L.A. Noire is a very original game, but is that a good thing? I'll discuss that and more in my review.
Story - The story plays out a little different than other games. There are 5 desks from which you get promoted to. Patrol, Traffic, Homicide, Vice and Arson. Each one offering its own story but all of them connect in their own ways. it was different and I wasn't sure if I liked it at first but then I really started to enjoy it. The characters although not great they were all still really well made characters and provided a nice variety of a cast. You play as Cole Phelps, a former Marine. Phelps isn't the best main character but as the game goes on you'll start to like him more but I wasn't too impressed with him. I won't say too much on the story so I don't spoil it but it was a great detective story. Although there is not a straight forward story line. it is more "case-by-case" story telling. They don't really have much to do with one another. Little pieces here and there connect but not too much. The cases were very interesting and it gives off a real adult atmosphere, one of the most mature games I ever played, and you'll see what I mean with some of the disturbing content and just a very violent and pretty dark atmosphere.
Gameplay - The gameplay is really where this game shines, with many things to do like; Shoot-outs, chases (Car & on-foot), searching for clues and the big one: Interrogation. The interrogation part of the game is the biggest part, with the new facial animation technology it feels very unique and is a lot of fun to add. You must listen, look over your evidence and try to figure out if they are lying or telling the truth. They have another choice called "Doubt" which is when you think their lying but you have no proof. its very satisfying catching the suspect in a lie and throwing the evidence in their face. it sometimes can be very tricky but if you pay attention you'll be just fine. As for the shooting in the game, well it does not really focus on shooting too much, you can't pull out a gun when ever you want, only during certain parts throughout the game. As far as the shooting goes it feels similar to Red Dead Redemption, nothing special but the action scenes that are in the game are a lot of fun. You use your gun plenty during all the street crimes. Chasing is another big part of the game, on-foot and in car, in some missions you may try to whip out your gun to prevent the suspect from running any further. As far as gameplay goes, L.A. Noire brings one of the most unique games to date. Its a ton of fun and I hope we see more of it.
Graphics - Obviously the newest big thing that was advertised, is L.A. Noires new facial animation technology, which although not perfect, it makes for some of the most realistic facial animation to date. With flawless lip syncing, and easily captured emotions, this totally blew me away. I hope its the start of something new, I would love to keep seeing more of this tech. It plays a big part in interrogation, you have to be good at reading peoples faces, which was a really cool game mechanic. Other than the amazing facial animation, the city of L.A. is most certainly beautiful, the graphics, especially for a open-world title, are just outstanding. Nothing that will really knock your socks off but still a beautiful looking game with a great looking city. I did experience a few glitches and such but nothing too big that made it unplayable. The new tech may get a little jumpy at times and during one interrogation, facial animation froze up on me, but I doubt it'll happen to most players, most people I know that play this game haven't seen it yet. But open-world games always have their share of glitches. But with that being said, the city is very detailed and the overall game looks great but not perfect.
Sound - L.A. Noire has a great cast of actors including Aaron Staton as Cole Phelps. Who did a remarkable job playing this character. You can tell he really gave it his all. All the voice actors did a fantastic job, I really enjoyed the cast of characters and these actors that portray them, made it very realistic. The soundtrack is different than most games I heard, seeing how its set in the 1940s but it is very well done, some of the tracks really stood out for me. Although not my favorite soundtrack it was still really good, and most certainly brings the dark 1940 L.A. to life. it also includes a few oldies, which I found very enjoyable, just cruising through the city with the classic music playing, really brought the 1940s atmosphere to life and just felt very realistic in my opinion. As for the rest of the sound design in this game, it was very good, from gun shots to fist fights, they capture each piece of sound very well.
Final Rundown - L.A.Noire is a fantastic game, one of my favorite games of all time, its not for everyone, especially gamers that like to run and gun. Do not think that this is GTA in the 1940s because you will be disappointed. This is one of the most original games I've ever played, very innovative. This game hopefully started something new, and I really hope to see more of it. 20+ hour game was plenty for me, I haven't even finished all the side missions and earned all collectibles yet, there is plenty to do in L.A. Noire, you certainly get your money's worth.
+Pro's
Each case is well written.
Terrific voice acting.
New facial technology is mind-blowing.
Interrogations is one of the best game mechanics ever.
Plenty to do in L.A. Noire.
-Con's
Animations can be a bit jumpy at parts.
The choices you are giving don't change things too much.
Can get a little repetitive.