In an age where it feels like all we see are sequels, it’s great to see new and enticing stories and universes that we can dive into. This year we had the honor of experiencing another breathtaking Rockstar game, this one set in Los Angeles back in the 1940s. L.A. Noire starts you off as a uniformed police officer, and has you rise through the ranks as you take on much more difficult cases. Not only is this unlike any Rockstar game we’ve seen yet, but the story, gameplay, and overarching plot are more than enough to pull you away from those long-established gaming franchises and series you’re so accustomed to. For these reasons, we award L.A. Noire the Empty Lifebar Game of the Year Award for Best New IP.
Runner Ups: Rock of Ages, Gunstringer
