Night Bus
- April 8, 2024
- Liquid Static Studio
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"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.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and charming horror experience with multiple endings, making it enjoyable for replayability.
- The retro graphics and atmosphere are well-executed, providing a nostalgic feel that enhances the gameplay.
- Players appreciate the fun mechanics, such as petting the cat for mental health, and the smooth controls while driving the bus.
- The game is criticized for being very short, with playthroughs averaging around 10-15 minutes, leading to concerns about its value for the price.
- Many players report bugs, particularly with achievements not unlocking properly, which detracts from the overall experience.
- Some reviewers feel the game lacks depth and variety, making it feel repetitive after a few runs.
- graphics8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a stylized retro aesthetic reminiscent of PS1 and VHS styles, which effectively enhances the overall mood and nostalgia for players. Reviewers appreciate the smooth performance and the unique visual presentation, often noting that it complements the gameplay experience well, despite some wishing for more content. Overall, the graphics receive positive feedback, with many players enjoying the artistic direction and simplicity.
“The stylised 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.”
“Usual PSX/VHS style graphics, moody atmosphere, simple enough controls; I used a wired Xbox controller.”
“Wasn't scary at all but I dig the graphics and idea.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for lacking satisfying mechanics and a sense of accomplishment, leading to a feeling of monotony. While the core mechanics function adequately, players desire more events and interactions to enhance the experience, as the current gameplay is limited and offers minimal impact on outcomes. Additionally, the game's short duration and high cost have left some players feeling underwhelmed.
“Everything already works as it is; no need to polish the gameplay itself, it just needs a lot more events and interactions.”
“I wish the game was much longer, and player actions can make a difference to the gameplay. Right now, it has very limited rules-based outcomes for the purpose of arriving at the few available endings.”
“Gameplay impressions: https://youtu.”
“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 could make a difference to the gameplay; right now it has very limited rules-based outcomes for the purpose of arriving at the few available endings.”
“-bit expensive for less than an hour of gameplay.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative 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 offers an engaging experience that encourages multiple playthroughs to uncover more of the story, some reviewers question its overall value compared to other options.
“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
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is described as creepy and immersive, enhanced by PSX/VHS style graphics that contribute to a moody environment. Players appreciate the eerie countryside setting and the unsettling events that unfold while navigating as a bus driver, creating a compelling and engaging experience.
“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 it feels outdated and lacks depth.”
“While the atmosphere tries to be immersive, it ultimately falls flat and feels uninspired.”
“The game's atmosphere is overshadowed by its simplistic design, leaving little to engage the player.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative 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
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative 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 numerous glitches that completely broke my gameplay.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players highlight that the game offers significant replayability, encouraging multiple playthroughs due to its engaging content and varied experiences.
“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.”
“Replayability is lacking; once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to return.”
“The game offers minimal variations in gameplay, making it feel repetitive after the first playthrough.”
“While the story is engaging, the lack of different endings or choices severely limits replayability.”
