LA Noire

Discussion in 'Video Games' started by joelmunroe, May 12, 2011.

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  1. Gunny

    Gunny Shoutbox Fuhrer

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    Now that the rewards program for the PSN being down has come up and it turns out I have them all, I am now trading in:

    Infamous, LittleBigPlanet and some other game I have but don't play for LA Noire
    Then downloading Infamous and LBP for free from PSN.
     
  2. KamikaZ

    KamikaZ Ex-Hall of Famer

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    Since I'm off tomorrow, I'm going to get this at midnight tonight. I'll drop my thoughts for those who are skeptical or on-the-fence.
     
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  3. Gunny

    Gunny Shoutbox Fuhrer

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    Not on the fence but would like to hear your thoughts.
     
  4. KamikaZ

    KamikaZ Ex-Hall of Famer

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    Honestly, from what I know about your taste, I think you're going to really, really like this game. But I'll let you know.
     
  5. Gunny

    Gunny Shoutbox Fuhrer

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    True, but your review of RDR made me get it day 1 instead of later on. Might be the same for LA Noire.
     
  6. KamikaZ

    KamikaZ Ex-Hall of Famer

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    Played for about an hour and a half. The game is very different from the modern mainstream game. Those expecting or, more importantly, wanting a game like GTA IV or Mafia 2 "Police Edition" - either change your expectations or simply rent the game before purchasing.

    This is NOT a sandbox game. This is a fairly linear game that can be somewhat trial and error in terms of gathering clues, investigating, and eventually interrogating suspects. Is it fun and interesting? Yes, it is indeed fun, and it's often interesting. But there isn't a lot of shooting and driving sequences for the main cases. Fortunately, the cases are interesting, enjoyably acted (if a bit hammy at times), and worth your time.

    You're primarily (I'd say about 80% of the gameplay) looking for evidence, keeping track of what you've found in a very well-designed notebook, talking to witnesses and suspects, and figuring out motivations for the crime. Cases get more convoluted as you go along - the tutorials in the beginning aren't great measures of how interesting the cases are, and they do get very cool (no spoilers).

    I will warn you, this game is inherently tricky and you can easily screw up aspects of a case your first time through (you can replay cases for perfection). The problem is, you can't really fail a case (at least I haven't). If you mess up certain aspects of the investigation, you'll get chewed out by your bosses/partner/etc., and it'll make the case longer and more work than needed, but there aren't hard consequences (for me so far) for serious mistakes. This is helpful in the early going, but I could easily see it as a drawback later in the game if it continues - I want a challenge, and I want there to be consequences if I do the wrong thing.

    Motion capture is implemented really well, and quite honestly, it still seems a bit bizarre. This is the most advanced facial graphics video games have ever seen, and it's simply not even close. The technology is legitimately groundbreaking, and I'm still getting used to it.

    Some of the acting is sort of hammy, but I can accept it as a part of the game mechanics - NPC actions, tones, and facial movements can't be too vague, otherwise the game would be just totally trial and error. Honestly, I feel like I feel like I'm watching an old Don Siegal film. I happen to like that, but some people will be annoyed by it.

    I don't know how I feel about the game concretely yet. I'm glad I bought it just for the experience, because it does feel ground breaking in its technology, and the slow-burn style of the game is refreshing. But I can guarantee you all this - this is going to be an extremely polarizing game. It's hard to really compare it to a single game, because it does feel like a truly organic experience. I'll probably have more developed opinions later this week.
     
  7. XO

    XO Nevada Native

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    So are you actually playing and doing all the work or do you end up watching tons of cut scenes?

    I'm thinking about getting this tomorrow.
     
  8. KamikaZ

    KamikaZ Ex-Hall of Famer

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    It's not QTEs like Heavy Rain. When examining a body, for instance, you literally have to use the analog sticks to turn parts of the body, clothing, jewelry, etc. The game doesn't hold your hand, especially if you turn off hints. You have to decide if people are being truthful or lying based on facial cues and information you've acquired throughout the case (you can go look into your notebook at any time so you can be sure). The game moves at a very calm pace, so you can take your time.

    There are chase scenes that involve climbing up buildings, jumping fences, dodging pedestrians/cars, etc. There are shooting sequences that feel weightier than GTA IV (but similar in style), but they aren't common really. There are roughly forty street crimes that are more action based than the main cases, so you can focus on those if you need an action fix.
     
  9. Gunny

    Gunny Shoutbox Fuhrer

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    When consulting the notebook or just going through the menu is there a load time or anything like that?
     
  10. KamikaZ

    KamikaZ Ex-Hall of Famer

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    Nah, it's seamless. They implemented it very well.
     
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