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How It Works • Games & Tech

L.A. Noire

L.A.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

L.A. Noire is a 2011 action-adventure game set in 1947 Los Angeles, where you play LAPD detective Cole Phelps solving crimes and uncovering a conspiracy.

What it is

Developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar Games, L.A. Noire blends third-person action with detective work. You investigate crime scenes, interrogate suspects, and follow leads across an open-world version of postwar Los Angeles. The game is known for its film-noir style and facial animation technology used during interrogations.

Key details

The story follows Cole Phelps as he rises through LAPD bureaus, tackling cases involving corruption, drug trafficking, and a larger conspiracy. The game released in May 2011 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with a PC version later that year. A remastered edition arrived in November 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Why it matters

L.A. Noire stands out as one of the few major detective-focused titles from Rockstar Games. Its period setting and interrogation mechanics made it a unique entry in the crime genre. For Canadian players, it's part of the broader Rockstar catalogue that has shaped gaming culture and retail in Canada.

In short

  • Set in 1947 Los Angeles, you play detective Cole Phelps solving crimes.
  • Gameplay focuses on investigation, interrogation, and open-world exploration.
  • Released in 2011 on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC; remastered in 2017 on newer consoles.
  • No official sequel has been released.
Canadian angle

L.A. Noire was developed by Team Bondi, an Australian studio, and published by Rockstar Games; for Canadian readers, it is part of the broader Rockstar catalogue that has had a major presence in Canadian gaming culture and retail.

Quick questions

What is L.A. Noire about?
It follows LAPD detective Cole Phelps as he solves cases in 1947 Los Angeles and uncovers corruption and a wider conspiracy.
What platforms is L.A. Noire on?
It released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, and later on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch through the remastered version.
Is L.A. Noire open world?
Yes. It is set in an open-world version of Los Angeles, though the gameplay is centered more on investigation than free-roaming action.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L.A._Noire
    Supports: Core description, setting, gameplay perspective, open-world setting, and basic release/platform information.
  2. Fandom — https://lanoire.fandom.com/wiki/L.A._Noire
    Supports: Release dates and remastered platform list including Nintendo Switch.
  3. Wikipedia — https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/L.A._Noire
    Supports: Original release date and PC release timing.
  4. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/L.A._Noire
    Supports: Setting, noir influence, and open-world context.