The much-anticipated Bus Simulator 16 is finally here, and it implements the most in-depth features a simulation has ever seen. Unlike other bus simulators, Bus Simulator 16 not only allows you to drive buses, but build your own company as well.
Previous games in the genre have you working for a single bus company, while running routes and sticking to a schedule. Bus Simulator 16 has you doing the same thing, but it also has you mapping out routes; schedules; and even assigning buses with NPC drivers. Since you can’t run everything on your own, the NPC feature is where Bus Simulator 16’s micro-management system comes into play.
The player can hire drivers to help maintain the various bus routes available. If the hired help fails to perform, there is an option to fire them. However, you must first run the route manually yourself before any hired help can be assigned. The way you drive – and the way you accommodate your passengers – is added to your overall score and decides how much money is received. For example: driving too fast or not tilting the bus (to make access easier for incoming passengers) can (and will) have a negative impact on your overall score.
Bus Simulator 16 is not only a quantum leap forward from its predecessors, but it fixes all the issues that plagued prior releases (i.e. touchy controls, poor A.I., etc.). The open world also adds to the game’s appeal. The huge world map is divided into multiple districts at the beginning of the game. The more you play, the more districts you will unlock. The hardest part of the game is managing your money. Since you start as an upcoming bus company that is struggling, you must compete against competitors in an already saturated market.
The customization that Bus Simulator 16 offers is incredible. The player has control over every aspect of their bus, including the way it looks. You can even change how your company appears to your customers. Basically, these are features that simulation fans have been wanting, but never received in previous releases.
Bus Simulator 16 is more than just a simple bus simulator; it’s a business management simulator as well. There is far more content to focus on than just simply busing passengers around the city. The gameplay is so realistic that you have to worry about ticket sales and supplying passengers with exact change after a purchase. Yes, the game is that particular about procedure, and it must be followed if you want your company to succeed.
Fans of the Bus Simulator series will be blown away by the sheer amount of content and realism available in this release. The weather effects are photo realistic; the graphics look incredible on max detail; and the driving is some of the smoothest ever experienced. Buy Bus Simulator 16 if you haven’t already; it’s well worth the price of admission.
James ‘Daripp3r’ Pittaro
Platform: PC
System Requirements:
• Minimum:
◦ OS: Windows 7/8/10 64 bit
◦ Processor: Intel Core i3 with 3.3 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 96OT with 3.0 GHz or comparable processor
◦ Memory: 4 GB RAM
◦ Graphics: GeForce GTX 470 (1 GB VRAM) or comparable graphics card
◦ DirectX: Version 9.0
◦ Storage: 4500 MB available space
◦ Additional Notes: List of unsupported graphic chips (excerpt): Intel HD 3000 / 4400 / 5500 / 6100; GeForce GT 240 / 630 / 730; GeForce GT 540M / 640M / 740M / 840M / 940M; Radeon R7 240; Radeon R9 M275; Intel Iris 6100
Developer: Stillalive Studios
Publisher: astragal Entertainment GmbH
ESRB: N/A
Price: $24.99
Bus Simulator 16 Official Website:
http://stillalive-studios.com/portfolio-item/bus-simulator-16/
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| The graphics look amazing on the highest available settings. | |
| Sound | |
| Realistic sound effects add to the experience. Plus, a catchy soundtrack plays in the background. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Bus Simulator 16 is a lot easier to play than most simulators. In fact, gamers with no prior knowledge of previous Bus Simulators can pick this title up and play immediately. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Bus Simulator 16 is one of the best simulators in the series. It offers a robust simulation experience without being overly complicated. | |
