The first game was a unique, open-world noir detective story, but will L.A. Noire 2 ever happen? L.A. Noire cast players as Cole Phelps, a former marine turned dedicated LAPD detective, and in addition to letting Phelps drive around a large sandbox city and activate side quests, the central gameplay mechanic involved interrogations and examining evidence.
L.A. Noire is still one of Rockstar’s most original titles and was acclaimed upon release for the quality of the story and the performances. The game also pioneered a new technology that scanned actors’ faces, allowing for a greater range of expression. The game wasn’t flawless, however, with the faithfully recreated Los Angeles feeling a little empty and combat was clunky, which was also a complaint leveled at Grand Theft Auto 4 around the same time.
L.A. Noire is a still an engrossing game, but do Rockstar have any plans to revisit the property?
L.A. Noire 2 Was Teased Shortly After The Release Of The Original
L.A. Noire took seven years for Team Bondi to develop, which accounts for the game’s ambition. While the game was critically acclaimed upon release and sold very well, it was also an expensive title to develop. Nonetheless, Rockstar and parent company Take-Two sounded confident L.A. Noire was going to be the start of a brand new franchise.
Comments in 2012 and 2013 suggested L.A. Noire 2 was very much a possibility, but no concrete details were given. Rockstar is known to take their time developing sequels, such as the eight-year gap between Red Dead Redemption and its ambitious 2018 sequel. While its possible L.A. Noire is being developed quietly, little has been heard about the project in some time.
Team Bondi Disbanded In 2011
Despite the success of L.A. Noire, Team Bondi folded shortly after the game’s release, amid complaints of unethical treatment of staff during the game’s development. Creative director Brendan McNamara and other former Team Bondi members moved onto the development of a spiritual successor called Whore Of The Orient, which was set in Shanghai in 1936. While early footage looked promising, the game’s cancellation was later confirmed in 2016.
Will There Ever Be An L.A. Noire 2?
The demise of Team Bondi doesn’t necessarily spell doom for L.A. Noire 2, but the lack of movement on a follow-up suggests Rockstar don’t consider it a priority either. While the original game is well regarded, with the game’s 2017 Switch port reminding everyone just how unique it was, there has been little sign of a sequel.
Fans would also love to see Rockstar develop follow-ups to Max Payne 3 and Bully, but with Grand Theft Auto 6 rumored to be their next game, it could a long time before they revisit properties like L.A. Noire 2.
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