Night Bus

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 105 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
Night Bus Game Cover
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"Night Bus" is a thrilling public transit simulator set in 1999 New Zealand, allowing you to pick up passengers, take their fares, and drop them off at their desired stops. With a hyper-realistic environment, interactable objects, and a CCTV bus monitoring system, the game offers a unique and immersive experience. However, beware of "That Which Has No Eyes" and make decisions that will impact the story's outcome.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 105 reviews
humor2 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • Fun and quirky gameplay with a unique horror theme centered around bus driving.
  • Great visuals and art style, creating an immersive atmosphere.
  • Multiple endings and achievements add replayability and encourage exploration.
  • Very short playtime, typically around an hour, which may not justify the price.
  • Several achievements are broken or glitchy, leading to frustration.
  • Lack of depth in gameplay mechanics and limited variety in events can make replaying feel repetitive.
  • gameplay10 mentions

    The gameplay is generally enjoyable, featuring a variety of small interactions like using CCTV and petting a cat, which suggest potential depth. However, many players feel it lacks satisfying mechanics and a sense of accomplishment, with limited outcomes and a desire for more events and longer playtime. Overall, while the core gameplay is fun, it is hindered by its brevity and restricted player agency.

    • “Using the CCTV, petting the cat, having the ability to turn the radios on or off, listening to the passengers - there are so many small gameplay choices adding up that feel like they'll be part of some greater depth.”
    • “Everything already works as it is; no need to polish the gameplay itself, it just needs a lot more events and interactions.”
    • “The actual gameplay seems like it's going to be so much more complex than it really is to play.”
    • “No satisfying mechanics, no feeling of accomplishment, not a setting that really enchanted me... just sort of going through the motions.”
    • “I wish the game was much longer, and player actions can make a difference to the gameplay; right now it is very limited rules-based outcomes for the purpose of arriving at the few available endings.”
  • graphics9 mentions

    The graphics in this indie horror game are praised for their stylized retro aesthetic, reminiscent of PS1 visuals, which effectively enhance the game's mood and atmosphere. Players appreciate the smooth performance and nostalgic appeal, with many noting that the visuals contribute significantly to the overall experience, despite the game's short playtime. Overall, the graphics receive positive feedback, with a consistent emphasis on their artistic quality and suitability for the genre.

    • “Great little short indie horror, playtime roughly an hour but great visuals and art style.”
    • “The stylized retro graphics suit the mood perfectly, and the characters are voiced too, which you don't see often in indie games of this small stature.”
    • “The PS1-like graphics are done well and the game is smooth, with various endings and easy achievements to unlock if you enjoy collecting those.”
    • “The most relaxing bus sim I have played; the PS1 graphics bring me so much nostalgia, wish the route was much longer with more surprises.”
    • “Wasn't scary at all, but I dig the graphics and idea.”
    • “Usual PSX/VHS style graphics, moody atmosphere, simple enough controls; I used a wired Xbox controller.”
  • story5 mentions

    The game's story is described as a nice little horror narrative, though some players feel it lacks depth and clarity, suggesting it could benefit from additional endings and dialogue. While it may not justify its price compared to other options, the integration of Steam achievements encourages multiple playthroughs to fully appreciate the unfolding story.

    • “Probably not worth $5 compared to other game options, but it is a nice little horror story and it is always good to support indie developers.”
    • “The Steam achievements link well to the horror experience, and multiple playthroughs help you not to miss any of the interesting story that comes together in the world.”
    • “It seems like the game is missing a story.”
    • “From what you've seen in the trailer, it's the whole story that you could see in the game.”
    • “The lack of clarity in the storyline made me think there was room for more endings and more dialogue.”
  • atmosphere3 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is described as creepy and immersive, set in an eerie countryside where players encounter unsettling events while driving a bus. The use of PSX/VHS style graphics enhances the moody ambiance, contributing to an engaging experience. Overall, players find the atmosphere to be a standout feature of the game.

    • “As a bus driver, you navigate the eerie countryside, picking up passengers and grappling with creepy events. The atmosphere is creepy and immersive.”
    • “Usual PSX/VHS style graphics, moody atmosphere, simple enough controls; I used a wired Xbox controller.”
    • “The atmosphere is great.”
    • “The usual PSX/VHS style graphics create a moody atmosphere, but the overall experience feels dated.”
    • “While the atmosphere has potential, it ultimately falls flat due to the lack of immersive elements.”
    • “The graphics and sound design contribute to a nostalgic vibe, but they don't fully engage the player in the world.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is noted for its originality and a blend of spooky elements, delivering genuinely funny moments with a deadpan style. However, some users feel that the content is somewhat lacking, suggesting that additional material could enhance the overall experience and prevent potential dissatisfaction.

    • “It is certainly original, spooky, and funny, with a few different outcomes to explore and a lovely deadpan nod to the out of the ordinary.”
    • “Genuinely funny and good branding, with a bit of padding you would not only craft a richer experience for the player, but also yourself, as the current content amount leaves you ripe for exploitive refund practices.”
  • stability1 mentions

    The game has been criticized for its significant bugs, which have deterred players from fully engaging with the content, particularly in attempting to replay multiple endings.

    • “So buggy I can't convince myself to play through the 5th ending one more time.”
    • “The game crashes frequently, making it impossible to enjoy the experience.”
    • “I encountered multiple glitches that ruined my immersion and progress.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    Users highlight that the game offers strong replayability, encouraging players to return for multiple playthroughs.

    • “Replayability is a significant aspect of this game.”
    • “The game offers numerous paths and choices, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
    • “With multiple endings and varied character interactions, I find myself coming back for more.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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