The Bus Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-03-27
  • Best bus simulation game with realistic gameplay.
  • Impressive graphics and detailed bus models.
  • Good performance on high settings and regular updates.
  • Performance and optimization issues reported.
  • Lack of content, features, and unrealistic bus handling.
  • Numerous bugs, glitches, and frequent crashes.
The Bus header

Emotions

Archetypes

What players like:

Common complaints:

Gameplay feedback:

Performance notes:

Recommendations:

Other player notes:

Review evidence

Why players say this

What players like

Impressive graphics: The game features stunning and visually impressive graphics, with detailed lighting and well-managed visuals that enhance the overall experience.

Detailed bus models: The game includes a wide selection of detailed and realistic bus models, with intricate interiors and various bus brands represented.

Best bus simulation game: The game is widely regarded as the best bus simulation game available, offering an immersive and realistic bus driving experience that enthusiasts highly appreciate.

Positive overall experience: Players generally love the game, finding it amazing and well-made with very good gameplay and enjoyable mechanics.

Realistic gameplay: The gameplay is noted for its realism, including realistic traffic, weather systems, and interactive elements that make the simulation immersive.

Common complaints

Performance and optimization issues: The game suffers from significant performance problems, including low FPS, frame drops, frequent freezes, excessive lag, and stuttering. These issues persist across various hardware configurations, indicating poor optimization.

Lack of content and features: The game lacks essential features such as a career mode, detailed story, long-term goals, and customization options. Players also note a lack of model variety and objectives.

Unrealistic bus handling and AI: Players find the bus handling unrealistic and difficult to control. Additionally, the AI behavior, both for buses and traffic, is reported as illogical and frustrating.

Numerous bugs and glitches: The game is plagued by various bugs and glitches that affect gameplay. These issues range from minor annoyances to significant problems that hinder the overall experience.

Frequent crashes and instability: Players report that the game crashes frequently, especially on load and after updates. This instability makes the game unplayable for some users.

Gameplay and performance

Realistic driving and simulation: The game offers a highly realistic driving experience with detailed driving physics, realistic traffic systems, and immersive bus simulation mechanics. Players appreciate the authentic feel of driving a bus in dense city traffic.

Detailed bus functions and management: The game features detailed bus functions, including AI buses, bus management, and purchasing options. Players can interact with various bus interior functions and choose from multiple bus brands.

Multiplayer and modding support: The game offers multiplayer modes and has an active modding community. Players can enjoy multiplayer experiences and utilize workshop add-ons for enhanced gameplay.

Ticketing and passenger mechanics: The game includes a ticketing system and passenger interactions, adding depth to the simulation. Players can engage with passengers and manage ticket purchases.

Economic and career modes: The game features economic and career modes, allowing players to build up their own transport empire. Players can buy better buses, hire drivers, and grow their company within the game.

Poor optimization and performance: The game suffers from significant optimization issues, leading to poor performance across various hardware configurations. Players report low framerates, excessive lag, and unreliable performance, especially on weaker hardware.

Constant freezes and stutters: Players report constant freezes and stutters, which significantly impact the gameplay experience. These freezes can last for a few seconds and occur frequently.

High hardware requirements: The game requires mid to high-end hardware for optimal performance, making it inaccessible for players with older or lower-end systems.

Frequent crashes: The game experiences frequent crashes, including crashes on load and during gameplay. This issue is widespread and affects the overall stability of the game.

Low FPS on high-end hardware: Even high-end hardware struggles with low FPS, indicating poor optimization for top-tier systems. Players report inconsistent frame rates, which detract from the gaming experience.

Recommendations

Recommended for bus enthusiasts: The game is highly recommended for fans of bus simulations and public transport enthusiasts. It offers a realistic city bus driving experience that appeals to casual and hardcore fans alike.

General game recommendations: Many players recommend the game for its immersive and realistic features. It is suggested for those with patience, a stable nervous system, and a strong computer.

Mixed recommendations in German: German-speaking players have mixed feelings; some highly recommend the game while others do not, based on their experiences.

Not recommended by some: Some players do not recommend buying the game, especially in its early access stage, and advise against purchasing games from this company.

Technical recommendations: The game is recommended for high-end PCs and suggests using additional tools like TSR for better graphics.

Buying context

Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00.

Game completion: 157.0h.

Session length: 2.0h.

The game is initially fun due to its realistic driving and city vibes, but the enjoyment drops as gameplay becomes repetitive. Multiplayer mode and progression systems enhance the experience.

Reported time to anchor: 1h.

Friction: Repetitive routes; Lack of variety in tasks.

Unlock drivers: Multiplayer mode; New routes; Progression system.

Player profiles

Performance-Critical Veteran: Demands high performance and smooth gameplay. Motivation: Seeking a technically polished and optimized gaming experience. Stance: no buy.

Bus Simulation Enthusiast: Enjoys realistic and structured gameplay with a focus on bus simulation. Motivation: Passion for bus simulation games and hope for future improvements. Stance: sale.

Optimistic Supporter: Casual and supportive, focusing on the enjoyable aspects of the game. Motivation: Enjoys the game and believes in its potential for future development. Stance: buy.

Platform notes

Steam Deck: The analysis of user feedback reveals significant issues with the game's performance, controls, and software optimization. Many users report low FPS and poor optimization, especially on high-end hardware. Control and usability issues are also prevalent, with users struggling with steering and lack of instructions. The use of Denuvo and Unreal Engine 5 is cited as a major performance drain. Additionally, compatibility issues with Steam Deck require the use of Proton Experimental.

Extra review signals

Monetization: The analysis of user reviews reveals significant concerns about the monetization practices of the game. Key issues include the high cost and perceived low value of DLCs, the release of paid DLC while the game is still in Early Access, and the perception of the game as a cash grab. Additionally, users are frustrated with the amount of content locked behind paywalls. These practices have led to a negative user experience and dissatisfaction among the gaming community.

Other review notes

Game in development stages: The game is currently in various stages of development, including alpha, beta, and early access phases.

Additional content available: There is mention of downloadable content (DLC) being available for the game.

Turkish language support: The game supports the Turkish language, which can be important for Turkish-speaking players.