Press preview impressions are all positive.

Examiner.com: "Rockstar may be known for developing games that push the envelope of what should be viewed and done in games – especially with the Grand Theft Auto franchise... L.A. Noire is looking to deliver a strong, mature, and adult experience that no game before it has been able to produce and, with this type of delivery, forever change the way people view mature games... without question, L.A. Noire was the PAX East 'Game of Show'. That isn't a knock to any of the other great titles on the expo floor, because there were plenty, but what was shown by L.A. Noire felt revolutionary and has the opportunity to be a true game industry changer."

G4TV: "...a near-literal translation of L.A. Confidential into an actual video game experience, with a lot more scope added to it. Seeing Los Angeles from the late 1940's turned into a living, breathing world is amazing, and Rockstar [and Team Bondi] motion-scanned over 400 extras to populate the world with people who help complete that illusion. I've left a lot of detail out here, as I don't want to spoil this game and the excitement of investigation for anyone. It's enough to hear or read about this game, but to see where it truly shines, you really need to experience it for yourself."

Yup, totally weird and unrealistic.