Extra! Extra! 'First' Trailer for L.A. Noire Released

Here's the straight poop, dames and fellas, Team Bondi--a quaint little outfit out of Australia--just released the first trailer offering what is presumably an in-engine glimpse at its upcoming, open-world title L.A. Noire. Taking place in Los Angeles during the late 1940s, the Rockstar Games published title follows a pair of detectives as they set off to solve a series of murders around the city.

What strikes me first is how perfect the casting is for the game's lead character, Cole Phelps, portrayed by Aaron Staton--known for his role as Ken Cosgrove on AMC's Mad Men. He must be a time traveler because that gent just looks and sounds like he was born to live in that era.Also, the idea of an open-world game where players are given the chance to investigate crimes is extremely appealing. We'll have to see how it pans out when L.A. Noire hits the Xbox 360 and PS3 in the spring of 2011.

Check out the game's previous trailer--comprised solely of CGI footage--after the break and let us know if you think Team Bondi came close to its original vision.

[Ed. Note: Originally we listed this as "gameplay"; however, what should have been clarified is that this is the first look at actual game in footage that is presumably in-engine. We apologize for the error.]