L.A. Noire Review

L.A. Noire, developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar Games, originally made waves in 2011 with its groundbreaking MotionScan facial animation technology. Its arrival on the Nintendo Switch in 2017 brought this unique detective game to a new audience, proving that its intricate blend of investigation and storytelling could thrive on a hybrid console. This L.A. Noire Switch review explores its innovative gameplay and how it translates to portable gaming.

Gameplay: Reading Faces and Solving Cases

The core gameplay loop of L.A. Noire is unlike any other. Players step into the shoes of detective Cole Phelps, navigating meticulously recreated crime scenes to find clues, interrogating suspects and witnesses, and engaging in dramatic car chases and occasional shootouts. The revolutionary MotionScan technology is the star, bringing unparalleled realism to character faces. During interrogations, players must carefully observe subtle facial expressions and body language to discern truth from lies, choosing whether to believe, doubt, or accuse. This unique mechanic is both challenging and incredibly rewarding, making every suspect feel genuinely human.

The game also features an open world rendition of 1940s Los Angeles, allowing players to drive between cases or engage in side activities. The Switch version integrates well with its platform-specific features, offering optional Joy-Con gesture controls for combat and touch screen controls for investigating crime scenes, enhancing the immersion in handheld mode. While the graphics might be a slight downgrade from its more powerful console counterparts, the game maintains a respectable performance, ensuring the vital facial animations remain clear. All previously released DLC cases are included, adding significant content.

• Groundbreaking facial animation crucial for interrogations
• Unique clue-finding and deduction mechanics
• Engaging car chases and period-accurate driving
• Open-world 1940s Los Angeles for exploration
• Integrated Switch-specific controls (touch, motion)

Story and Setting: A Gritty Film Noir Epic

The narrative of L.A. Noire is a sprawling film noir epic. Players follow Cole Phelps’ rise through the ranks of the LAPD, from patrol duty to the traffic, homicide, vice, and arson desks. Each desk presents a series of interconnected cases, tackling mature themes like corruption, jazz clubs, Hollywood glamor, and the dark underbelly of post-war Los Angeles.

The storytelling is rich and complex, inspired by classic noir cinema, with compelling characters and morally ambiguous situations. The meticulously recreated 1940s Los Angeles setting is authentic, from its architecture and fashion to its period-accurate vehicles and radio programs, creating an incredibly immersive historical experience.

Graphics and Sound: Vintage Aesthetics and Stellar Performances

Visually, L.A. Noire on the Switch maintains its unique aesthetic. While graphical fidelity takes a slight hit for portability, the stylized look and, crucially, the MotionScan facial animations remain impressive and vital to the gameplay. The game authentically captures the look and feel of a 1940s crime drama.

The sound design is superb, featuring an atmospheric jazz score that perfectly complements the noir mood. The voice acting is top-tier, with an extensive cast delivering nuanced performances that sell the tension of every interrogation and the drama of every cutscene, enhancing the game’s immersive qualities.

Legacy: A Bold Experiment

L.A. Noire remains a bold and influential title. Its dedication to realistic facial animation was groundbreaking, and its unique approach to crime solving carved out a distinct niche in the action-adventure genre. It stands as a gaming masterpiece that dared to be different.

Is L.A. Noire on Switch Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. For fans of detective games, story-driven experiences, or film noir, L.A. Noire on Switch is a compelling play. Its innovative interrogation mechanics, rich narrative, and authentic 1940s setting offer dozens of hours of unique crime mystery solving. It’s a true classic Switch game, perfect for playing on the go or curled up on the couch, immersed in its captivating world.