A bus sim you can play on the bus
Bus Simulator 2015 is lets you take control of public transport routes, picking up passengers and driving as well as possible. Developed by Ovidiu Pop, delivers a mobile-friendly bus driving experience set across global cities like Los Angeles, Rome, Berlin, and even frozen Alaska.
In Bus Simulator 2015 you can pick from twelve different bus models including articulated and themed vehicles and drive across more than 360 mapped routes featuring over 1,000 stops. The game offers two main modes: a Career Mode where you transport passengers on schedule and accumulate points, and a Free Ride mode where you explore cities without pressure.
All Aboard
Unlike Goat Simulator, or Surgeon Simulator, Bus Simulator 2015 is not a tongue in cheek game. It aims to be a realistic and serious bus driving simulator. In the Career Mode, your job is to take a bus from the depot, stop at all the stops so passengers can get on and make sure your driving is as clean as possible. Crashes are penalized, as are things like running red lights.
There is a free mode too, where you can drive around the various maps in any buses you have unlocked at your leisure. Maps include Romania, Paris, Los Angeles, Rome and more, with 15 buses to choose from. Real-time environments change with weather and time, and buses show visible damage after impacts. Despite these immersive elements, traffic AI remains basic as vehicles rarely yield and collide, making it less challenging and dynamic.
Put your pedal (gently) to the metal
There are three control methods in Bus Simulator 2015, an on screen steering wheel, more typical arrows or tilt control. All other features, like accelerate, brake and open doors, are simply buttons on the screen. It's pretty simple, but getting a good score requires some careful steering control. The graphics are simple, but functional. The various cities and locations look different, but don't feel very alive.
This sim game has seen minimal updates since its initial release, it promised general bug fixes and memory optimizations but delivered little in terms of gameplay enhancements or new content. Unlike some sims, there are no licensed vehicles in Bus Simulator 2015, which means you won't be able to drive exactly your favorite model of bus. However, buses move realistically and if you enjoy simulators, you should enjoy this.
A simple yet satisfying bus driving experience
Bus Simulator 2015 offers a grounded and realistic driving experience perfect for casual play, especially for fans of simulation games. With various routes, vehicle types, and accessible controls, it delivers a decent mobile-friendly bus sim. While its visuals are dated and the AI underwhelms, it still provides a relaxing, goal-oriented alternative to over-the-top mobile games, especially for those who enjoy structured driving experiences.
