Bus Simulator 21: Next Stop – A Deep Dive into Realistic Bus Driving

Bus Simulator 21: Next Stop, developed by stillalive studios, is a realistic simulation video game that puts players in the driver’s seat of various buses, offering a highly immersive experience. As the sequel to Bus Simulator 18, Next Stop builds upon its predecessor, adding significant enhancements to gameplay, graphics, and overall features. This detailed review explores the game’s strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive overview for potential players.

Immersive Gameplay and Enhanced Realism

Bus Simulator 21: Next Stop leverages the power of Unreal Engine 4 to deliver stunning 3D graphics. The game features hyper-realistic bus models, meticulously recreated from real-life counterparts. This attention to detail extends beyond the vehicles themselves; the environments are equally impressive. Players navigate two expansive open-world maps: the fictional American city of Angel Shores, and a revamped version of Seaside Valley, the European map from Bus Simulator 18. Each map is richly detailed, brimming with lifelike pedestrians, realistic traffic patterns, and dynamic weather conditions that significantly impact gameplay. The inclusion of a full day-night cycle further enhances the immersive quality, offering a constantly changing visual experience.

The driving mechanics are designed to simulate the complexities of operating a bus, requiring players to master various skills, from smoothly navigating tight corners and heavy traffic to managing passenger flow and adhering to timetables. The introduction of two new bus types, double-decker and electric buses, adds variety and challenge to the gameplay. This expansion provides players with a broader range of vehicles to choose from, each presenting unique handling characteristics and performance attributes. A total of 30 officially licensed buses from renowned manufacturers, including Blue Bird, Grande West, Alexander Dennis, BYD, IVECO BUS, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Setra, and Volvo, are included, offering a wide selection to cater to different player preferences.

Beyond the driving aspect, the game provides a comprehensive bus company management simulation. Players can create detailed timetables, plan efficient routes, and optimize their schedules to maximize efficiency, particularly during peak passenger hours. Alternatively, players can opt to automate these management tasks and focus solely on the driving experience, utilizing the game’s fast travel feature for quicker transitions between locations. This flexible approach caters to diverse player preferences, allowing players to tailor the game’s difficulty and focus to their liking.

The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes. The multiplayer component allows players to share the experience, potentially collaborating on routes or engaging in friendly competition. The inclusion of a modding kit offers further customization options, enabling players to create and share their own custom content, adding significant longevity and replayability. While the high-fidelity graphics offer an unparalleled level of realism, it’s worth noting that the game’s performance can be impacted on lower-end PCs due to the demanding graphical requirements. This aspect is something to be mindful of before purchasing or downloading the game.

Next Stop Update: Enhanced Features and Free Epic Games Offering

The Next Stop update introduced several enhancements, further enriching the player experience. A notable addition is the inclusion of passenger dialogues in English and German, enhancing the immersion and interaction with the simulated world. The introduction of a detailed character creator allows for extensive customization of the player’s avatar, including body shape, clothing, skin color, and hairstyle. Players can further personalize their in-game experience by choosing from a variety of options to customize the appearance of their buses.

The update also broadened compatibility with various peripherals, including popular steering wheels and gamepads, as well as support for Tobii Eye Tracking and TrackIR, enhancing the overall control and immersion for players using these technologies. This expansion of compatibility demonstrates the game’s commitment to catering to a wide range of player preferences and technological setups. The ability to tailor control schemes to individual preferences ensures a comfortable and engaging gameplay experience for a broader audience.

In 2024, Epic Games included Bus Simulator 21: Next Stop as part of its annual “Free Mystery Game Promotion.” This initiative offers players the opportunity to experience the game at no cost, providing a significant boost in visibility and player base. This strategic move from Epic Games underscores the game’s quality and appeal, offering a wider audience the chance to sample its features and realism. The free period often coincides with the holiday season, further maximizing its reach and potential for new players.

Visuals and AI Enhancements

Bus Simulator 21: Next Stop boasts significantly upgraded visuals compared to its predecessor. The enhanced graphics engine brings the buses and environments to life with greater detail and realism. The improved pedestrian AI creates a more dynamic and engaging urban environment, providing a more believable simulation of real-world interactions. The inclusion of realistic traffic patterns further enhances the simulation, creating a more challenging and engaging driving experience.

The dynamic weather system adds another layer of realism and unpredictability to the gameplay. Players must adapt their driving strategies to changing conditions, adding an element of skill and adaptability. From heavy rainfall that reduces visibility to snowfall that necessitates cautious maneuvering, the dynamic weather system presents diverse challenges that demand player skill and alertness. The inclusion of a realistic day-night cycle adds another element of visual appeal and gameplay variation, requiring different driving skills depending on the time of day.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Two expansive open-world maps: Angel Shores and the improved Seaside Valley offer diverse environments to explore.
• Extensive bus selection: A wide range of officially licensed buses from leading manufacturers provides ample customization options.
• Upgraded graphics and AI: Improved visuals, realistic pedestrian and traffic AI, dynamic weather, and a day-night cycle enhance immersion.
• Optional management gameplay: Players can choose to focus on driving or engage in in-depth bus company management.
• Multiplayer support: Share the driving experience and interact with other players.
• Modding kit: Expand the game’s content and customize the experience with community-created modifications.
• Next Stop updates: Significant improvements in features, gameplay, and overall user experience.
• Free availability on Epic Games: Opportunities to play for free provide broader accessibility.

Cons:

• High system requirements: The game’s demanding graphics can impact performance on lower-end PCs.
• Potential for slow performance: Despite advancements, high-fidelity graphics might cause performance issues, particularly in busy areas or with many active mods.

Conclusion

Bus Simulator 21: Next Stop delivers a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering a highly immersive and realistic bus driving simulation. The expanded maps, diverse bus selection, enhanced visuals, and intelligent AI create an engaging and challenging experience. The optional management aspects, along with the inclusion of a modding kit, provide considerable replayability. While the game’s system requirements might limit accessibility for some players, the overall quality and immersive gameplay make it a compelling choice for fans of simulation games. The frequent updates, along with free availability through Epic Games, further solidify its position as a leading title in the bus simulation genre. For those seeking a challenging and realistic driving experience with a strong focus on detail and realism, Bus Simulator 21: Next Stop is a highly recommended choice.