Here’s what gaming journalism’s big shots have to say about L.A. Noire.
Giant Bomb (5/5): “The world already has enough open-world action games, but a game which marries that open world to such a methodical style of gameplay, with a budget this big, is a rare thing indeed.”
1UP (A): “Despite the shortcomings of the combat, it still doesn’t detract from the overall experience of L.A. Noire. By the end of the game, I felt like a seasoned gumshoe with years of experience under my belt. The evidence-gathering gameplay, and conversation-based puzzles requiring actual logic took me completely by surprise — not just because of how “real” it seemed, but by how entertained I was just doing it all.”
Gamespot (90/100): “L.A. Noire is a unique game with a terrific sense of period atmosphere, absorbing investigation mechanics, and a haunting tale with plenty of moments that would be right at home in a classic film noir. Those smoky nights spent listening to jazz at the Blue Room, and the price you paid for them, will stay with you long after you’ve retired your badge and gun. ”
Eurogamer (80/100): “But where Ace Attorney carries you through on winning characterization and a swift interface, L.A. Noire’s realistic, low-key style gives this process a very different pace and flavor. To begin with, it’s disconcertingly slow, but you soon relax into and start to enjoy its steady, methodical tempo.”
GameTrailers (91/100): “LA Noire floors you out of the gate, loses some steam due to repetition, but eventually wins the day thanks to its subtlety, attention to detail, and stunning character interaction. It has a certain level of class to it and sets a new standard for storytelling in video games, but it’s also a bit limited compared to its contemporaries.”
Destructoid (90/100) :”Add that sense of uniqueness and intelligence to the fact that L.A. Noire is a terrific bloody videogame, and you have what is guaranteed to be a classic for years to come. True maturity and narrative depth in mainstream gaming begins right here.”
IGN (85/100): “L.A. Noire may not reach the emotional heights of a game like Heavy Rain, but it’s something everyone must try out. It reaches high and almost succeeds as a brilliant new type of video game narrative.”
So what do you think of the game?