Bus Simulator 18 Workshop: A Mixed Bag of Pros and Cons

As a fan of bus simulators, I've tried my fair share of games in the genre. And while Bus Simulator 18 has its moments, it's not without its flaws. In this article, we'll dive into what makes this game stand out - and what doesn't.

Firstly, let's talk about what drew me to Bus Simulator 18 in the first place: the multiplayer feature. I was excited to explore new routes with other players online, and for a while, it did deliver on that promise. The ability to choose a new route without having to return to the main menu was a nice touch, reminiscent of OMSI's approach.

However, my enthusiasm was short-lived. As I continued playing, I found myself growing frustrated with the game's limitations. For one, the buses themselves were not realistic - neither in terms of physics nor appearance. The locations and people may have changed, but at its core, Bus Simulator 18 felt like more of the same.

Another major disappointment was the lack of seasonal changes. While some may see this as a minor issue, for me, it's a significant minus. There's something special about driving around a real city, feeling the seasons ebb and flow - not just seeing the same dull, artificial scenery every time you play.

Furthermore, the game's arcade-style bus control was not to my taste. While some may enjoy the more casual approach, I found it lacking in realism. And don't even get me started on the parking bonuses - a feature that felt like a cheap way to pad out the gameplay experience.

On the other hand, there were some redeeming qualities. The various situations that arise on the bus, such as passengers forgetting items or talking on their phones, added a welcome layer of realism to the game. And the smart car traffic and people animations were impressive - if only more attention had been paid to the buses themselves.

In conclusion, Bus Simulator 18 is a mixed bag. While it has its moments, particularly in terms of multiplayer and realistic urban environments, it's ultimately let down by its unrealistic buses and lack of seasonal changes. If you're looking for a bus simulator that delivers on realism, you may want to look elsewhere - but if you're willing to overlook these flaws, there are still some enjoyable aspects to be found.

Bus simulator 18 workshop