Similar games

Games like L.A. Noire

2017PlayStationXboxNintendo Switch

You play detective Cole Phelps in 1940s Los Angeles, cracking cases by interrogating witnesses and reading their facial expressions to spot lies. The detailed postwar city and gripping crime stories are what make it stand out.

Historical setting
Open world
Lavish presentation
Strong, story-driven narrative

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More in these topics: Story-driven games

The closest matches for L.A. Noire are Mafia II, Mafia: Definitive Edition and Mafia. Each of these 10 games shares something of what makes L.A. Noire special – the reasons are listed right on each game.

In short: games like L.A. Noire

Best alternative overall: Mafia II 90% match – Historical setting
Newest alternative: Mafia: The Old Country 82% match – released 2025

Best match

Mafia II

90 %Match

2010PCPlayStationXbox92 % positive29.99 €

A cinematic gangster saga set in postwar America, following Vito Scaletta's rise through the mob with cover shooting, period car chases and rich 1940s–50s atmosphere. Empire Bay is less a playground than a lovingly detailed backdrop for a tight, linear crime story.

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Mafia: Definitive Edition

Strong, story-driven narrative

A cinematic gangster drama set in Prohibition-era America, following cab driver Tommy as he rises through the Salieri crime family. Its strong story, atmospheric city and mix of gunfights and period car driving define the experience.

Mafia

Historical setting

A cinematic gangster drama set in 1930s Lost Heaven, following cab driver Tommy Angelo's rise within the Salieri crime family. Authentic period cars, punishing shootouts and one of the finest stories of its era make it a classic.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Historical setting

An epic western about the downfall of an outlaw gang, set in an incredibly detailed open world.

The Godfather

Dark, serious atmosphere

An open-world action game set in 1940s-50s New York where you rise through the Corleone family ranks by extorting businesses and taking over rival territory. Its film-faithful atmosphere and characters are the main draw.

Mafia II: Definitive Edition

Strong, story-driven narrative

A cinematic gangster drama set in 1940s and 50s America, following war veteran Vito Scaletta as he rises through the mob. The focus is on linear story missions with cover-based shootouts and driving rather than open-world busywork.

Red Dead Redemption

Historical setting

As reformed outlaw John Marston, you ride across a vast, evocative frontier at the twilight of the Wild West to hunt down your old gang. Tense gunfights, hunting and side activities frame a melancholic story with an unforgettable ending.

The Sinking City

Dark, serious atmosphere

As a 1920s private eye in the half-drowned town of Oakmont, you solve eerie cases by reconstructing crime scenes and drawing your own conclusions, with little hand-holding, in a Lovecraftian nightmare. Thick atmosphere and morally grey decisions carry the game, while the combat is serviceable rather than great.

Mafia III

Strong, story-driven narrative

As Vietnam veteran Lincoln Clay, you wage a revenge war against the mob in 1968's New Bordeaux and divide conquered districts among your lieutenants. Its gripping, unflinching story about racism and its iconic period soundtrack shine, even if the missions get repetitive.

Mafia: The Old Country

Strong, story-driven narrative

A linear, cinematic crime saga set in early 1900s Sicily, following Enzo Favara's rise from forced laborer to Mafia soldier. Cover shootouts, knife duels and stealth sections serve a richly atmospheric story of loyalty and family.