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LA Noire officially delayed to first half of 2011
We all saw it coming from down Wilshire and up the PCH: L.A. Noire has been officially delayed until "the first half of calendar 2011." The announcement was made in Take-Two Interactive's Q3 earnings release. Noire now joins Max Payne 3 as another major delayed game warming the 2011 bench, while Red Dead Redemption, Mafia 2 and Civilization 5 bring in the bucks. L.A. Noire's delay became apparent after the title made it into some magazine pieces earlier this year with a pre-October release, and then failed to show up at any of the major video game conventions.
PSA: LA Noire still expected this year ... officially
At this moment, in this wibbly-wobbly dimension we know as time, LA Noire is still officially expected to launch sometime in the next two months. Given that we haven't seen the game beyond some magazine mentions earlier this year, the release can be considered in doubt -- or the game's stewards are preparing to pull off the greatest blindside launch in this industry's history. Checking in with Rockstar, a representative told us, "We have not updated anything since the last [Take-Two] investor's call." Amazon and GameStop currently list the game with a February 1, 2011 release date. Rockstar parent company Take-Two is scheduled to report its quarterly financial results next Thursday and will likely update its release schedule then with the anticipated LA Noire delay -- you know, barring that whole blindside possibility.
Amazon offers credit on Metroid: Other M, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, more
Amazon's list of bonus offers is a good resource for people who like to receive free money for basically no reason when they pre-order games. Metroid: Other M is among the latest to be bundled with Amazon credit as an incentive, to the tune of an extra $20. Other notable recent additions include L.A. Noire, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood and Disney Guilty Party (all three offering a $10 credit) Amazon is continually sneaking new offers in among the ones like Halo: Reach and Call of Duty: Black Ops that have been available for some time. Which kind of makes sense, since new games continue to be announced even during the pre-order period for other games.
L.A. Noire isn't your 'average adventure game'
We don't yet know precisely what to make of Rockstar's upcoming L.A. Noire (not that that's necessarily a bad thing), but after poring over a new Edge piece on the game, we think we may be getting a clearer picture. "With traditional adventure games, everything is based on what the designer wants you to figure out," Jeronimo Barrera, VP of product development at Rockstar, told the publication. "We've kind of gone for a different approach, which is more like real-world detective work." Developer Team Bondi isn't coming right out and putting it this way, but L.A. Noire sounds like a new genre, caught halfway between the open-world action of a Grand Theft Auto and the brainteaser pacing of a classic adventure game. Could we be witnessing the birth of the true "detective" game? Figure that one out.
Take-Two may delay major 2010 release; L.A. Noire, Mafia, Max Payne and Civ V named
Take-Two's financial results briefing today suggests that one of its upcoming titles could be subject to a delay. "L.A. Noire, Mafia II, Max Payne 3 and Sid Meier's Civilization V are all planned for release in the fourth fiscal quarter [August–October, 2010]," the announcement confirms, "however, the Company's fiscal year 2010 guidance reflects the potential movement of one of these titles into fiscal 2011 [beginning November 1, 2010]." If Take-Two is already adjusting its financial estimates based on one of these titles being delayed, it sounds like more than just potential. Folks have been waiting a long time for pretty much all of these games. Max Payne 3 was already moved from winter 2009 to "late 2010"; L.A. Noire has just been given a expected September date after an extraordinarily lengthy development time; and the very fact that Mafia II is said to release between August 1 and October 31 already represents a delay from its last known release window. That leaves Civilization V, which was just announced two weeks ago, and thus hasn't had time to be delayed yet. This could be its first, people!
L.A. Noire's mocap system claims to set new bar for 3D performances
"Traditional motion capture could never bring to life the subtle nuances of the chaotic criminal underworld of L.A. Noire in the same way as MotionScan," claims Team Bondi's Brendan McNamara, commenting on MotionScan. It's the new motion capture technology being employed first by his studio's moody crime game, L.A. Noire. In a press release yesterday, Depth Analysis announced the new tech and touted its many applications in the forthcoming Rockstar title. Allegedly, MotionScan uses "32 high-definition cameras to capture true-to-life three-dimensional performances at up to 30 frames per second," thus allowing for the supposedly "emotional performances" that McNamara says make L.A. Noire "a truly unique and revolutionary game." Aside from the claims of higher quality, the mocap system supposedly has lower operation costs due to a streamlined post-production processing time. With any luck, we'll finally see all this big talk in action -- and compare ir with other performance-capture scenes in games like Uncharted 2, Alan Wake and Heavy Rain -- this September when the game arrives on store shelves.
L.A. Noire screens are all pinstripes and pipes
"Somebody seems to be covering Bloodco's pipes in strawberry jam," thought Russel. The first batch of screens from Rockstar's long-awaited L.A. Noire have finally surfaced over at Game Informer, likely having enjoyed a lengthy three martini lunch in some dark, smokey bar in Uptown for the past ever. The screens depict things very appropriate to the period -- white wall tires and smart business suits; long shadows and plenty of pistols. As for other details, we won't know until the latest issue hits newsstands.
Keighley: L.A. Noire coming this September [update]
We always assumed that Geoff Keighley's ability to secrete world exclusives only applied video games, but his power/curse seems to extend even to magazines about video games. Keighley says he got an early look at Game Informer's recently teased piece on Rockstar's L.A. Noire and let slip via his Twitter feed that the game is apparently slated to arrive in September. According to legend, Keighley is often able to see pieces like this even before the electrical impulse makes its way from the "typing synapse" of the brain to the writer's fingers. That's our accurate, scientific way of saying we haven't seen the piece for ourselves yet, so we're going on Keighley's word at the moment. We know, we know, we dislike trusting a guy who misspells "Jeff" too. Update: A representative from Game Informer confirmed to us that the L.A. Noire issue of the magazine does list a September 2010 release window for the game. And now, we play the waiting game.
L.A. Noire no longer PS3 exclusive, also on Xbox 360, Game Informer says
At long last, the never-ending mystery of whether Rockstar's "gritty detective tale," L.A. Noire, will be a multiplatform release has ... well, ended. And in a pretty unspectacular way, to boot -- in the comments section of a Game Informer post teasing the magazine's in-depth print preview of L.A. Noire, editor Matthew Kato explained, "It's not a PS3-exclusive," later adding, "it was at one point, but it's coming out for the PS3 and 360." (We've contacted Rockstar to verify this apparent reveal.) Now, we won't know whether this news is worth getting excited about until Game Informer's preview hits newsstands. We're getting tentatively pumped, though -- but that's only because of our pure, unswerving love of fedoras. Seriously, we can't get enough of 'em.
L.A. Noire gets unconfidential in Game Informer debut
As promised, Rockstar's shadowy L.A. Noire has stepped out of the shadows and into the flashbulbs of a Game Informer cover. The magazine has a 10-page feature on the game, highlighting its facial animation and, oh yeah, the recreation of 1947 Los Angeles. Pick up a copy of the magazine for the details or we're sure you can get the information from the dark alleyways of the internet. As for the ongoing saga about what platforms the game is being developed for, neither Game Informer nor Rockstar will comment until the magazine is on shelves.
Rockstar: LA Noire getting cover story reveal next month
In the very same official Q&A where it finally responded to the complaints of the Rockstar Spouses, Rockstar brings up an old friend we haven't heard from in a while: L.A. Noire, the "innovative," possibly console-based, "Ellroy-esque" game that's been in development almost since its noir inspired Los Angeles setting was current. It says that we'll finally get a good look at the game and why it's supposed to be so great as soon as "next month" courtesy of "a big cover story." What magazine? That's still a hush hush, on-the-QT and off the record secret. But said cover story (Time? Popular Science? Dog Fancy?) will reportedly contain information about why both the look and "the amazing new technology" of the game are worth the wait. We would say not to hold your breath, but everyone still holding their breath for LA Noire turned blue and passed out about a year ago. Still, we're interested, so we'll keep eyes peeled on the magazine stands next month. [via G4TV]
LA Noire characters revealed by mocap casting call
Rockstar's LA Noire has been shrouded in so much mystery that its very existence has been called into question. A recent casting call for actors not only confirms the game's continued development, but also reveals the many (if not all) characters to be featured in the game. The call asks for "STRONG ACTORS, able to handle LOTS OF dialog" for a cast of supporting characters, comprised mostly of detectives, police officers and the occasional crook. The casting call is looking for a face similar to actors Gary Cooper or Gregory Peck (pictured above) for the protagonist -- Cole Phelps. Co-stars and supporting roles, such as jazz singer Elsa Lichtmann, will only be required to perform for 10 days or less. However, the actor chosen to play Cole Phelps will work for three months, from November to January, to record his performance for the game. It's evident from the large roster of characters and the use of Hollywood actors that LA Noire is intended to be quite the cinematic game. However, with only three months of mocap, it still pales in comparison to the upcoming Heavy Rain -- which demanded nine months of motion capture work. [Via Superannuation; Image Source]
Rockstar: L.A. Noire development going 'splendidly,' details 'very soon'
Long in development, never seen in any sort of playable form and without any confirmed platforms, Rockstar's L.A. Noire seems more like so much smoke from a private eye's ashtray with each passing month. But there was a glimmer of life in the project earlier this month when Take-Two president Ben Feder mentioned it during an investors' call, and now Rockstar has addressed the status of the game and when we might actually learn more about it. In a Q&A post on its website, Rockstar answered a fan-submitted question -- "Is there anything you can say about L.A. Noire, like when it's coming out?" -- saying, "While we have yet to announce a definitive release date, L.A. Noire is coming along quite splendidly." While Feder had "nothing to announce" back on September 1, Rockstar now promises, "We're going to have details to share with you all very soon." Hopefully they'll be more than "it's a game" and "it will come out ... someday." [Via GameSpot]
L.A. Noire still coming, 'innovative' says Take-Two boss
Team Bondi's long-in-development, film noire inspired L.A. Noire is still in development, despite a now years-long absence from the public eye. Last we heard, the developer was still staffing up for the Rockstar-published game; today, Take-Two CEO Ben Feder provided a little more hope that it'll eventually come out. During Take-Two's financials call earlier, Feder said that, although there was "nothing to announce," the company is "continuing to develop [the game]." As reported by G4, the CEO also said that the title is viewed internally as "pretty exciting and innovative," but that any new info will come "when we have more to share." How about sharing what makes it so exciting and innovative with us, for starters?
Ten L.A. Noire storyboards leaked online
It's been a good long time since we've heard anything about Team Bondi and Rockstar's detective sim L.A. Noire -- we'd relish in even the smallest amount of evidence that the project still exists. Said evidence recently came in the form of 10 storyboards from an animation outfit known as Tui Studios -- you can check them out via the company's website, under the subheader appropriately named "Storyboards." The images therein don't exactly give a conclusive inkling of the enigmatic title's plot -- but the stylish depiction of a bleak 1950s Los Angeles is enough to pique our interest. We've contacted Rockstar to see what the latest word on L.A. Noire is. Our ever-optimistic fingers are crossed for good news! [Image] [Via VG247]
Team Bondi still staffing up for L.A. Noire
When last we heard anything on the Team Bondi (The Getaway folks) and Rockstar (the, um, GTA folks) aptly-titled film noire adventure, L.A. Noire, the game was rumored to be at least a year away (and, possibly, no longer exclusive to PS3). That was last September. Now its developer is staffing up for what might be a push to the finish. Team Bondi's hiring page lists openings in multiple disciplines, including 3D modelers, game designers and a senior programming post. We're excited to see any sign of life coming from the project; we'll be even more excited if Rockstar makes a fall 2009 release announcement at E3. [Thanks, Joe P.!]
Rumor: Rockstar's L.A. Noire headed to the 360
Last week, the CEO of Tantalus and el presidente of the Game Developers' Association of Australia, Tom Crago made a few rumor waves in regards to Rockstar's long awaited, mysterious and PS3 exclusive L.A. Noire, saying that it'll also be making its way to the Xbox 360.While chatting with Crago at GC Asia 2008, IGN reports that Crago mentioned that L.A. Noire was currently in development on both the PS3 and 360. Something that'd be very surprising seeing that Rockstar has said all along that L.A. Noire will be a PS3 exclusive and was partially being funded by Sony. But maybe the game's costs caught up with them?And unless Rockstar directly addresses the game's rumored 360 release, we probably won't know the answer for quite the long time, because Crago suggested that L.A. Noire still has another year to cook in the development oven. Bum to that.
Rumor: L.A. Noire no longer PS3 exclusive, still a year away
The long-in-development L.A. Noire, a collaboration between Rockstar and ex-Getaway alumni at Australia's Team Bondi, may no longer be exclusive to PlayStation 3. The title – which has been shrouded in mystery befitting of its film noire trappings – was originally rumored to be bankrolled by Sony itself for release solely on its platform. Speaking at GC Asia '08, Game Developers' Association of Australia president Tom Crago said that, from what he surmises, development on the game has "another year or so to go." He also revealed that it "could be the biggest budget video game in development anywhere in the world," calling it a "massive, massive project." Crago also indicated that the game is in development for both PS3 and 360, which, if true, would rule it out as the PS3-exclusive Rockstar project Sony has been touting once and for all. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
LA Noire one of the most expensive games ever, may be coming to 360 too
It's been a while since we heard from LA Noire, Team Bondi's mysterious noir game which was announced ... and well, that's about all. Originally announced for the PS3, it appears the game's incredible production costs may have transitioned it to a multiplatform title. Tom Crago, CEO of Team Bondi called their upcoming game as one of "the biggest budget videogame in development anywhere in the world. It would certainly ... in terms of console titles, be in the top ten... LA Noire is a massive massive project." According to IGN, Crago supposedly mentioned the project was hitting both PS3 and Xbox 360. Could PS3 have lost yet another exclusive? We'll have to wait and see once Team Bondi makes an official statement. [Thanks, frankym!]
Rumor: Sony no longer funding L.A. Noire
The Rockstar-published L.A. Noire has been off our radars for a while, and possibly for good reason. Though the title was originally being developed by Team Bondi exclusively for PS3 -- and with full funding from Sony Computer Entertainment America -- rumor diva Surfer Girl believes that Sony may be no longer funding the film noir-esque title. According to Surfer Girl, the potential decision to cease all funding may have come from Team Bondi's inability to meet deadlines. If the funding has in fact been stopped, there would be nothing stopping a release of the title on Xbox 360 as well -- if the title ever actually gets released. SCEA was the only source of funding for the game's development, meaning rough times could be ahead for the team if this rumor is true. Surfer Girl also supplies a few more (possible) details about the title. The soundtrack is comprised largely of jazz music, and is comparable to GTA in terms of quantity. The developer hopes to fill the 1940s Los Angeles with a variety of NPCs, each entirely unique and featuring unique personalities and knowledge. The game's core mechanic comes from detective work, of which reactions are reportedly mixed. It all sounds very interesting, to be sure. We wonder if it'll ever see the light of day.
