Though we were fairly certain that L.A. Noire, Rockstar Games and Team Bondi’s foray into 1940s crime, was going to be a hit, we are still unsure just how well received the game will be. Turns out, if the first review for the game is to be believed, L.A. Noire might actually be very close to a perfect game.

Giving the game the very coveted score of 5 out of 5, UK news outlet The Guardian says that the game takes many of the elements gamers expect from Rockstar — car chases, shootouts, and interesting characters — and envelops them in a presentation that feels much more like a TV series than a movie.

For The Guardian, the real achievement is the way in which the MotionScan technology keeps the player immersed from beginning to end. Where games typically break that suspension of disbelief with “unrealistic animation, clunky dialogue, poor virtual camerawork, or facial characterization,” L.A. Noire expertly utilizes all of those storyline essentials.

Unfortunately, for those interested in reading The Guardian’s complete review, it has since been taken down as a result of the news outlet breaking embargo. Though we anticipate that many reviews (including Game Rant’s) will begin to hit in the coming days, we don’t expect all of them to be as glowing as The Guardian’s. Still, there is some high hopes for this game.

As one of Game Rant’s most anticipated games of 2011, L.A. Noire has a lot of hopeful gamers looking to it to usher in the next phase of gaming. With its unique blend of detective-based gameplay and traditional sandbox elements, L.A. Noire certainly is nothing short of ambitious.

The game itself releases in just four days with pre-order bonuses being offered from various retailers. Gamers who purchase the PS3 version will net themselves additional content while Xbox 360 gamers will have the minor inconvenience of multiple discs to deal with. There is still enough time to get in on any of the offers, including a recently revealed $15 credit for purchasing at Amazon.

We believe the game will definitely be worth a look, and is sure to be on gamers’ minds after The Guardian’s and other reviews are officially released.

Do you think L.A. Noire has a chance of being 2011's game of the year? Will it be a 5 out of 5 in your book?

L.A. Noire releases May 17, 2011 for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Source: VG247