Game Mechanics Overview

Understand L.A. Noire's core mechanics. Master investigation at crime scenes and Cole Phelps's interrogation techniques to solve cases in 1947 Los Angeles.

Welcome, detective, to the gritty streets of 1947 Los Angeles. To succeed in L.A. Noire, you'll need to master its unique blend of investigation, interrogation, and action. This section provides a comprehensive breakdown of the core mechanics you'll encounter throughout your career on the force.

Investigation & Crime Scenes

The heart of L.A. Noire lies in its meticulous crime scene investigations. As Detective Cole Phelps, your primary goal is to uncover clues that will lead you to the truth. Pay close attention to your surroundings, as crucial evidence can often be overlooked.

• Searching for Clues: When you arrive at a crime scene, your controller will vibrate subtly, and a distinct musical cue will play, indicating a nearby clue. Move slowly and methodically, scanning every inch of the environment. The camera will often zoom in slightly when you're near an interactive item.
• Interacting with Clues: Once a clue is highlighted, press the interact button (typically 'A' on Xbox 360, 'X' on PS3) to examine it. Phelps will often offer a brief observation. Some clues require further manipulation:
  • Rotating Objects: Use the right analog stick to rotate items like a "Bloody Knife" found at the "Black Caesar" crime scene or a "Victim's Wallet" at "The Red Lipstick Murder." Look for specific angles or hidden compartments.
  • Opening Containers: You might need to open a "Purse" or a "Briefcase" to reveal additional evidence inside.
  • Reading Documents: Items like "Newspaper Clippings" or "Letters" will display text on screen. Read them carefully, as they often contain names, addresses, or motives.
• Notebook Management: All discovered clues are automatically recorded in your Detective's Notebook. This is your essential tool for tracking progress. Access it via the pause menu or a dedicated button (usually 'Back' on Xbox 360, 'Select' on PS3). The notebook organizes clues, persons of interest, and locations.
• Intuition Points: As you progress and perform well, you'll earn "Intuition Points." These can be spent at crime scenes to highlight all remaining clues in the area, or during interrogations to remove incorrect options or ask your partners for advice. Use them wisely, especially on complex cases like "The Golden Butterfly."

Interrogation Techniques

Once you've gathered sufficient evidence, it's time to confront suspects and witnesses. Interrogations are a critical part of solving cases and require careful observation of facial expressions and body language.

• The Truth, Doubt, Lie System: During an interrogation, after a witness or suspect provides an answer, you'll be presented with three options:
  • Truth: Select this if you believe the person is being entirely truthful and their statement aligns with the evidence you've collected.
  • Doubt: Choose this if you suspect the person is withholding information, being evasive, or outright lying, but you lack concrete evidence to prove it. This can sometimes lead to them revealing more.
  • Lie: This option is only available if you have a specific piece of evidence in your notebook that directly contradicts their statement. You must select the correct piece of evidence to back up your accusation. Failing to do so will result in a penalty.
• Reading Facial Cues: L.A. Noire's groundbreaking MotionScan technology allows for incredibly realistic facial animations. Pay close attention to subtle twitches, eye movements, and changes in demeanor. A person looking away, fidgeting, or showing signs of discomfort often indicates they are being deceptive.
• Using Your Notebook: Before and during interrogations, consult your notebook. Reviewing the collected clues will help you formulate questions and identify inconsistencies in statements.
• Partner's Advice: If you're struggling, you can spend an "Intuition Point" to ask your partner for their opinion on the current statement. While not always a guaranteed correct answer, it can provide a valuable hint.

Driving & Navigation

Traversing the sprawling, historically accurate recreation of 1947 Los Angeles is a significant part of the experience.

• Vehicle Selection: At the start of most cases, you'll have access to a police vehicle. You can also commandeer other civilian cars, though this may incur a small penalty to your overall case rating if done excessively.
• Following Your Partner: When heading to a new location, you can choose to have your partner drive. This allows you to enjoy the scenery and listen to radio broadcasts without worrying about navigation or traffic. Simply press the designated button (e.g., 'Y' on Xbox 360, 'Triangle' on PS3) when prompted.
• Minimap & Destinations: Your minimap (bottom left of the screen) will always show your current objective and any discovered locations. Red markers indicate crime scenes or key areas, while blue markers often signify persons of interest or other important points.
• Street Racing (Optional): Keep an eye out for "Street Races" marked on your map. Participating in and winning these races can earn you experience and unlock new vehicles.

Action & Combat

While L.A. Noire emphasizes detective work, there are instances where Phelps will need to engage in foot chases, shootouts, and fisticuffs.

• Foot Chases: When a suspect flees, you'll need to pursue them on foot. Sprint by holding the run button (typically 'A' on Xbox 360, 'X' on PS3) and use environmental obstacles to your advantage. Your partner will often assist in cornering the suspect.
• Shootouts: Combat in L.A. Noire is cover-based. use environmental cover by pressing the cover button (e.g., 'RB' on Xbox 360, 'R1' on PS3) and pop out to fire. Aim for headshots for quicker takedowns. Your standard service weapon is the "Colt M1911 Pistol," but you can pick up other weapons from fallen enemies or weapon caches.
• Fist Fights: Occasional brawls require you to block incoming attacks (e.g., 'X' on Xbox 360, 'Square' on PS3) and counter with punches (e.g., 'B' on Xbox 360, 'Circle' on PS3). Timing is key to successfully landing hits and avoiding damage.

Ranks & Desks

As you successfully solve cases and earn high ratings, Phelps will be promoted through various desks within the LAPD, each with its own set of challenges and partners.

• Patrol Desk: Your starting point, focusing on basic street-level incidents.
• Traffic Desk: Investigating hit-and-runs and vehicular crimes.
• Homicide Desk: Tackling gruesome murders and complex investigations.
• Vice Desk: Dealing with drug rings, prostitution, and organized crime.
• Arson Desk: Unraveling the mysteries behind suspicious fires.

Each desk introduces new case types and often more intricate puzzles. Strive for a 5-star rating on every case to maximize your experience and unlock all content.