Bus Driver is unique in the fact that there is nothing quite like it anywhere else.
User Rating: 9 | Bus Driver PC
We've all been on the race car track, racing recklessly around as if there's no tomorrow. But it's easier to go fast than it is to drive normally, especially if what you're driving is a bus. The guys at Meridian4 have come with a game that gives you a unique simulator that isn't like any other that has previously hit the stores. The game has you in the unusual position of driving a bus, hence the name. It puts you in control of any bus you can think of, from city buses to school buses, even double-decker and prison buses. It has you following a specified route through a number of stops in a large, realistic city. You have to deal with all sorts of weather conditions, traffic, and the occasional red light. The fact that you have a timer, in sync with your schedule for all the stops, can get out of hand, especially when you are given points for your on-time percentage. To me, it seems like the time limits that are given to you in between stops are only with perfect weather conditions and no traffic. This is only minor, though, as the number of routes and their lengths are varying, giving for a lot of replay. The points system, given to you at the end of each route, is based on points gained on route (from different events like using blinkers and collisions), on-time percentage, number of infractions, like straying out of your lane, and number of bonuses, like going at green lights. It isn't to brutal or really forgiving, just as a balanced points system should be. You will often try to play the same route numerous times trying to beat the number one high score. It seems, however, that the some of the stops are in awkward positions in relation to the bus. As long as you get most of the vehicle in the spot, the bus corrects it, and you drive off from there. There are many difficulties and route lengths, so almost anyone can play it. In all, Bus driver is a welcome break to Burnout and Need For Speed, that is if you want to know how it feels to be your cheery, everyday school bus driver. It's harder than it looks.
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