The Sharpshooter" Detective Suit
Released 2011 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Related Sites +

Identifiers +

  • MobyGames ID: 51693
  • [ Please login / register to view all identifiers ]

Contribute

Are you familiar with this game? Help document and preserve this entry in video game history! If your contribution is approved, you will earn points and be credited as a contributor.

Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Sciere.

Windows added by Klaster_1.

Additional contributors: CrankyStorming, Rik Hideto, Victor Vance.

Game added June 1, 2011. Last modified January 19, 2024.