Uncovering the Best L.A. Noire Alternatives for Detective Game Enthusiasts

L.A. Noire captivated players with its unique blend of neo-noir crime investigation, challenging them to solve cases as an LAPD officer in 1947 Los Angeles. From meticulous crime scene analysis to intense interrogations powered by groundbreaking facial animation technology, the game delivered a distinctive experience. However, if you've exhausted all its mysteries or are simply looking for a new take on open-world crime, detective work, or narrative-driven gameplay, it's time to explore some compelling L.A. Noire alternative options that offer similar thrills and unique twists.

Top L.A. Noire Alternatives

Whether you're after more open-world freedom, gritty crime narratives, or challenging investigation mechanics, these games offer fantastic experiences for fans of L.A. Noire.

Grand Theft Auto

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a monumental series known for its expansive open worlds and action-packed gameplay. While L.A. Noire focuses on the law, GTA puts you on the other side, offering a vast city to explore, missions involving crime, and a deep, often satirical, narrative. Available on Commercial, Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Java Mobile, Android Tablet, iPad, Steam, Rockstar Games Launcher, Playstation, and Xbox, its Open World, Shooting, Single player, and Third person perspective features make it a great L.A. Noire alternative for those who enjoy urban environments and dynamic action.

Mafia

The Mafia series immerses players in a world of organized crime, echoing the historical period drama elements found in L.A. Noire. Set in various past eras, these games offer strong narratives, often focusing on character development within the criminal underworld. With Commercial availability on Mac, Windows, Steam, Playstation, and Xbox, and features like Gaming, Shooting, Single player, and Third person perspective, Mafia provides a compelling, story-driven experience that will appeal to fans of L.A. Noire's atmospheric setting and mature themes.

Saints Row

Saints Row delivers an open-world action-adventure experience with a distinctive, often humorous, tone that sets it apart from L.A. Noire's serious narrative. While not focused on detective work, its open-world freedom and gang-based stories provide a similar backdrop of urban crime. Available commercially on Windows, Linux, Steam, Playstation, and Xbox, its Open World and Third person perspective features make it an exciting L.A. Noire alternative for those seeking less gravitas and more chaotic fun.

Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs puts players in the shoes of an undercover police officer, a premise that shares common ground with L.A. Noire's investigative focus, albeit in a contemporary Hong Kong setting. The game combines martial arts combat, shooting, and a compelling narrative about infiltration and loyalty. Commercially available on Windows, Sleeping Dogs offers Gaming, Open World, and Single player features, making it a strong L.A. Noire alternative for players who enjoy immersive crime dramas and police procedural elements within an open world.

Tokyo 42

Tokyo 42 offers a unique isometric, open-world shooter experience set in a stylish, futuristic Tokyo. While its visual style and gameplay differ significantly from L.A. Noire's realism, it provides an open world for exploration and combat with a distinct visual flair. Available commercially on Windows, Steam, and Xbox, its Gaming, Multiplayer, Open World, Shooting, and Single player features offer a fresh perspective for players looking for an L.A. Noire alternative that prioritizes style and open-ended gameplay.

Watch Dogs

Watch Dogs brings the concept of investigation and manipulation into the modern age, focusing on a hacker who uses the city itself as a weapon. While L.A. Noire is about traditional detective work, Watch Dogs provides a high-tech twist on uncovering conspiracies and solving crimes. Commercially available on Windows, PlayStation Network, and Uplay, its Open World and Third person perspective features make it an intriguing L.A. Noire alternative for those interested in contemporary crime narratives and unique gameplay mechanics.

Gangstar

Gangstar is an open-world action/adventure series available primarily on mobile platforms. Similar to GTA and by extension, a distant L.A. Noire alternative, it focuses on the life of a gangster exploring cities for power and money. Available on Freemium, Mac, Android, iPhone, Java Mobile, HP webOS, Blackberry, Android Tablet, iPad, and Kindle Fire, its Open World and Stealth features make it a convenient option for players seeking a crime-filled open-world experience on the go.

Red Dead Redemption

Developed by the creators of Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption offers an epic open-world experience set in the American frontier. While not a detective game, its rich narrative, detailed historical setting, and focus on justice and lawlessness resonate with the themes in L.A. Noire. Available commercially on Windows, Epic Games Store, Steam, Rockstar Games Launcher, Playstation, and Xbox, it's a fantastic L.A. Noire alternative for players who appreciate deep storytelling and immersive world-building.

APB Reloaded

APB Reloaded is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online (MMO) game where players can choose to be a Criminal causing havoc or an Enforcer maintaining order. This direct conflict between law and crime, though in a multiplayer context, provides an interesting dynamic for fans of L.A. Noire's police procedural elements. Available Freemium on Windows, its Free to play, Mmo, Multiplayer, and Shooting features make it a unique L.A. Noire alternative for those looking for online action in a crime-ridden city.

Grand Stickman Auto V

Grand Stickman Auto V offers a simplified, action-oriented experience for mobile gamers, clearly inspired by the GTA series. While it lacks the intricate narrative and detailed investigations of L.A. Noire, it provides a lighthearted take on open-world action. Available Freemium on Android and Android Tablet, it's a casual L.A. Noire alternative for those seeking quick, accessible fun on mobile devices.

From expansive open-world crime sagas to unique takes on detective work, there's a compelling L.A. Noire alternative out there for every gamer. Consider what aspects of L.A. Noire you enjoyed most – the historical setting, the detective work, the open-world freedom, or the narrative depth – and explore the options above to find your next great gaming experience.