L.A. Noire (Xbox 360) review "I have never seen a game like LA Noire before. When it comes to facial expressions and character development, this game strikes a gold mine of complete astonishment. The developers Team Bondi and Rockstar have done a wonderful job of incorporating real life traits, even a simple smile from protagonist Cole Phelps, will enlighten the gamer. The game is a phenomenon and is a gold buckle on Rockstar’s long plated belt. "

I have never seen a game like LA Noire before. When it comes to facial expressions and character development, this game strikes a gold mine of complete astonishment. The developers Team Bondi and Rockstar have done a wonderful job of incorporating real life traits, even a simple smile from protagonist Cole Phelps, will enlighten the gamer. The game is a phenomenon and is a gold buckle on Rockstar’s long plated belt.

LA Noire is just like a film, the workings of a blockbuster. The whole scenario has been compared to films like LA Confidential, which was a massive hit. And yeah, I agree. It has those elements those effects. The graphics are incomparable I feel, never has a game had this amount of detail. The facial expressions are designed with care and attention, pushed to the limit. This is because of the new Motion Scan system, which places actors faces into the game which I feel is an ingenious invention, something dramatic and subtle at the same time.

The storyline in LA Noire is invigorating and heart pumping. Especially when you have to chase down a crook. Even the car chases make the heart jump, the whole concept of the game enlightens, it pushes all the correct buttons when it comes pleasurable gaming.

You play as ex war hero Cole Phelps, a man on a mission to eradicate the crime that has corrupted LA. His personality is a little dry, but he is a likable character. His past is showcased throughout the game in the form of flashbacks, flashbacks concerning his army days. You get the feeling that he is heavily scarred. You get the niggling feeling that is heart is jolted. It can be an emotional ride for Cole and his mind.

The cases can be short or long, depends on if you are good at solving murders. Even a little drop of blood can be important and can solve many complex cases. There is vast amount of missions to push your head into, there are a colossal amount of car chases and running to be had, Cole is never left to commit to boredom, nor is the gamer. There are plenty of puzzles to be solved and plenty of shootouts.

As Cole grows in stature, he becomes the talking point, a true hero encased in a sweet coating. His skills as a cop are truly incomparable; he seems to gain confidence on every task. He is a true warhorse, among the cop elite. But something goes wrong, and Cole is left to lick his deep wounds, his superiors stamp him out like a cigarette, he is left badge less and humiliated.

LA Noire is something of sheer beauty, the game play is flawless, the energy is searing. The game is connected beautifully without any rips in the yarn. The developers have shunted every ounce of mediocrity; it is a game that is smooth and joyous, a game that can be emotional. Enjoy.

Community review by Alk31997 (April 13, 2012) A bio for this contributor is currently unavailable, but check back soon to see if that changes. If you are the author of this review, you can update your bio from the Settings page.