The nostalgic bus driving simulator
Bus Driver is a simulation game developed and published by SCS Software, released in 2007. In the game, players take on the role of a bus driver, transporting passengers around a large city.
The game features a variety of buses to drive, different routes to complete, and various challenges to overcome.
The Bus Driver nostalgia
Bus Driver boasts an impressive array of features that enhance the overall gameplay experience. Players can choose from a selection of twelve buses, each meticulously modeled after real-world counterparts. The expansive city environment, divided into distinct districts, provides a diverse backdrop for the routes. With thirty routes to conquer, each offering varying weather conditions and time-of-day settings, players face a range of challenges and scenic variations.
Beyond the core driving experience, Bus Driver introduces diverse gameplay elements to keep things engaging. Players can navigate the streets of the city in various capacities, from transporting school children to guiding tourists on sightseeing tours. The game's sophisticated traffic rules system and gameplay-related bonuses add an extra layer of challenge and reward.
What makes the Bus driver stand out of the crowd are as follows:
- 12 different buses to drive, each with its own unique characteristics
- An expansive city environment with various districts to explore
- 30 different routes with varying weather conditions and times of day
- A variety of challenges to overcome, such as dealing with traffic jams and passenger disturbances
A family friendly game
Bus Driver stands apart from many driving games in its non-violent approach. The focus is on providing a realistic and engaging simulation of the bus driver's experience, rather than inciting reckless driving or aggressive behavior.
This makes the game suitable for a wider audience, including younger players.
Can run on almost every computer
Bus Driver's modest system requirements make it accessible to a broad range of computers. The game can run smoothly on even older machines, requiring only a 1GHz Pentium III processor, 256MB of RAM, and an OpenGL 1.3 compatible graphics card.
For an enhanced gaming experience, a 1.5GHz Pentium IV processor, 512MB of RAM, and an OpenGL 1.5 compatible graphics card are recommended. Additionally, a DirectX compatible sound card and a DirectX compatible gamepad or steering wheel can further enrich the gameplay.
The full sytem requirements for Bus Driver are as follows:
- Minimum:
- Operating System: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7/8
- Processor: 1GHz Pentium III or equivalent
- Memory: 256 MB RAM
- Graphics: OpenGL 1.3 compatible 64MB AGP with hardware T&L
- DirectX: Version 9.0
- Storage: 300 MB available space
- Recommended:
- Operating System: Windows XP/Vista/7/8
- Processor: 1.5GHz Pentium IV or equivalent
- Memory: 512 MB RAM
- Graphics: OpenGL 1.5 compatible 128MB PCI Express with hardware T&L
- Storage: 300 MB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX compatible soundcard
- Additional Notes: DirectX compatible gamepad or steering wheel
Both the good and the bad
Bus Driver offers several redeeming qualities that make it an enjoyable experience, particularly for those seeking a nostalgic throwback. The open-city environment, while technically open to exploration, largely guides players along designated routes. This approach ensures a structured experience, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The game features a diverse selection of buses, each with distinct handling characteristics. This variety adds an element of replayability, encouraging players to experiment with different vehicles. Additionally, the game's passengers react to the player's driving style, providing a sense of consequence to their actions.
Despite its positive aspects, Bus Driver is not without its flaws. The game's linear gameplay, while providing structure, can also feel restrictive, limiting player freedom. Moreover, the strict time constraints often make it impossible to adhere to traffic rules, forcing players to prioritize speed over safety.
The absence of a cockpit view, a staple feature in many simulation games, is a notable omission. This lack of immersion hinders the overall realism experience. Additionally, occasional performance issues, particularly in the form of unexplained lag, disrupt the gameplay.
For those seeking a casual and nostalgic bus driving experience, Bus Driver may provide some entertainment. However, for those seeking a more immersive and customizable simulation experience, other SCS titles, such as American Truck Simulator or Euro Truck Simulator 2, offer a more refined and engaging experience.
