Step into the rain-slicked streets of 1947 Los Angeles as a detective navigating a city grappling with post-war prosperity and burgeoning crime. This is a neo-noir detective action-adventure experience where you embody LAPD officer Cole Phelps, tasked with unraveling a series of complex cases across five distinct police departments. Success hinges on your ability to meticulously investigate crime scenes, follow up on leads, and critically interrogate suspects, with your performance directly influencing the unfolding narrative and the depth of information you uncover.

The game draws heavily from the iconic visual style and thematic elements of classic film noir, offering a distinctive color palette that can even be switched to black and white for an authentic aesthetic. The cases themselves are inspired by real-life crimes reported in Los Angeles during the era, immersing players in a gritty and morally ambiguous world.

Setting and Atmosphere

The game transports players to a meticulously recreated Los Angeles of 1947, a city experiencing rapid growth and facing a dark underbelly of corruption, rampant drug trade, and escalating crime rates. The atmosphere is steeped in the classic tropes of film noir, characterized by a distinctive visual style, shadowy environments, and a pervasive sense of moral ambiguity. Players will encounter scenarios and themes reminiscent of iconic detective and mobster narratives, contributing to a rich and immersive experience.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The central gameplay loop revolves around detective work. Players will explore crime scenes, searching for physical evidence and clues that can be used to piece together the events that transpired. Following up on these clues leads to the pursuit of suspects and witnesses, culminating in interrogations. A key mechanic involves observing the facial expressions and body language of those you question, using this information to determine if they are being truthful, deceptive, or holding something back. Your ability to correctly interpret these cues and press for answers is crucial to advancing the investigation.

What Makes This Game Unique?

The game distinguishes itself through its innovative facial animation technology, which captures subtle nuances in character expressions, forming the backbone of its interrogation system. This focus on realistic character reactions adds a layer of psychological depth to the detective work, moving beyond traditional action-adventure gameplay. The integration of real-life inspired cases and a strong adherence to the film noir aesthetic further contribute to its unique identity within the genre.

Story Premise

As LAPD detective Cole Phelps, you are thrust into the heart of a city struggling with its own success. Corruption runs deep, the drug trade is flourishing, and murder rates are soaring. Your mission is to climb the ranks of the police force while upholding justice. This involves investigating a series of arson attacks, racketeering conspiracies, and brutal murders. In your pursuit of the truth, you will confront the L.A. underworld and even face challenges from within your own department, all while uncovering a secret that threatens to expose the city's rotten core.

Game Information

This is a main game title, released in 2011. It is available on multiple platforms, including Xbox 360, PC (Microsoft Windows), and PlayStation 3. A remastered version is also available.

Additional Content

The game features 5 downloadable content (DLC) packs, offering additional cases and content to expand the player's experience.

Can I Play This in Black and White?

Yes, in homage to classic film noir, the game offers an option to play the entire experience in black and white, enhancing the stylistic presentation.