It may have taken a little time to get off the ground, but L.A. Noire is finally starting to gain some buzz behind it and rightly so. Initial screens for the game accurately capture the look and feel of the 40s, from the fedora-wearing cops to the seedy back alleys. The world of L.A. Noire might not be the ideal place to live in, but it is looking more and more appealing.

A set of newly released screens fall right in line with what gamers have previously been shown — a venerable feast of crime amidst the glitz of Hollywood’s golden age. This time around players are given a closer look at protagonist Cole Phelps as he works various cases in an attempt to work his way up the ranks in the LAPD.  One thing gamers should take notice of is the game’s attention to detail especially in character’s faces — something made possible by a new motion scan technology.

While these screens are a mere taste of what is to come from L.A. Noire, expect a sizable tease when Rockstar releases a behind the scenes look at their new motion scan technology. Better seen in the first trailer for the game, this technology is capable of accurately depicting character expressions to the point that reading said expressions becomes a part of the game’s interrogation sequences.

One thing that gamers have yet to be shown is just how expansive the world of L.A. Noire is. Coming from developer Team Bondi, who previously recreated London in staggering detail, the expectation here is one that is both faithful and complete. Don't expect to be anything less than overwhelmed when driving down the iconic streets of Hollywood.

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For a game that spent the early part of its development schedule in relative obscurity, it’s refreshing to see some tangible evidence of L.A. Noire's existence. For a while after the game was announced many began touting this as the pipe dream that would never come true. Given Rockstar’s proclivity for giving titles longer than normal development cycles, ones that usually involve a very secretive approach, seeing L.A. Noire in action caught many a gamer off guard.

L.A. Noire has definitely come a long way since its initial announcement and should be on everyone’s most anticipated list. Keep on the look out for the behind the scenes look at the motion scan technology, but until then there’s nothing to see here folks. Move along.

What do you think of these new screens for L.A. Noire? Is this game shaping up to be one of your highly anticipated titles of next year or is there something you don't like from the first couple pieces of marketing?

L.A. Noire is set for a release in the first half of 2011 for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Source: Rockstar