What is the true ending of L.A. Noire?
As a long-time gamer and fan of detective stories, I‘ve extensively analyzed the ending of Rockstar‘s 2011 noir thriller L.A. Noire across developer commentary, in-game evidence, and fan perspectives. After much debate around alternate endings, I believe the funeral scene represents the intended "true ending" to this neo-noir tale based on the storyline‘s symbolic buildup. However, flaws in the ending execution and lack of resolution open it up to some valid critiques.
The Funeral Ending: By Developer Design
For those unfamiliar, L.A. Noire concludes with Detective Cole Phelps‘ funeral after he discovers and confronts a conspiracy of powerful figures before drowning. His corrupt former partner Roy Earle gives a eulogy, having escaped punishment for his misdeeds. This solemn ending scene cements the story‘s themes of police corruption and futility of fighting city hall that echo noir classics.
In multiple interviews, the game‘s writers have confirmed this bleak funeral bookend was the envisioned ending from early on as it suited the noir tone and Cole‘s arc of redemption through sacrifice. An IGN interview quoted writer Brendan McNamara stating, "we always intended Cole’s story to end the way it did” as they felt consequences were needed for his reckless investigation against orders.
Examining Theories of Alternate Endings
Despite developers’ statements, many fans have still questioned if an alternate ending may have been planned. Some cite unused game assets like character models without Phelps’ war injuries as signs of cut content. However, developers addressed this by clarifying the assets were left incomplete purposely for resource prioritization.
Other theories suggest Phelps faked his death or the story could continue due to hints another conspirator got away. But quote analysis verifies the funeral as the definite conclusion. An ending hinting at police reform also conflicts with the noir tone. Ultimately the fan theories likely represent what players wished they saw rather than cut content.
The Message Behind Phelps’ Death
Contextual analysis indicates Phelps’ death carries metaphorical weight regarding failed efforts against corruption. Roy’s eulogy ridiculing Phelps as “a glory hound who couldn’t keep out of the papers” highlights the police force and media enabling injustice due to valuing appearances over integrity.
Meanwhile, crooked figures like Worrell and Roy facing no consequences represent the recurring noir theme of “the city always wins”. As crime writer Brian McDonnell analyzed, Phelps’ dogged investigation to reveal the truth ultimately proves a “futile quest” given the institutional rot. His drowning death symbolizes getting in over one’s head against these powerful forces.
Could There Be a Sequel?
Given the finality of Phelps’ death, could a L.A. Noire sequel still happen? Rockstar hasn’t closed the door on revisiting this series despite shelving plans for a direct follow-up to Team Bondi’s work due to studio issues. They even remastered the original in 2017. Fans cling to hopes they could develop a new story exposing the conspiracy‘s fallout with a new protagonist.
More speculative theories suggest Phelps faking his drowning with Kelso‘s help to uncover deeper corruption as a Season 2 setup. But the developers likely chose finality over sequel bait with the funeral bookend to match Cole’s arc. Still, the expanding noir-tinged worlds of Rockstar games like Red Dead Redemption leave room for reinterpretations.
Lasting Influence with Some Execution Flaws
Regardless of criticisms over Phelps’ fate, L.A. Noire marked a milestone for cinematic style in games and innovative motion-scan technology that captured uncanny facial expressions. It also inspired the growth of modern detective titles like Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments through its gameplay advancements.
However, the funeral ending itself does feel rushed; closing on a minor character’s eulogy rather than seeing reactions from Phelps’ allies. The lack of resolution for some characters and plot threads also disappointed players. Perhaps a post-credits epilogue for loose ends may have rounded out this bombshell finale. Nonetheless, the thematic undertones still delivered the gut punch intended.
Fans Remain Divided
Despite the creative intent, fans stay divided on whether the somber funeral ending fits L.A. Noire or did Cole’s complicated arc justice. In an IGN reader poll, only 40% agreed it was an appropriate ending to the story told over 4 years. Many wanted a more heroic payoff after 20 hours alongside Phelps and remain fixated on theories of dropped secret endings.
However, a GameFaqs forum poll showed a closer 55% majority feeling satisfied with Phelps’ downfall comeuppance resolving the overarching story, even if they disliked the dark tone. Ultimately individual player outlooks on redemption, realism, and pulp heroic expectations flavor perceptions of the true ending’s quality.
Analyzing L.A. Noire’s conclusion within its crime genre context reinforces the funeral as the intended canon ending based on developer intent and thematic coherence. It caps off Cole’s risky investigation and drive for redemption with tragic noir flavor. But fans debating a missing heroic payoff reflect its imperfect execution. Nonetheless, Phelps’ fate cemented the game’s influence through boundary-pushing style and pioneering tech. With detectives rising in gaming and noir due a renaissance, perhaps the final chapter on L.A. Noire’s impact has yet to be written as well…
