SCS Software's latest title, Bus Driver was released late last year. It's fairly self explanatory kind of game, described amusingly by The Escapist as "the bus driving simulator that lets you drive a bus", surprisingly reminiscent of Japanese regulation-heavy titles like Densha De Go for trains.
So sure, there's a bit more to it than, say, Desert Bus, and while it's received criticism from some that it's watered down the, uhh, 'level of simulation' expected from SCS, reviews have generally been positive.
More recently, the game was picked up by publisher Meridian4 for retail release in the US and Australia in May, and that's how Gamasutra got to speak to SCS Software CEO Pavel Sebor about the company, its history, and about the unlikely success of Bus Driver.
MenStuff writes: "In celebration of playing video games instead of actually doing stuff in real life, we’re having a look at some of the greatest simulation games out there that you have to check out.
Whether it be a tow-truck driver or a teenage babysitter, these sims have got your future vocation covered."
All in all Strategy Informer didn't have too many complaints about Bus Driver. It's a simple casual game, but it does what it sets out to do well. Hard core gamers are likely to be bored with it, however, for a casual pop in and play it was fun and will definitely see more play time around here.
Andy Mahood reports:
''The title says it all. Apologies if you were expecting a riveting set of bus-themed missions ripped from a Keanu Reeves movie, but Bus Driver really is about driving a bus. Follow predetermined routes and timetables; stop at red lights and bus kiosks; signal lane changes; and open and close your doors at the right time. Do it properly and you earn points. Do it appallingly and you still earn points, just not as many.''