L.A. Noire: The VR case files, was originally released in 2017. Two years later, PS4 owners can finally enjoy the VR rendition of some of the finest cases from the original game. Remakes like this where the game needs to be adapted to the VR are mostly hit or miss. L.A. Noire: The VR case files, hits on many occasions but sadly also misses on a few ones.
Full immersion mode engaged
L.A. Noire was originally released in 2011 and was generally well-received by the critics. The game felt like a breath of fresh air because it felt zo differently from other games at the time. Fully focusing on the story while being in control of the narrative was something new at the time. The game felt like playing in an interactive movie instead of a game. The immersion factor was already an integral part of the original game’s experience. L.A. Noire: The VR case files, tries to augment that immersion factor even more with great success in my opinion.
Become Cole Phelps
In L.A. Noire you played as Cole Phelps and followed his rise (and downfall) in the LAPD in the corrupt filled era around 1947. In L.A. Noire: The VR case files you actually become Cole Phelps. The difference might sound subtle on paper but when you put on the VR, you truly become the center of the story. Walking around the different scenes, searching for clues, interrogating witnesses and suspects, feels great. Since L.A. Noire isn’t based on fast action-based gameplay, you can really take your time exploring your surroundings, making sure you don’t miss that vital clue to get that much-needed confession.
As much comfort as possible
This remake of L.A. Noire pulled all the stops to make your experience as smooth as possible. VR games have a tendency to make the users feel uncomfortable and to some extent even feel sick. Using VR frequently helps to get used to it but a well-designed game also does wonders. L.A. Noire: The VR case files, pulled out all the stops. All the known ways to maneuver a character in the VR world are present so you can choose the one which you feel most comfortable with. Making the screen go black between transitions is another thing present which helps to not make the user feel motion sickness. At no point during the game, I felt the need to take a breather which helps tremendously for the enjoyment you get from such a game.
Driving and shooting around L.A.
In L.A. Noire: The VR case files, you’re mostly searching for clues and talking to people but occasionally the game does throw some more action in the mix. Some suspects will want to fight you once you unravel their lies. These brawls felt great because of the freedom of motion you have with the two move controllers. On other occasions, you get into a gunfight. Taking cover and shooting the bad guys feels like any other gun-based VR experience but the fact you need to “physically” reload your gun and pump your shotgun made all the difference. These small details make the immersion feel so much better.
Getting from one scene to another is done by driving a police car. Driving anything in VR games is often a sketchy ordeal because motion sickness tends to kick in really quick during these parts. At first, I discovered going full throttle was not the best of ideas. Once I learned to control the car better, I could finally get around without feeling dizzy. After a while, I discovered the developers added a “warp” lever in the car which took you straight to the active destination. Ideal for those who don’t really like the driving part in VR. Although some missions required you to chase somebody in your car, most of the driving can be skipped.
Fully immersed and then the game ends
L.A. Noire: The VR case files, starts out with some tutorial-introducing missions. These were definitely necessary but sadly postponed the feeling of immersion a bit too long in hindsight. The thing is, L.A. Noire: The VR case files isn’t just the full original game in VR. It’s just 8 cases long of which the first half are almost all tutorials. Once the training wheels are off, you are left with just 4 cases to fully feel immersed in. These latter cases are of the lengthy kind which is good but I felt the game would’ve benefitted from more content. Once I really got into the game, it was already done.
Conclusion
The game isn’t listed for the full premium price which makes the short length less of a big deal. I personally find it a shame since the material was already there to make this a much more epic experience than it is now. This feels more like a small dosis of what could’ve and maybe should’ve been. Fun while it lasted but still a bit too short in my opinion.
