Steve Boxer, from guardian.co.uk, has posted a review of Team Bondi's L.A. Noire. This review tells what the player can expect in the game. guardian.co.uk has rated the game 5/5 stars. Will other video game reviewers agree with this score? We'll find that out sometime around the game's release.
Here are a few things that caught my eye.
Read the full review Here

Between cases, you either get a flashback to Phelps' war experiences in Japan or a glimpse into his off-duty life; both those elements end up feeding back into the overarching storyline. The oeuvres of Shelley and even anarchist author Piotr Kropotkin are fed into the mix. Newspapers that you find when hunting for clues trigger yet another backstory (this time involving ongoing LA skullduggery), which yet again intersects with the main storyline in the game's later stages.

The control system is sufficiently simplified that even the most determined non-gamers shouldn't find it intimidating.   

Indeed, the more hardcore gamers may carp that it isn't sufficiently action-packed or precise. The one criticism that could be levelled at the game is that the shooting system has been over-simplified so that it feels clunky compared to thelikes of Grand Theft Auto.   

From start to finish, LA Noire feels like a film – LA Confidential   

As you rise through the ranks, you earn Intuition points, which can be cashed in to eliminate one wrong question-tone (or reveal the location of all the clues at a location). Luckily, LA Noire is pretty forgiving, so if your body language-assessment skills aren't up to CSI standards, you should still get the right result in the end, although you risk a chewing-out from your boss for shoddy police work, which is genuinely mortifying.   

The game's pacing and narrative arc impress as much as its believability. The bog-standard detective work, fun though it is, is punctuated judiciously by action sequences including car chases, pursuing suspects on foot, climbing around inaccessible areas, puzzle-solving and, of course, shoot-outs.   

While this is nice to see it is still only one review. I will wait till more people look at it and would love to see what the guys here think. I really would like this game to be good so I can buy it. 

The one criticism that could be levelled at the game is that the shooting system has been over-simplified so that it feels clunky compared to thelikes of Grand Theft Auto.       

" shooting system has been over-simplified so that it feels clunky compared to thelikes of Grand Theft Auto."  
 
Clunkier than GTAs shooting system? Is that even possible?

I'm waiting for reviews from sources I trust.

Good to hear it's incredible, hopefully the shooting isn't clunkier than GTA4...since I hated playing GTA4 but loved how Read Dead handeled.

This game still doesn't do anything for me, all i've seen from this game is "hey look are facial animation!"

The control system is sufficiently simplified that even the most determined non-gamers shouldn't find it intimidating.   

Indeed, the more hardcore gamers may carp that it isn't sufficiently action-packed or precise. The one criticism that could be levelled at the game is that the shooting system has been over-simplified so that it feels clunky compared to thelikes of Grand Theft Auto.  

Those two comments scare me and I wish the reviewer elaborated on it. I mean how do you simplify the controls of a third person game? I'm afraid It'll end up feeling gimped as a game and that would be horrible. Also the shooting controls are clunkier than GTA's? GTA's shooting controls were notoriously clunky (you got used to them) and I have no idea how they made it worse though this game does seem to be shaping up as a fantastic interactive story and I am willing to pay $60 dollars for that

" " shooting system has been over-simplified so that it feels clunky compared to thelikes of Grand Theft Auto."    Clunkier than GTAs shooting system? Is that even possible?I'm waiting for reviews from sources I trust. "

Sounds awesome, I'm relieved that someone has reassured me about this game. :)

if the game really does't contain much shooting I feel like they could have accomplished what they wanted with a point and click adventure with pre-rendered cutscenes or using live action FMV. Everything I've read/see about the game makes me think its just that a 3D rendered adventure game that overachieves visually and aurally compared to other games in the genre.

Shame to hear that the shooting mechanics are somehow weaker than previous Rockstar games.  RDR was a great evolution to the gunplay found in past GTA games.  I wonder what changed.

" Shame to hear that the shooting mechanics are somehow weaker than previous Rockstar games.  RDR was a great evolution to the gunplay found in past GTA games.  I wonder what changed. "

" if the game really does't contain much shooting I feel like they could have accomplished what they wanted with a point and click adventure with pre-rendered cutscenes or using live action FMV. Everything I've read/see about the game makes me think its just that a 3D rendered adventure game that overachieves visually and aurally compared to other games in the genre. "

While I'm sure the game will get great reviews, The Guardian has about as much credibility as Fox.

" "

"  

The control system is sufficiently simplified that even the most determined non-gamers shouldn't find it intimidating.   

Indeed, the more hardcore gamers may carp that it isn't sufficiently action-packed or precise. The one criticism that could be levelled at the game is that the shooting system has been over-simplified so that it feels clunky compared to thelikes of Grand Theft Auto.  

Those two comments scare me and I wish the reviewer elaborated on it. I mean how do you simplify the controls of a third person game? I'm afraid It'll end up feeling gimped as a game and that would be horrible. Also the shooting controls are clunkier than GTA's? GTA's shooting controls were notoriously clunky (you got used to them) and I have no idea how they made it worse though this game does seem to be shaping up as a fantastic interactive story and I am willing to pay $60 dollars for that

"

" @VictoryBlixt said:

"  

The control system is sufficiently simplified that even the most determined non-gamers shouldn't find it intimidating.   

Indeed, the more hardcore gamers may carp that it isn't sufficiently action-packed or precise. The one criticism that could be levelled at the game is that the shooting system has been over-simplified so that it feels clunky compared to thelikes of Grand Theft Auto.  

Those two comments scare me and I wish the reviewer elaborated on it. I mean how do you simplify the controls of a third person game? I'm afraid It'll end up feeling gimped as a game and that would be horrible. Also the shooting controls are clunkier than GTA's? GTA's shooting controls were notoriously clunky (you got used to them) and I have no idea how they made it worse though this game does seem to be shaping up as a fantastic interactive story and I am willing to pay $60 dollars for that

"

 I wouldn't worry too much about it, personally.  The way I look at it, it's rather like saying the font size of a book is a couple of points too small.  Yes, it could affect your experience, but you're really in it for the content of the narrative. "

" @MoleyUK said:

" @VictoryBlixt said:

"  

The control system is sufficiently simplified that even the most determined non-gamers shouldn't find it intimidating.   

Indeed, the more hardcore gamers may carp that it isn't sufficiently action-packed or precise. The one criticism that could be levelled at the game is that the shooting system has been over-simplified so that it feels clunky compared to thelikes of Grand Theft Auto.  

Those two comments scare me and I wish the reviewer elaborated on it. I mean how do you simplify the controls of a third person game? I'm afraid It'll end up feeling gimped as a game and that would be horrible. Also the shooting controls are clunkier than GTA's? GTA's shooting controls were notoriously clunky (you got used to them) and I have no idea how they made it worse though this game does seem to be shaping up as a fantastic interactive story and I am willing to pay $60 dollars for that

"

 I wouldn't worry too much about it, personally.  The way I look at it, it's rather like saying the font size of a book is a couple of points too small.  Yes, it could affect your experience, but you're really in it for the content of the narrative. "

For the shooting I totally and wholeheartedly agree but for the simple act of controlling your character it could make the game significantly worse, like a poorly drawn comic, Its still great but the experience is tainted. I would really like to know what the reviewer meant by simplified "

" @MrOldboy said:

" if the game really does't contain much shooting I feel like they could have accomplished what they wanted with a point and click adventure with pre-rendered cutscenes or using live action FMV. Everything I've read/see about the game makes me think its just that a 3D rendered adventure game that overachieves visually and aurally compared to other games in the genre. "

There are achievements for 100 kills and 30 headshots (check the tab). "

It's been pulled. Embargo lifts on Monday - I'm guessing somebody set the publish date a few days early. Perhaps some friday 13th internet spookyness!

Good!

Phelps is a War Veteran who served in Japan? Why must all Rockstar protagonists be such bad-asses?

Yup, pulled...anyone thought to cache up the whole thing?

Whilst it's only from one review that can't, in all honesty, be trusted that much, I'm kinda worried about the lack of difficulty.

I'm all for innovative games that don't make action the strong point. But if you're going to include shooting mechanics (and the like) at all, please don't over simplify them to such an extent. Just don't include them. Or at least offer the player different difficulty settings, though I doubt this will be an option as open world games rarely do it.

Official Xbox Magazine UK's reviews has leaked online as well. Another perfect score.

 “If you were expecting L.A Noire to be a reskinned GTA then you will be left severely disappointed. Many times we hear, “Who will be gaming’s Citizen Kane?”. Personally, I don’t have the gall to say L.A Noire is that type of game. But it is a game that will revolutionize the gaming industry as we know it. Never in my 20 year history of gaming have I encountered a game with as much finesse, intelligence, and attention to detail as L.A Noire, and for that I applaud L.A Noire. A game which has the nerve to do so much, in an industry where a seldom few are.”

Not sure what to think about just about everyone only seeming to care about the negative things in the review. Not the fact that it was a 5/5.

" Phelps is a War Veteran who served in Japan? Why must all Rockstar protagonists be such bad-asses? "

I can't wait to shoot someone in their amazingly animated face.

Fuck, I read the first line and it was already too much info.

When someone says that a video game feels like a movie, I don't really regard that as a positive. Still, Heavy Rain felt like one, and that game was an experience for sure.

I don't care what anyone says about this game I'm buying it and will have fun.

so...yeah, whatever hopefully it's good

Not to turn this into a thread about RDR having good shooting but it didnt feel all that different from GTA to me just seemed like there was less shit for the auto aim to lock onto

" Official Xbox Magazine UK's reviews has leaked online as well. Another perfect score.

 “If you were expecting L.A Noire to be a reskinned GTA then you will be left severely disappointed. Many times we hear, “Who will be gaming’s Citizen Kane?”. Personally, I don’t have the gall to say L.A Noire is that type of game. But it is a game that will revolutionize the gaming industry as we know it. Never in my 20 year history of gaming have I encountered a game with as much finesse, intelligence, and attention to detail as L.A Noire, and for that I applaud L.A Noire. A game which has the nerve to do so much, in an industry where a seldom few are.” "

" @spotpilgrim said:

" @MrOldboy said:

" if the game really does't contain much shooting I feel like they could have accomplished what they wanted with a point and click adventure with pre-rendered cutscenes or using live action FMV. Everything I've read/see about the game makes me think its just that a 3D rendered adventure game that overachieves visually and aurally compared to other games in the genre. "

There are achievements for 100 kills and 30 headshots (check the tab). "

thats sort of well, extremely low for a rockstar game. I haven't played the game, but everyone likes to speculate. From what's out there I cant see using your weapon being that relevant most of the time. "

All units!

Well you can't trust the guardian to review anything, but it is a promising sign. My anticipation is reaching a dangerous level.

"  "Rockstar reckons it's roughly equivalent in length to two seasons of a TV series, a claim that feels roughly accurate."Some people don't care about length, but this rough estimate tells me it should be around 40 to 50 hours. Well, if they're talking about a 60 minute crime drama. I liked the review. I'm starting to feel that tingle. Might need to get on day one and see for myself.  "