L.A. Noire

 PlayStation 3
L.A. Noire Image
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 78 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1075 Ratings

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  • Summary: L.A. Noire is a next generation crime thriller developed by Team Bondi, a new Australian based studio founded by Brendan McNamara, of "The Getaway." L.A Noire is an interactive detective story set in the classic noir period of the late 1940's. It blends action, detection and complexL.A. Noire is a next generation crime thriller developed by Team Bondi, a new Australian based studio founded by Brendan McNamara, of "The Getaway." L.A Noire is an interactive detective story set in the classic noir period of the late 1940's. It blends action, detection and complex storytelling and draws players into an open-ended challenge to solve a series of gruesome murders. Set in a perfectly recreated Los Angeles before freeways, with a post-war backdrop of corruption, drugs and jazz, L.A. Noire truly blends cinema and gaming. [Rockstar Games]… Expand
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LA Noire - Official Trailer
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 78
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 78
  3. Negative: 0 out of 78
  1. Gaming Nexus
    Jun 10, 2011
    100
    Although L.A. Noire is great on both systems, it's best on the PlayStation 3. With improved performance, better frame rate and an added case, this is certainly the version of the game to get. The strong cast of characters, compelling storyline and ambitious sense of scope makes this one of Rockstar Games' best products yet. Just remember to switch to black and white!
  2. 1UP
    May 16, 2011
    100
    This is vastly different from the countless first- and third-person shooters and all the "me too" open-world games sitting on store shelves. All the things I've only read about in Dashiell Hammett novels, or seen in film classics like Double Indemnity, have all come to interactive life in L.A. Noire.
  3. SpazioGames
    May 16, 2011
    95
    L.A. Noire is a revolution in videogaming, both in technological and narrative terms. Its peculiar structure won't make it accessible to everyone though, as the more action oriented players will have to comprehend its sometimes cryptic and episodic structure to fully appreciate the mix. It's still largely recommended to every player out there, since ignoring it would mean losing a fundamental step forward for videogaming as a rich and noble entertainment form.
  4. GamesRadar+
    May 16, 2011
    90
    The content isn't much more graphic than your average TV cop drama (apart from the occasional nudity), but it's heavy subject matter for a game, and Noire plays it surprisingly straight, with very little of the wry humor that characterizes most Rockstar releases.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Playstation Universe
    May 23, 2011
    90
    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.
  6. MEGamers
    Jun 13, 2011
    85
    It's hard to shake the feeling that they narrowly missed the lofty mark they've set for themselves. A great game? Sure. An instant classic? Not quite.
  7. Gaming Age
    May 21, 2011
    58
    Despite how accurate it looks and feels for the time period, it still ends up being little more than a 3D cardboard cut-out most of the time. Also, while the detective aspect is pretty well realized, all of the action sequences I was involved in felt far too planned out, and eliminating any sort of random element from them makes them a little too sterile for my taste.

See all 78 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 178 out of 293
  2. Mixed: 76 out of 293
  3. Negative: 39 out of 293
  1. Gorshun
    May 17, 2011
    10
    This game is truly amazing. Rockstar and Bondi have completely redefined storytelling in gaming with this masterpiece. True, you don't get toThis game is truly amazing. Rockstar and Bondi have completely redefined storytelling in gaming with this masterpiece. True, you don't get to go around killing everyone at your leisure, but that's not what this game is all about. It's about being a detective. And boy, does it ever do it well.… Expand
  2. porkchop322
    May 19, 2011
    10
    This game is amazing! I love the new style of gameplay and the story of these interesting characters. This game is a innovation to the gamingThis game is amazing! I love the new style of gameplay and the story of these interesting characters. This game is a innovation to the gaming industry. It has the same voice acting quality of Toy Story 3. The graphics and facial animations are astounding. If you are a gamer then you have to play this game.… Expand
  4. akelz7
    May 17, 2011
    9
    This game is suffering the "portal 2" effect, where morons are lying about the game and **** that it's a full game for full game price. Let'sThis game is suffering the "portal 2" effect, where morons are lying about the game and **** that it's a full game for full game price. Let's start off by saying that this game has one real flaw: The controls. It's easy to get over, however. Beyond that we have Hollywood level voice acting and script (quality Hollywood anyway), competent (but not stunning, save for the facial animations) graphics, an interesting story, and a satisfying interrogation system that relies on YOU the player.… Expand
  5. BeardedCIam
    Feb 22, 2012
    8
    L.A. Noire is flat out an excellent game. However, it is not for everyone.You must be willing to be patient & methodical.This game is notL.A. Noire is flat out an excellent game. However, it is not for everyone.You must be willing to be patient & methodical.This game is not intended to be non-stop action & anyone desiring such will be disappointed. I for one enjoyed the wonderful experience of driving around post war Los Angeles & just soaking up the atmosphere.Similarly I loved taking my time teasing out all the clues & interrogating suspects. Many, I realize, will not, but this is hardly the fault of the game. My only complaints are the very twitchy vehicle steering, & the somewhat inconsistent suspect questioning system. Other than that I loved L.A. Noire & came away feeling as though I had actually spent time as a detective in the Los Angeles my Grandfather knew so well as a young man.
    Highly recommended.    … Expand
  6. TheJLC
    Nov 10, 2011
    7
    Fun game, with a very interesting plot. The setting of the game feels very new and appropriate. However, it lacks in re-playability. Once youFun game, with a very interesting plot. The setting of the game feels very new and appropriate. However, it lacks in re-playability. Once you complete the storyline a few times, you will find yourself wanting more, but won't be able to find it.… Expand
  7. midgard30
    Jun 6, 2014
    6
    If you're looking for a true investigation game, L.A. Noire may not be the one you're looking for. The 1950's Los Angeles is just amazing andIf you're looking for a true investigation game, L.A. Noire may not be the one you're looking for. The 1950's Los Angeles is just amazing and technically a masterpiece from Rockstar. Unfortunately (for me), I felt it was more an interactive movie, No matter how you screw your investigations, you will always find the culprit. The difference between a successful and ruined investigation will reside on missions score and your boss paying you compliments or bawling at you! But if what your looking for is an immersive adventure in the 1950's L.A., then go for it!… Expand
  8. MAZMATT
    May 28, 2011
    0
    It's actually a sad indictment on the professional video game reviewers that this game can score such high reviews when there are 39 users whoIt's actually a sad indictment on the professional video game reviewers that this game can score such high reviews when there are 39 users who have written clearly honest reviews who feel the game is boring and thus not worthy of being purchased. Too many times I have read glowing reviews of the 'professionals' and purchased a game and then regretted not paying enough attention to more objective reviews of gamers. Just because Rockstar's name is on this and therefore we have long being looking forward to it doesn't make it a good game… Expand

See all 293 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PS3 Game of 2011
8
#8 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
3
#3 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011