Bus Simulator 18

Bus Simulator 18 is a vehicle simulation game developed by Stillalive Studios and published by Astragon Entertainment. It was released on June 13, 2018, for Microsoft Windows, and later for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on September 17, 2019. This installment serves as a direct sequel to Bus Simulator 16 and is the fifth entry in the Bus Simulator series. The game is powered by Unreal Engine 4, marking a significant upgrade in graphics and performance over its predecessor. It features both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to experience the life of a bus driver in a detailed urban environment.

In Bus Simulator 18, players navigate the fictional city of Seaside Valley, which includes 12 distinct districts across over 5.8 square miles. The game offers a selection of eight licensed city buses from renowned manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Setra, MAN, and IVECO BUS. Players can manage their own bus company, creating and customizing routes, hiring drivers, and maintaining their fleet. The game also introduces modding support, allowing the community to create custom buses, routes, and skins, which can be shared through the Steam Workshop. Additionally, a map expansion DLC released in May 2019 added two new towns to explore.

Promotion for Bus Simulator 18 included digital marketing strategies such as trailers and gameplay videos showcasing its features. The game was made available for purchase through digital platforms like Steam, as well as in retail stores. A downloadable content (DLC) pack was released on December 18, 2018, introducing the MAN Bus Pack 1, which added new MAN bus models to the game. The game also received updates that introduced new game modes, such as the Free Roaming mode, allowing players to explore the city without adhering to routes and timetables.

Upon release, Bus Simulator 18 received "mixed or average" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Critics praised the game's improved graphics and the depth of its bus management systems. However, some reviewers noted that the driving experience could feel repetitive, and the game's progression system lacked depth. Despite these criticisms, the game's modding support and the addition of multiplayer modes were well-received, providing players with more ways to engage with the game. Overall, Bus Simulator 18 was considered a solid entry in the simulation genre, appealing to fans of public transport simulations.