Any title published through Rockstar Games is expected to be hotly anticipated; however, the more mature focus of L.A. Noire's subtle detective work (as opposed to thug-for-hire pandemonium) has garnered a tremendous amount of pre-release buzz - especially for a brand new IP. Like titles such as Heavy Rain or BioShock before it, L.A. Noire is poised to offer a literary-like story with a living, breathing, 1940s Los Angeles - and plenty of "real" characters to get to know.

That said, there's still plenty of the shady dealings and gun-fights that longtime Rockstar fans have come to expect - as evidenced by the L.A. Noire launch trailer.

Back in March, at PAX East 2011, we got a chance to preview one of the L.A. Noire cases - following Cole Phelps as he investigates the "Red Lipstick Murder." Given the heavy focus on careful investigation of crime scenes as well as looking for subtle micro-expressions while interviewing L.A. denizens, we asserted that the title could be Rockstar's most mature game to date.

To succeed in L.A. Noire, players will need much more than quick gunplay reflexes - they'll need to think sharp and keep an open eye for details.

Check out the L.A. Noire launch trailer below:

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The trailer is very Grand Theft Auto-esque and L.A. Noire sales will certainly benefit from the comparison - however, the actual game is much more subtle; though, admittedly showcasing the interrogation mechanic or crime scene investigation gameplay wouldn't make for a particularly exciting trailer.

Obviously there's much more to L.A. Noire than just an engaging story and detective work, the title is massive - spanning three discs (on the Xbox 360) and will include numerous social networking/online features.

Follow me on Twitter @benkendrick and let us know what you're hoping to see in 1940s Los Angeles.

L.A. Noire will be released in one week, May 17, 2011 - for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Source: Rockstar Games