Its this simple fact that forms much of the basis ofL.A.
Noire, Rockstars latest high profile release.
Noireis a new IP that casts players as Cole Phelps.
This is noGTA,though, andL.A.
Noireis a totally different animal to Rockstars flagship title.
Solve enough cases and youll get promoted through the ranks of the L.A.P.D.
Accompanying the investigations are plenty of on-foot and vehicle chases, and a good amount of gun play.
Its all in the eyes
Rockstar has made a big deal about the facial animation system seen inL.A.
This system is excellently done and is kept very simple.
You make this decision by observing your interviewee and by consulting the evidence youve collected.
This evidence includes information from witnesses and objects and leads from crime scenes.
The latter is obtained by looking around for clues, manipulating objects and searching victims and the like.
Incorrect deductions will also affect your overall score and level progression.
This progression is important, as you gain intuition points as you level up.
This all sounds simple, and mechanically it is, but in practice,L.A.
Plenty of deduction is needed, and the ability to read peoples faces is paramount.
Some people are better at lying than others, however.
In some instances, your only weapon is analysis of evidence, so careful attention to detail is needed.
The information you gather can also change the flow of a case.
you could also revisit previously examined locations to find extra information.
In addition to the impressive investigation component,L.A.
When driving, the game handles much likeGTA, albeit in a slower, less frantic manner.
(This is the 40s, after all.)
Car chases are decent enough, despite the cars of the era being less than speedy.
Dont expect to be driving boats, helicopters or planes.
This is down to earth stuff, and realism is the order of the day.
When on foot, the game feels very much likeGTA4, and features a similar aiming and cover system.
A few optional distractions (minusGTA4s irksome social networking system) would have been welcome.
Case closed
Im sure many will come toL.A.
Noireexpecting a wide open,GTA-like game, and in some respectsL.A.
Noireis similar, but this isnt really open world, per se.
You really shouldnt be put off by this, though.
L.A. Noireis out now andavailable from the Den Of Geek Store.
Rating:
5 out of 5