10 Reasons L.A. Noire Is Rockstar's Most Underrated Game

10. The World Is Unlike Anything Else

LA Noire Los Angeles
Rockstar Games

Although at first glance LA Noire's version of 1940's Los Angeles looks pretty much identical to sandboxes like Liberty City or San Andreas, it's completely different to anything else in the developer's back catalogue.

Because from the handling of the cars to The Big Sleep playing on cinemas, everything about the city attempts to transport you back to a specific period in time, perfectly reflecting a depiction of the USA that's been captured over and over again on the big screen in classic Hollywood movies.

More than just a visual treat, the story leans heavily on the depiction of LA itself, with Cole Phelps uncovering the corruption at the heart of the city and the government officials who are planning on using its layout for profit and greed.

The setting is a hugely important part of any noir tale, and the way LA Noire makes it feel like a real, authentic place anchors the plot in a way that similar games can't hold a candle to.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.