Sneak Peek: L.A. Noire

Developer Team Bondi and publisher Rockstar have released the first of a series of in-depth gameplay videos about their upcoming game, L.A. Noire. The video, entitled "Orientation," details some of the core gameplay mechanics that the game will feature.

L.A. Noire will take place in 1947 Los Angeles, during one of the most violent periods in the city's history. Players will assume the role of Detective Cole Phelps, who is tasked with solving several homicide mysteries throughout the game.

As the title suggests, L.A. Noire will draw heavily from the film noire movies of the ‘50s. This is seen in some of the artistic elements, such as the harsh lighting, and black and white scenes. One thing about the game's graphics that particularly stands out is the amazing detail of facial animations. Even in the low-resolution video, it is possible to see how smoothly characters display facial expressions. For this, Rockstar credits a new piece of technology called Motion Scan, with which a human actor's facial expressions are caught from every angle and the information is applied to the game's character models.

While the graphics look promising, the gameplay looks even more so. L.A. Noire appears to use similar aiming and cover mechanics as Red Dead Redemption. The video shows off several action sequences, including a very cool looking scene in which the LAPD must stop a group of bank robbers.

Rockstar and Team Bondi emphasize that action is not L.A. Noire's only gameplay facet. The game promises to combine traditional action sequences, such as shootouts, with mystery. As such, one of the game's main elements is solving cases. Throughout the game, players will work in vice, homicide, and arson. In order to solve a case, players must go through the process of investigating a crime scene, collecting evidence, questioning witnesses and interrogating suspects. These sequences look very interesting and will hopefully create variety in the game's missions.

In particular, the Orientation video describes in detail the process of questioning witnesses. These sequences make use of the detailed facial expressions captured by Motion Scan. Detective Phelps will ask NPCs a series of inquiries, and it is up to the player to determine if that character is telling the truth of if they are lying by examining their expressions. Hopefully, the result of the sequences will affect of the outcome of the game's plot.

Rockstar and Team Bondi will release several more videos showing the game's different features. L.A. Noire is shaping up to be fine new title and is set to release on May 17.