L.A. Noire Trailer Highlights Gameplay, Impresses All

We've seen a lot of L.A. Noire in recent months, but the latest promotional trailer is by far the most impressive.

Well, that's how we see it, at any rate. For the first time, we get a full outline of the promising title's core gameplay mechanics. The video is entitled "Orientation," and shows us how we will solve crimes as detective Cole Phelps. It involves most anything a 1940s cop would encounter; we will examine crime scenes for clues, question witnesses, chase suspects, and engage in fisticuffs and firefights. Check it out; you won't be disappointed:

The third-person action mechanics remind us a lot of Red Dead Redemption, and the detective aspects remind us of Norman Jayden in Heavy Rain. The combination of those interactive styles is just plain awesome, and there's even some driving elements, too. As far as we're concerned, this is exactly what we were looking for from L.A. Noire. How about you?

Tags: l.a. noire, la noire, la noire gameplay, la noire video

2/9/2011 12:11:08 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (63 posts)

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slugga_status
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 12:35:15 PM
Reply

I'm very impressed with this gameplay trailer. The facial recognition is incredible. I like how they speak of the set up as going thru the ranks and the interrogation aspect looks as awesome as well. Definitely getting this

2 up, 0 down

Shams
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 2:13:22 PM

It's strange, the character models look like the standard fair expected from GTA until you get to the eyes and the mouth, and something eerie happens. It's as if the faces move independently from the bodies! It's almost like the facial animations were captured separately from the live action movements, and that the mocap actors exaggerated their expressions to make sure their expressions were mocap'd effectively.

When one watches cut-scenes from U2, despite also being stylized slightly (though I'd say far less so and far more detailed than R* productions or any other game for that matter), one never feels one is watching a cartoon. However, even then, there's something eerie about the facial expressions in LA Noire never experienced before.

4 up, 0 down

Lord carlos
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 2:31:44 PM

The uncanny valley approaches.

3 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 2:45:06 PM

It is a little strange shams, they might look better on characters as detailed as in Heavy Rain, but I still think this step is worth taking in order to advance tech in games. Hopefully by the next generation the character models will catch up to the faces.

And just to be clear you were being sarcastic right? Cuz we all know the faces were captured separately.

2 up, 0 down

Shams
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 3:33:42 PM

Uncanny valley, indeed.

Nope, World. Didn't know. I agree, it's impressive. The game is pretty high up there on my list, too, though apparently I haven't been following it as closely as you have.

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 5:14:10 PM

lol, okay, yeah they had to sit in a special studio on a stool and do the acting for the faces which were then slapped onto the character models. It's kinda interesting, look at the tech videos for LA Noire.

1 up, 0 down

Jed
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 5:56:49 PM

you're exactly right Shams.

The facial movements were captured completely separately from the body movements. After that trailer played a tech video played about how they did it.

2 up, 0 down

Shams
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 8:32:57 PM

great to know, Jed. While I was aware from this vid and and previous info leaks that they used the multiple camera angle technique (much like those car commercials when they'd "freeze" a frame, then rotate about a given object of focus), but I wasn't aware that the faces and the bodies were mocap'd separately.

And i think I also finally put my finger on something else. The facial movement seems particularly smooth, and they did that on purpose because unlike modern cinema (which is filmed at 24fps), older cinema was taped at a higher framerate. So I think they deliberately used the older higher frame rate on the faces, unlike, say, in Uncharted, where modern cinema is emulated.

0 up, 0 down

Snorge
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 12:36:23 PM
Reply

F-ing AWESOME! The facial technology in this is unreal!

1 up, 1 down

Looking Glass
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 12:39:20 PM
Reply

Hmm. The gameplay looks to borrow from numerous games and genres. It essentially looks to be a combination of Mafia, Uncharted, and Heavy Rain. With perhaps a little GTA thrown into the mix. Of course at least one or two significant questions yet remain. Exactly how many DVDs is this game going to come on? And in turn exactly how much content is there?

But of course those questions aside the game is indeed looking very promising. It looks like a skillful blend of different and varying gameplay conventions.

Last edited by Looking Glass on 2/9/2011 12:40:15 PM

3 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:18:03 PM

I hope it takes more than 1. Historically the better games need more than 1 disc on 360.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 2/9/2011 1:18:24 PM

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:31:15 PM

At least we know the PS3 version will be solid. Looks great in this video.

5 up, 0 down

Xombito
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 2:04:26 PM

I'm actually surprised of the showing of PS3 game footage. Now I'm definately considering picking this one up.

3 up, 0 down

swapnilgyani
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 4:37:19 PM

Just 1 disc if you own a PS3

2 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 12:41:54 PM
Reply

Impressive. I hope that everything comes together as well as it looks in that trailer.

1 up, 0 down

cLoudou
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 12:42:25 PM
Reply

Looks really good, but there's something about that era that turns me off.

3 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:16:40 PM

Something about it turns me on.

... maybe the garters.

4 up, 2 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:30:06 PM

Me too. I have a boner for the 1940's 50's.

4 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:56:42 PM

And the HATS!

L.A. Confidential made me want to start a whorehouse where I used plastic surgery to make the girls look like celebrities.

Katy Perry's dirty pillows, here I come.

2 up, 2 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 5:23:07 PM

All women should wear hats again.

4 up, 1 down

Killa Tequilla
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 8:09:07 PM

LMFAO BEN! That. Was. Epic.

1 up, 2 down

dillonthebunny
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 12:48:06 PM
Reply

amazing, Ive never seen lip sync like it.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:14:41 PM

Indeed, as I don't think it took much syncing at all :)

1 up, 0 down

Jed
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 6:00:21 PM

32 HD cameras pointed at the actors faces will do that.

1 up, 0 down

coverton341
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 12:53:31 PM
Reply

Oh dammit. Another 60 bones I am going to have to part with. Great.

2 up, 2 down

Gone
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:11:56 PM

Who pays $60 for a game? I always see deals on new games the first week they come out. Just look on CAG.

4 up, 3 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:16:18 PM
Reply

To quote Inspector Gadget: "Wowsers."

I've made a bit of a habit out of playing 2 or 3 games at a time lately but I think this game is going to take a single concerted effort sans other distracting games so I don't forget conversations and evidence. There must be no oversight in my investigations!

1 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:27:16 PM
Reply

Sooo shooting and fistfights like rdr? it was so so for me, but the investigations looks solid, looks like it really deserve those 60 bucks.

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:28:32 PM
Reply

Awesome. The game looks great. Going to go preorder this now. :)

2 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 1:47:17 PM
Reply

Sweeet

1 up, 0 down

Danny007
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 2:30:59 PM
Reply

I'm glad that Rockstar took a chance with Red Dead Redemption. I think that L.A. Noire will come out as a sucess for them as well.

3 up, 1 down

Looking Glass
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 2:45:40 PM

I don't know if they really took a chance with Red Dead Redemption. That game was essentially an 1850s version of Grand Theft Auto. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

But nevertheless this game does appear to be at least somewhat of a risk. The story looks like it will be moving at a relatively slow pace, which probably won't sit well with the instant-gratification crowd. There doesn't seem to be any multiplayer functionality either, which is going to be a turn off for a sizable number of people. Nevertheless seeing as how Heavy Rain did quite well I believe that this game will too.

2 up, 3 down

Danny007
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 6:38:35 PM

Yeah, I agree with you. I said that they took a risk because that is what they said in their acceptance speech when they claimed their Game Of The Year award at the Spike Video Game Awards.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 6:56:15 PM

Actually it was 1910. Making a Western style video game is always a risk. :)

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 2/9/2011 6:57:14 PM

1 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 7:09:33 PM

It was a huge risk. Western themed games are practically non-existent and those that actually did come out did not turn huge profits. Rockstar pumping millions into the production of RDR could have been a catastrophic error. The difference is this. Rockstar knows how to make engaging gameplay while telling a gripping story. They applied their strengths and released an industry changing GotY.

Calling it a GTA clone is just something that people who have done nothing more than sampled the game say. They see the same game engine, they see Rockstar, and they say it's a clone. Why would they spend that many millions for a western gta clone?? Doesn't make sense. By that definition LA Noire is a GTA clone too. But as you should know, a game is more than the engine it runs on.

Last edited by Alienange on 2/9/2011 7:10:22 PM

4 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 7:45:20 AM

@WorldEndsWithMe

Well I was mainly using "1850s" as a synonym for the old west. And maybe making a Western themed game is a risk, except when it has multiplayer and it the name "Rockstar" attached to it.

@Alienange

That "definition" that you mention is not something that I ever used. It's your creation and not mine. I never said anything about the game's engine. What I meant was that the game uses the same formula as GTA, but in a different setting. And on top of that they used a main protagonist who was similar to the main protagonist from GTA IV.

And the risk may not have been as big as you think. First, there was a strong marketing campaign backing this game up which included the unusual step of a relatively lengthy television showcase. Next, the game included multiplayer, which alone gave a lot of people strong incentive to purchase it especially on the Xbox 360 side. And finally little of what Rockstar does is a risk (with the possible exception of publishing LA Noire) because of the star power the company has.

Last edited by Looking Glass on 2/10/2011 7:53:16 AM

0 up, 1 down

Teddie9
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 2:36:58 PM
Reply

RELIEF!

0 up, 0 down

Lord carlos
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 2:52:46 PM
Reply

Okay add this one to the list.
I have about 10 must buy games this year,thats 500 bucks worth~argh!
Not to mention a fecken xperia play and maybe a NGP as well-argh argh!
Gonna be a broke a$$ed mofo this year.

Dead space2,killzone3,ICO collection,socom4,LA noire,Infamous2,resistance3,
The last guardian,Crysis2,UNCHARTED 3

1 up, 0 down

Shams
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 3:50:07 PM

Aye, but with patience and attentiveness, you'll be able to snag yourself some savings on the games. Example: I got DS2 for 10 usd not even a week after it released here in the States. Ok, that was bit of a *fluke, but you get my meaning.

*I was at a store called KMart, they had deal on ME2(buy it and get another half off), and a deal on DS2(buy it and get a $20 psn card free). They were out of cards, so the cashier gave me $20 off AFTER the half-off rebate, even though I would've paid $10 more if he deducted the $20 first. Awfully nice of him.

2 up, 0 down

Lord carlos
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 8:58:04 PM

yeah i is a sucker for D1P though.
'i rack disaplin'

1 up, 0 down

Shams
Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 12:12:48 AM

Heh, rike you, I rack disciprine. But unless it's a game like Uncharted 3, I tell m'self to wait and save. That way I can buy more games, and not feel guilty.

This years spending since January:

Vanquish $30
ME2 $60
DS2 $10

Total $100

Planned purchases:

Killzone 3 (D1P)
U3 (D1P)
InFamous 2 (D1P)
Resistance 3 (D1P)
LA Noire (on sale)
NGP (D1P if it's released w/Wipeout or at least one other strong title).

Damn, you're right. It's gonna be an expensive year. No two ways around it.

1 up, 0 down

Pandacastro
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 3:21:43 PM
Reply

I hope they add my apartment in the game. I got mad when true crimes replaced my apartment with a parking lot.

1 up, 1 down

swapnilgyani
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 4:05:21 PM
Reply

God dammit, my gaming budget is getting raped!

1 up, 1 down

Mamills
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 4:08:12 PM
Reply

i was not interested in this game at all, but now that i've seen this trailer and seen what they have been up to. well, ill probably get it. im gonna need some sort of replay value though, (Multiplayer or something else) otherwise it can wait till i can get it cheaper.

0 up, 1 down

daus26
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 4:32:00 PM
Reply

Is Rockstar in L.A? That, or they really like the city.

1 up, 1 down

Dancemachine55
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 6:19:19 PM

Team Bondi, in Sydney, Australia. They're the ones behind this game.

Almost brings a tear to my eye seeing an Aussie company leading the way in interactive entertainment for once. Our sports games can't even touch games like MLB or Madden in terms of quality. Just nice to see a change is all.

And this is a definite D1P for me. Might go change my preorders today, Duke Nukem Forever to LA Noire, get Duke Nukem when it's half price at the end of this year.

1 up, 0 down

kraygen
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 5:05:25 PM
Reply

So I mentioned a worry I had about this game the other day and if anything this video only increased that worry. Worried how the facial system might be some kind of cheap gimmick.

Well in the video it doesn't ever show exactly how it works, but it shows a 3 button choices. Truth, doubt, and lie. So if we just look at the face and they do some blink or something then we pick one, couldn't you just always pick doubt? I'm still not convinced.

They have focused their publicity for this game on this system and yet have not shown exactly how it works. I am still unsure. I'll be waiting for the reviews and hopefully they'll release a demo, which includes this system.

1 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 5:06:12 PM
Reply

Hope this fills me up while i wait for gta5

0 up, 1 down

Jed
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 6:04:46 PM
Reply

I really hadn't payed any attention to this game until lately, but it just looks incredible. Cant wait to give it a go.

2 up, 0 down

ZettaiSeigi
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 6:32:02 PM
Reply

I'm absolutely getting this game, and I hope too that a lot of people will. Games like this and Heavy Rain are what pushes the gaming industry forward. We need more games that are a little more cerebral than the usual fare.

2 up, 0 down

just2skillf00l
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 6:54:46 PM
Reply

Agree Jed, I'm stoked for this one.

1 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 7:11:41 PM
Reply

Thank you for pulling that video out for us. I have now seen enough to know that I must play this game. Anyone scores it above 8 and I'm buying it right away.

And hell, did I see a WB sign in there? Authentic, eerie and smart. This is going to be good.

2 up, 0 down

KidCallaway123
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 7:26:09 PM
Reply

wow! looks really cool... can't wait to read the review here... will buy based on that.

1 up, 0 down

THEVERDIN
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 7:29:40 PM
Reply

This is a day 1 purchase for me. Wouldn't be awesome to solve The Black Dahlia murder.

1 up, 0 down

Lairfan
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 8:41:41 PM
Reply

That looked pretty damn incredible. I think we've got a winner on our hands here.

Everything from the shooting (which looked very similar to RDR, which is great by my standards), interrogation, ranking up through the LAPD as you go, detail in the environment, and MotionScan looked brilliant. My only question right now is whether this is going to be like Mafia 2 (not a true open world), or more like a normal open world with side quests and what not. Of course, I don't think anyone will be able to answer that right now, but still, it'll be interesting to see which one it is.

0 up, 0 down

Kokushi
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 8:44:48 PM
Reply

Great video, D1P and Lairfan i think there will be some kind of side quest (some bank robbery reported in your police radio and you can respond to that if you want).

Last edited by Kokushi on 2/9/2011 8:45:18 PM

0 up, 0 down

spiderboi
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 9:08:38 PM
Reply

Wow! This wasn't really on my radar before, but now I may buy it D1 :)

0 up, 0 down

playSTATION
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 10:36:01 PM
Reply

as much as im an uncharted fan, this could be the game that wins it all when its said and done.

0 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 10:52:36 PM
Reply

Now this is the trailer I've been waiting for.
And for the first time I'm impressed.

Confirmed to be a revolutionary game.

And after 10 days of break and away from the internet due to the Lunar New Year,I'M BACK AT PSXE!

Last edited by Snaaaake on 2/9/2011 10:53:11 PM

1 up, 0 down

PorkChopGamer
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 10:55:08 PM

Agreed, Scarecrow!! I thought it was just a regular shooter. SO glad I was wrong!!!

0 up, 0 down

PorkChopGamer
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 @ 10:54:07 PM
Reply

That's it. Day one for sure.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 1:00:03 AM
Reply

so freaking cant wait for this!
its going to be 2011s heavy rain times 1000000!
hopefully it has a story with heaps of twists, deceits, and backstabbing to support the detective work and shootouts.

1 up, 0 down

jasopan
Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 7:50:29 AM
Reply

Looks amazing

0 up, 0 down

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