First Impressions... L.A. Noire

Genre: Action/Adventure (more Adventure-y)

Released: Xbox 360 & PS3, 5/2011

Mode(s): Single Player

Combat Style: Third person, open world, shooter

Plot Summary: L.A. Noire is set in Los Angeles in 1947, with players being challenged to solve a range of crimes.

I'm a fan of many different game genre types and have always enjoyed the point and click adventure style of gaming. CSI games, Gray Matter and Sherlock Holmes vs Jack the Ripper to name a few. I found these games to be "thinking" games and also relaxing. Then L.A. Noire was released and after only a few hours of playing, I think I'm in love.
This game is unique that it doesn't fit into a mold that already exists. I can truly appreciate a game that is different yet works so very well. It's not just a point and click adventure... it's not just a 3rd person shooter... it's not just a sandbox questing game... it's a brilliant blend.
I was blown away by the graphics the moment I started playing. The faces really capture the moods and voice syncing is unlike any other game I've ever seen.  It's very easy to get into the character and have a connection with the main character, Cole.  It's very cinematic and my bf enjoys watching me play just to watch the cases unfold.
The driving elements are a bit clunky (1940s cars anyone?) and will take some getting used to... but the option to have your partner drive is refreshing.
If you expect this game to be anything like Grand Theft Auto, you will be disappointed.  You play as a good cop and the objectives are to find clues, interrogate suspects and solve crimes, not cause mayhem.  



"In L.A. Noire, virtually all of the cases you’ll play are inspired in some part by real life incidents that happened in and around Los Angeles circa that crime-plagued era of 1947. Team Bondi meticulously researched stacks of original articles reported in the newspapers of the day to cull authentic elements of real life crimes that would inspire the in-game cases."