Exploring the Dark Alleys: Top 5 Alternatives to 'L.A. Noire'

The atmospheric noir style and detective-based puzzle-solving gameplay of L.A. Noire captivatingly blends storytelling, character development, and investigation. However, for those who have finished this Rockstar gem and are in search of similar, immersive detective experiences, there are numerous options available. Here, we delve into the top five alternatives that offer the most comprehensive and intriguing detective storylines, captivating characters, and atmospheric settings similar to L.A. Noire.

1. Heavy Rain

Quantic Dream’s 'Heavy Rain' is a deeply emotional and darkly atmospheric narrative-driven game that puts players in the shoes of four different characters, each with a personal stake in the game's central mystery. Parallel to L.A. Noire, it features a meticulously detailed world and a narrative filled with suspense and unexpected turns.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Heavy Rain introduces an innovative control scheme where contextual prompts are assigned to different characters. Players must carry out various tasks, ranging from mundane daily activities to high-intensity chase sequences and combat. Every decision you make and every clue you miss shapes the narrative, leading to multiple possible endings. The story revolves around the Origami Killer, a serial killer who drowns his victims after four days of captivity, always leaving an origami animal and an orchid on the victims. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of four characters: Ethan Mars, a father searching for his kidnapped son; Scott Shelby, a private investigator tracking the killer; Norman Jayden, an FBI profiler; and Madison Paige, a journalist who becomes involved with Ethan. The game is set in a gritty, rainy city, giving off a dismal, noir-like atmosphere. The characters, especially the protagonists, exhibit depth and flaws, making this game an engaging and emotion-fueled experience.

2. The Wolf Among Us

'The Wolf Among Us' by Telltale Games is a heavily narrative-driven game based on the Fables comic book series. It shares L.A. Noire's commitment to character development, engaging storytelling, and dark, mysterious settings.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Much of the gameplay of 'The Wolf Among Us' consists of players making choices during conversations, which shape the narrative's future direction. The game also features Quick Time Events where players encounter action sequences requiring timely button presses. As Bigby Wolf, the sheriff of Fabletown, the story involves atrocious murders and a mysterious conspiracy among the residents who are actually characters from fairytales magically transplanted into the 'mundane' world. Set in 1986 Manhattan, the game features a stylised interpretation of New York City, casting a unique, colorful, and yet gritty setting that goes hand-in-hand with the dark, mature noir themes of chaos, conspiracy, and the struggle for power.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

'Red Dead Redemption 2' by Rockstar Games is a renowned open-world adventure that, while quite different from L.A. Noire in setting, offers similar levels of narrative depth, character development, and world-building.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Players in 'Red Dead Redemption 2' assume the role of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang and an outlaw. The game combines exploration, shoot-outs, horseback riding, hunting, and interacting with non-player characters in story-based missions, creating an engaging mix of gameplay mechanics. The narrative takes place in 1899 in a fictional recreation of the American frontier. With the era of the wild west coming to an end, Arthur and his gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive while dealing with the government forces, rival gangs, and other adversaries.

4. Max Payne

Developed by Remedy Entertainment, 'Max Payne' is an action-packed, narrative-heavy game presenting a detective story enveloped in a layer of tragedy and noir style, akin to L.A. Noire.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

'Max Payne' delivers cinematic action via its gameplay, introducing mechanics like 'Bullet Time,' where players can slow down time to avoid incoming attacks and carry out action sequences. Players control a former police officer turned vigilante, Max Payne, who seeks revenge for the murder of his wife and daughter. The crime-centric storyline, interspersed with Payne's internal monologues, mirrors classic noir narratives. Taking place in the bleak winter of New York City, the game creates a dark, hostile world, where the line between good and evil often blurs, effectively reflecting the themes of the narrative.

5. Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter

From Frogwares, 'Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter', is a detective thriller credits for injecting new life into the genre. With its intense focus on clue gathering and case-solving, it follows a similar path as L.A. Noire.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Here, players assume control over the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes as they navigate the grimy streets of Victorian-era London, collecting evidence, interrogating suspects, and solving intricate puzzles to crack various cases. The game follows multiple mini-storylines tied together in the end while drawing the picture of Holmes's personal journey. Each case reveals a new dimension of Holmes’s character and his complex relationship with his adopted daughter, Kate. With its detailed depictions of 19th-century London's architecture and denizens, this game sets a vibrant, historically accurate backdrop for its profound and psychologically complex narrative.

Bottom Line

While 'L.A. Noire' offers a distinct representation of the detective genre in videogames, there are several other games that successfully deliver similar experiences while exploring unique themes and settings. From the emotionally charged suspense of 'Heavy Rain', the mature fairy-tale drama of 'The Wolf Among Us', the gritty western saga of 'Red Dead Redemption 2', the action-centered narrative of 'Max Payne', to the intricate puzzles of 'Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter', each of these games serves as a worthy successor to L.A. Noire's throne. These varied alternatives provide not only engaging gameplay but also intense, morally complex narratives and meticulously-detailed, atmospheric worlds that immerse players in memorable experiences. Whether you're a noir enthusiast, a narrative-hungry gamer, or simply a fan of 'L.A. Noire', these games will captivate you with their distinctive charms and comprehensive, in-depth storytelling.