It's a great game. I have my critiques, which have already been recited multiple times in fairly dramatic fashion in this thread, but it also does a lot of things right, does something I've never seen before with the amazing facial tech, and it was a cool, unique experience from start to finish. I enjoyed the methodical investigations, the brilliant soundtrack, the focus on Cole's policework rather than his day to day life. I was genuinely taken aback more than a few times during interrogations, studying reactions in a person and playing them against motives, evidence and intuition in my head. The linearity did not bother me at all, nor did the fact that there were no GTA/RDR style side missions or errands to do in the city. And I found the endgame quite compelling, moreso than I expected to after reading some impressions here.
I guess I've never played a game like this, warts and all, and that goes a long way for me in terms of appreciation and enjoyment. I understand the disappointment from some, not so much the outright hatred and vitriol from others, but no amount of "backlash" is going to convince me that L.A. Noire isn't a standout effort with a lot of compelling stuff to offer.