L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire is a single-player adventure about police investigator Cole Phelps in Los Angeles in 1947. Rather than simply chasing criminals, he examines crime scenes, compares statements and tries to see behind the motives of witnesses and suspects. His cases take him through several LAPD divisions and into a story about corruption in postwar America.

L.A. Noire first came out on May 17, 2011 in North America for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The PC version followed on Nov 8, 2011. On Nov 14, 2017, technically revised versions were released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

The main game was released natively for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, compatible older console versions can be played. No separate new versions were released for these. The VR version, The VR Case Files, is a standalone game with selected cases reworked for virtual reality.

Investigations switch between freely drivable streets, cordoned-off crime scenes and conversations with those involved. Chases, brawls and shootouts occasionally follow. The focus, however, is on linking clues sensibly to solve a case.

The remastered versions from 2017 include the bonus cases and content of the original console versions. The current PC version also includes the expansions that were previously sold separately, following a later update. The VR Case Files, by contrast, is a standalone adaptation of seven cases for VR headsets.

For the PC version, Steam lists Windows 10 64-bit, at least a dual-core processor, 2 GB RAM and 16 GB of free storage. Older graphics card examples include a GeForce 8600 GT with 512 MB or a Radeon from the HD 3000 series. Activation requires an internet connection and a Rockstar Games account.

Cole Phelps searches apartments, streets and other crime scenes for objects that can explain how a crime unfolded. Documents, injuries and hidden traces open up new questions and new conversation options. Those who work thoroughly can confront suspects with more specific contradictions.

In conversations, you must match statements against the evidence you have collected and a character's behaviour. The elaborate facial animation is meant to show even small changes in expression. What matters most is not the facial expression alone, but whether a claim fits the known facts.

Cole Phelps works his way through different divisions of the Los Angeles Police Department. Accidents, homicides, drug deals and arson each require different investigative approaches. Together, the individual cases paint a larger picture of abuse of power and links between the police and the underworld.

You can explore the city in period vehicles. Chases and armed shootouts come into play during cases. They break up the calmer investigation of crime scenes without reducing the criminal cases to ordinary shooter missions.

The Switch version supports motion controls with the Joy-Con controllers, HD rumble and context-sensitive touch inputs. Additional camera angles enhance the full main game, including its earlier add-on content. These control features should not be confused with the graphical improvements of the PS4 and Xbox One versions.

L.A. Noire is designed entirely for single-player. The PC version includes English voice audio, German on-screen text and subtitles. The German console stores also list English voices and German on-screen text.