Previews// LA Noire: The PC Version

It does seem that the humble PC is largely forgotten about these days when it comes to multi-platform games. And although the PC version of LA Noire is arriving six months after the initial console release, you can at least count on Rockstar Leeds to ensure that keyboard tappers will be getting the most definitive iteration.

Of course, if you’ve already played LA Noire, there’s nothing really to tell. The story and the core gameplay haven’t changed an iota - you assume the role of Cole Phelps, an ex-soldier turned detective in 1940s Los Angeles. Cole’s history unravels as you crack cases by investigating crime scenes, question suspects and chasing leads around town.

What this PC version does offer is enhanced graphical detail. The landscapes and character models have been touched up nicely, and are worlds apart from the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 releases. Draw distances have been improved, and the PC game runs at a much smoother framerate than its console cousins.

As well as the main storyline, Rockstar has been kind enough to chuck in a collection of additional cases - previously released as downloadable content for console owners - that serve as an interesting sidestep from Cole’s rise and fall from the LAPD ranks. The case that was demonstrated on the PC was the final DLC package for consoles - the Nicholson Electroplating Arson crime, which is loosely based on a real event that took place in the 1940s.

For those who haven’t played this particular scenario, it tasks Cole with the investigation of the local electroplating company after a nuclear-style explosion is witnessed from several blocks away. Many victims have been cooked and the whole thing was initially primed to be an unfortunate accident. Except, accidents that large don’t normally happen, really. Cole’s job is to follow the clues that lead to any potential culprit behind the explosion, and whether there was any motive behind it.

Alongside the improvements to the game’s graphics, this version of LA Noire also comes with full stereoscopic 3D support. Handy if you have NVIDIA 3D Vision installed on your rig. I will never get used to wearing glasses that big, but the subtle pop-outs that the game offers really adds to the immersion.

Add the fact that, like most PC games, you’re sitting upright and close to the monitor, and this could be even more engaging than the console versions. Watching that mushroom cloud was particularly nice to see... from a critical perspective and not at all from the viewpoint of a mental sadist who likes to see shit get blown up.

There’s keyboard support for the controls, using the traditional WASD keys for direction and the mouse for camera positioning. Using additional keys for weapon change, interaction and running was ever so slightly awkward on the standard setting. Luckily you can reconfigure these keys so you’re not contorting your fingers every which way (or just use a wired Xbox 360 gamepad).

Everything else about the game can be found in our review and multiple previews, but gameplay wise it’s still the same experience that you can find on your home console six months ago.

With all of the fine-tuning and computer tweaks, this could well be the version to invest in if you’ve not yet taken a dip into Team Bondi’s thriller. PC gamers will be happy with the efforts Rockstar Leeds have put in, at the very least.