The rumors were true! L.A. Noire is headed to the Nintendo Switch, but that’s not all; Rockstar announced this morning that L.A. Noire is also headed to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and all three versions are going to launch on November 14! Additionally (as if that weren’t enough), Rockstar is also developing an new VR adventure for the HTC Vive.
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“Alongside these three new console versions, we’re taking our first steps into virtual reality with L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, featuring seven select cases from the original game rebuilt specifically for a virtual reality experience on the HTC VIVE.
“Set against the seedy and violent underbelly of 1940’s Los Angeles, L.A. Noire is the story of decorated veteran and newly minted detective Cole Phelps as he investigates an escalating series of cases inspired by real-world crimes. Each successfully solved case brings Phelps greater success, but also brings him closer to the dark criminal heart of post-war L.A.”
The VR experience will appeal to a pretty niche audience, so let’s dive into the console re-releases. What can we expect? What’s new? What’s enhanced, and what will be different about the Nintendo Switch version?
L.A. Noire on Nintendo Switch
From the official announcement: “L.A. Noire for the Nintendo Switch features the complete original game and all additional downloadable content, with specific enhancements including a Joy-Con mode with gyroscopic, gesture-based controls, HD rumble and new wide and over-the-shoulder camera angles, plus contextual touch screen controls for portable detective work.”
I couldn’t help but notice that the official announcement did not mention any of the enhanced visual touches that the PS4 and Xbox One versions are getting. This is a game that definitely should benefit from the Nintendo Switch’s leap in RAM and processing power when compared to the Xbox 360 and PS3, so we’d expect the new lighting engine and 1080p visuals while docked, but we’ll have to wait for official confirmation.
At least the Joy-Con controls and touchscreen features (while playing on the go) will shake things up a little. We can’t wait to see some gameplay.
L.A. Noire on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
From the official announcement: “L.A. Noire for PlayStation 4 and Xbox Oneย delivers the complete original game and all additional downloadable content with a range of technical enhancements for greater visual fidelity and authenticity, including enhanced lighting and clouds, new cinematic camera angles, high resolution textures and more. Plays natively in 1080p for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles, and stunning 4K for PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X, these versions capture the grit and grime of the City of Angels like never before.”
This is exactly what we would have hoped for. Original gameplay, all of the DLC, enhanced visuals, and a potential 4K bump if you have the hardware to support it. For those of you who never experienced L.A. Noire in the day, this is going to be such a treat. Rockstar pushed the envelope with facial animations that, at the time, seemed pretty groundbreaking. Reading suspects and witnesses’ emotions and expressions was key to solving your cases, and we’re betting that those iconic animations have been updated and brushed up as well.
Where will you be playing?
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