Video: LA Noire gameplay trailer for Xbox 360, PS3 looks at LAPD Detective Cole Phelps, partners

Written by Scott Douglas on April 23, 2011

News: Ahead of LA Noire's May 17 release date, the latest gameplay footage details your rise through the ranks of the LAPD.

It's hard to believe that the LA Noire release date is almost here and we're watching one of the final pre-release trailers for this May 17-bound game. The latest packaged video, dubbed "Rising Through the Ranks," gives us some narrated insight into protagonist Detective Cole Phelps and his various promotions as a member of the LAPD.

This minute and a half video explains the game's ranking system and use of Intuition Points that help solve crimes. In typical Rockstar fashion, story-advancing cases are surrounded by "Unassigned Cases," which of course sidetrack you from the main mysteries at hand. Whether you're in the west at the turn of the century or in the City of Angels in the 1940s, you're always going to be helping out strangers in need if Rockstar Games is on the label.

This trailer also give you the 411 of your various partners at the LAPD. Clue cronies and brawl buddies include fellow rookie officer Ralph Dunn, traffic detective Stefan Bekowsky, homicide detective Rusty Galloway, vice cop Roy Earle and, finally, veteran arson detective Herschel Biggs.

Each of Cole's partners have their distinct characteristics and we can't wait to see which is this year's standout supporting character. Red Dead Redemption featured a memorable Nigel West Dickens, so we'll be keeping an eye out for the comic relief in this cast who is of the same vein. It shouldn't be too hard to spot considering the dark and twisted nature of this crime drama.

As always, Rockstar Games stresses that all of the video used in this third official trailer is created entirely from in-game footage. So you'll be able to see those surreal and almost creepy looking facial animations during both cutscenes and gameplay moments. If you want more, be sure to check out the GameStop's pre-order bonus mission gameplay video and consult our guide for the best store to pre-order LA Noire.

Stay tuned to Gaming Target and like us on Facebook as we roll out more coverage of LA Noire in the final weeks before the game's release.

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