LA Noire confirmed for May 20

Crime thriller LA Noire from Rockstar Games and Team Bondi will be released across Europe on May 20 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Set in post-World War II Los Angeles, LA Noire promises to seamlessly blend crime-solving, clue-finding, car chases and shoot-outs with new interrogation-based gameplay that will allow players to “read characters’ emotions” in order to reveal the truth.

Players take on the role of Cole Phelps, a decorated war veteran, who rises through the ranks of the LAPD by solving a series of gruesome murders and other crimes.

“LA Noire breaks new ground for us,” said Sam Houser, founder of Rockstar Games. “Its intense blend of action and real detective work defies genre conventions to create a unique and captivating thriller.”

Look out for a new – or not so new – trailer, today at 5pm.

The May 20 release date means LA Noire will hit stores almost exactly a year after Red Dead Redemption, which has gone on to ship over eight million copies worldwide. We’d be amazed if LA Noire can match the success of the Wild West action title, but we still expect Rockstar’s marketing machine to ensure multi-million status is achieved.