L.A. Noire to me seems underrated today. I can see the letdown for the people who got this game closer to when it originally was released because of all the hype it received and especially since it was a Rockstar game. At first glance this game seems like an action/third-person shooter game. However, most of the game is actually an adventure/puzzle game with parts that turn into cover-based third person shooters(mainly side quests like street crime cases or the end to a case).



If you can get over the fact that the game is more of a puzzle game, and it does require a lot of thinking and good deductive reasoning during interrogations/interviews, you'll have a great experience.



Story:

- Set in the late 1940s to early 1950s, the first half of the game focuses on a fictional depiction of "The Black Dahlia" murder, which is put together perfectly and executed nicely in the game. The second half focuses on the main character's post-war problems. I'd say the first half is a lot better than the second half of the game. Nevertheless, this game has mastered a unique way of storytelling, which makes the game ten times better.



Pros:

- Characters are memorable and unique.

- Side quests are actually pretty fun and offer a relaxing break and change of pace from the main story.

- Storytelling at its best.

- Actually challenging puzzles (mainly interrogations/interviews as one wrong answer can greatly effect the case's outcome).

- Immersive atmosphere (it really feels like driving around a 1950s L.A.)

- The action bits are extremely fun.

- Fast travel

- Graphics are basically the same as any other Rockstar game (Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, etc). Shouldn't really effect anything since it is a game and not a movie.



Cons:

- Driving is really annoying (I guess it's realistic though).

- You can skip some cutscenes and you can't skip others.

- Interviews/Interrogations take forever if you try to do it right (without cheating).

- Collectibles



Other:

- I got 1060G on one playthrough with all DLC cases (four extra).

- If you're on the border about which DLC cases to get, if you get any and not the Rockstar Pass(gives all four cases), get the electroplating case (they should have put it in the regular game).



Buy this game if:

- You want to experience a well thought out story

- Have moderate patience

- Enjoy puzzles

- You want to be a cop



Don't buy this game if:

- You want fast-paced, or even medium-paced, action (it's a pretty slow game)

- it's more than $20