WhileGTA 6is easily one of the most anticipated games of all time, the Rockstar gameL.A. Noirewould benefit immensely from a comeback, be it in the form of a sequel or a remake.The developer has finally provided more details aboutGTA 6, including gameplay trailers, story details, and even a release date. Even though the game was originally anticipated for this year, Rockstar announced that therelease date forGTA 6has been postponed, and that the game will now arrive on August 04, 2025. This will allow the company to tweak the game for release.
The title will follow Jason and Lucia’s adventures in Vice City, though they will be supported by a wide roster of characters, such as Brian Heder, Cal Hampton, Boobie Ike, Dre’quan Priest, and Raul Batista.The game should start with Lucia’s release from prison, as she and Jason try to improve their living conditions– most likely through illicit means. Being a sequel to the extremely popularGTA 5and a return to Vice City, theexpectations forGTA 6’s success are huge. Rockstar has always been secretive about its games, so not many details have been shared so far.
Rockstar’s L.A. Noire Needs To Make A Comeback
Even thoughGTA 6is mustering up attention and curiosity, and will likely continue to do so up until its launch in 2026 and beyond, I can’t help but imagine that another of Rockstar’s franchises needs a comeback. While there are several pleas for anew installment in theBullyseries,I’m more keen on the return of theL.A. Noirefranchise. The 2011 action-adventure game is a superb game that has an open-world map but deviates from Rockstar’s traditional open-world experience seen in titles from theGrand Theft AutoorRed Dead Redemptionseries, for example.
The game, which is set in 1947 Los Angeles, follows Cole Phelps as he investigates a variety of crimes. Aside from investigating crime scenes, per se, Cole also interrogates suspects. This is, in fact, one of the main gameplay mechanics in the game. When interrogating suspects,Cole has to pay attention to their body language and facial expressions to detect whether or not they are lying when answering questions or expressing any abnormal reactions to the interrogation. This mechanic, which helps players pick theright answers inL.A. Noire, was made possible by the use of motion capture technology.
Current-Gen Tech Would Make A New L.A. Noire Game Much Better
Motion Capture Technology For Games Has Evolved Drastically Since 2011
While the mechanic is somewhat innovative and put to good use in the game, it has aged somewhat poorly over the years.At the time, there was already an undeniable uncanny valley feeling associated with the facial expressions of suspects, but that has only grown worse over the years. This is mainly because of how much digitalized facial expressions and general motion capture in games have evolved since then. More than ever, the game presents a growing uncanny valley feeling, which even led to the creation of ameme inspired byL.A. Noire.
The “X To Doubt” meme arose from one of the interrogation options made available in the game, in which Cole Phelps expresses skepticism toward the suspect’s statements, though it is a lighthearted criticism of his own facial expressions when doing so.
Because motion capture technology has improved so much since 2011, this would be a perfect time for Rockstar to revisit the franchise, either through a complete remake or a sequel to the title. With current-gen technology, the interrogation mechanics and general acting in anewL.A. Noiregamecould significantly improve the gameplay experience,leading players to actually have doubts about the suspects’ statements and make them revisit investigated evidence to think things through more carefully.
There are several reasons whyL.A. Noireis a great game, and despite how poorly the investigation mechanic has aged, going so far as to become memes, the truth is that the essence of the mechanic is extremely creative and fun. If it were to be replicated nowadays with the return of the franchise, I’m sure Rockstar would benefit immensely from it – even ifL.A. Noirenever really reaches the success ofGTA 6.
