Fans of gritty, nostalgic gumshoe action were thrilled this past week when Rockstar games announced the upcoming re-release of L.A. Noire across three new platforms, but their announcement does leave one mystery unsolved. You may remember when the original game came out, some things were said about a sequel. That it would take less time to develop than the five years the original had taken, because now all the right technology existed.
Well, that was in 2011, and this is more than five years later. So is the announcement of the new release good news in and of itself, or a stalling tactic? There are arguments on both sides, and it does need to be noted that when Rockstar do unveil a new game, it tends to be worth waiting for. It’s worth evaluating, then, what people who pick up the game for Switch, PS4 and XBox One will be getting for their money.
More Content, More Features, More Noire?
Anyone who picks up the game for the above consoles will be pleased to find that it includes everything the original game had, plus all DLC released since then. If you’re playing on Switch, it now comes with HD rumble and touch-screen controls that give the game more immediacy.
On the other platforms, there are added features that should add a lot even for people who’ve played the game to death on older platforms. PS4 Pro and XBox One gamers will be glad they invested in the best monitor for console gaming when they see the more textured graphics, cinematic camera angles and 4K definition. All that’s missing is Jimmy Cagney grimacing menacingly at you from the shadows.
Does This Mean A Sequel Is Any Closer?
Of course, for all the downloadable content that games like Noire and the GTA series have offered, there is always going to be a sense of frustration at the seeming news blackout when it comes to new titles. The first most of us knew about GTA V was when Rockstar started releasing teasers and trailers.
As far as L.A. Noire goes, all we know is that the franchise is important to the company, and Rockstar doesn’t rush sequels. So, presumably, there is one in the pipeline. We just don’t have any real information on storyline, features or a release date. The release of the game on these consoles – and a VR version for HTC Vive gamers – may be a sign of developers clearing the boards and throwing some red meat so they can work in earnest on the new game. Here’s hoping, anyway.
If you’re a betting person, then it would be wise not to put any money on L.A. Noire 2 emerging before the final season of Game of Thrones – but then, that could mean 2018 or 2019 so that doesn’t necessarily mean much. When it comes right down to it, we’ll have plenty to keep us occupied between now and the eventual release date of a sequel; and these re-releases are a step in that direction.
