02/02/2020
The sprawling, meticulously recreated streets of 1940s Los Angeles in the video game *L.A. Noire* offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a bygone era. While the narrative thrust of the game centres around Detective Cole Phelps' rise through the ranks of the LAPD, the vehicles you command play a surprisingly significant role in both gameplay and the overall atmospheric experience. Beyond simply being a mode of transport, these cars are integral to the authenticity of the setting, offering players a tangible connection to the period and influencing how they approach investigations and pursuits.
The Importance of Vehicles in L.A. Noire
In *L.A. Noire*, vehicles are far more than just background props; they are essential tools for the player. As Detective Phelps, you'll spend a considerable amount of time driving from crime scenes to interrogations, tracking down suspects, and engaging in high-octane car chases. The game's developers invested a great deal of effort into ensuring the vehicles accurately reflect the era, from the iconic sedans of the 1940s to the more utilitarian police cruisers. This attention to detail contributes significantly to the game's immersive quality. Cruising through the rain-slicked streets at night, the glow of neon signs reflecting off your car's polished hood, or the roar of an engine as you pursue a fleeing suspect, are all moments that deepen the player's connection to the world.
The choice of vehicle can also subtly influence gameplay. While you'll often be assigned a standard-issue police car, the game also allows for the unlocking of additional vehicles. These can range from more luxurious civilian cars to other specialist police vehicles. Driving a different car might not drastically alter the core mechanics, but it can certainly change the feel of navigating the city and add a layer of personal preference to your detective work. Furthermore, the act of finding and driving these different cars adds an extra layer of collectibility and exploration to the game, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path.
One of the most engaging aspects of *L.A. Noire* for many players is the hunt for hidden collectibles, and among these, the hidden vehicles are particularly prized. The game features a total of 15 hidden vehicles scattered throughout its vast open world. These aren't just generic models; they are often more distinctive and rarer vehicles that allow you to experience the 1940s Los Angeles in something other than your regular squad car. Finding these vehicles offers a break from the main investigative gameplay, encouraging a more leisurely exploration of the city's nooks and crannies.
Unlike some other collectibles in the game, which might be directly tied to specific locations or detective cases, the hidden vehicles operate on a slightly different principle. They are trickled out as a consequence of levelling up. This means that as you successfully progress through the game, solve cases, and gain experience, new vehicles will become available to you. It's less about actively hunting down a specific car at a specific location and more about consistently playing and performing well. The game rewards your diligent detective work with the opportunity to drive a more diverse and often more stylish collection of automobiles.
This system ensures that players are rewarded for their engagement with the game's core mechanics. As you climb the ranks from Beat Cop to Detective, Third Grade, and beyond, you'll gradually unlock access to these special vehicles. It's a gradual reveal, adding a sense of anticipation and accomplishment. Each new vehicle unlocked is a testament to your progress as a detective.
The Variety of L.A. Noire's Automobiles
The vehicles available in *L.A. Noire* are a testament to the era's automotive design. Players can expect to see a range of:
| Vehicle Type | Description | Role in Gameplay |
|---|---|---|
| Police Cruisers | Standard issue sedans, often with distinctive LAPD markings of the period. | Primary investigative and pursuit vehicles. |
| Civilian Sedans | A variety of common passenger cars from the 1940s, representing the everyday transport of the era. | Can be found and driven, offering a different feel and appearance. Often unlocked as hidden collectibles. |
| Specialist Vehicles | More unique vehicles, such as unmarked cars or potentially more powerful models. | Unlockable rewards, offering a sense of prestige and variety. |
The visual design of these cars is crucial. The developers have captured the curves, chrome accents, and imposing presence of 1940s automobiles with remarkable fidelity. Each vehicle feels weighty and substantial, reflecting the engineering of the time. The sound design also plays a vital role, with the distinct engine notes and tire screeches adding to the realism during high-speed pursuits.
Unlocking Outfits and the Connection to Vehicles
It's worth noting that the unlocking of hidden vehicles is often tied to the unlocking of other in-game rewards, most notably a variety of outfits for Detective Phelps. As you level up and achieve certain milestones, you'll not only gain access to new cars but also to different detective suits and civilian attire. These outfits can change Phelps' appearance and, in some cases, offer minor gameplay benefits or simply add to the role-playing aspect of the game. The progression system cleverly links these different rewards, making the journey through *L.A. Noire* feel consistently rewarding.
The connection is straightforward: the more cases you solve and the higher your detective rank becomes, the more opportunities you have to discover these hidden elements. It's a system designed to keep players engaged and motivated to see the game through to its conclusion, with the promise of new ways to experience the world of 1940s Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions about L.A. Noire Vehicles
Q1: How many hidden vehicles are there in L.A. Noire?
There are a total of 15 hidden vehicles to find and unlock in the game.
Q2: Do I need to actively search for the hidden vehicles?
No, the hidden vehicles are unlocked as you level up and progress through the game. It's a reward for consistent play rather than a treasure hunt for specific locations.
Q3: Can I drive any car I see on the street?
While you can interact with and drive many police vehicles and some civilian cars during specific missions or pursuits, the hidden vehicles are specifically unlocked through the game's progression system to be used for general exploration.
Q4: Do the different vehicles affect gameplay?
While the core mechanics of driving remain similar, different vehicles can offer a slightly different feel in terms of handling and speed. Primarily, they offer a visual and atmospheric change, allowing for more varied exploration of the city.
Q5: Are the hidden vehicles important for completing the game?
No, the hidden vehicles are considered optional collectibles. While they enhance the exploration and immersion, they are not required to complete the main story or achieve 100% game completion. However, they are part of the wider collectible system that many players enjoy pursuing.
Conclusion
*L.A. Noire*'s commitment to historical accuracy extends deeply into its automotive offerings. The vehicles are not merely a means to an end but a crucial element that grounds the player in the meticulously crafted world of 1940s Los Angeles. The inclusion of 15 hidden vehicles, unlocked through dedicated gameplay, adds a compelling layer of collectibility and encourages a deeper appreciation for the game's detailed environment. Whether you're engaged in a tense car chase or simply cruising the boulevards, the cars of *L.A. Noire* are an indispensable part of the detective experience, allowing players to truly step back in time and immerse themselves in the era.
If you want to read more articles similar to LA Noire's Hidden Cars, you can visit the Automotive category.