OMSI 2 Add-on City Bus O305 is a bus simulation game for PC that adds the historic Mercedes-Benz O305 city bus to the OMSI 2 environment. The add-on focuses on authentic driving of this German standard bus from the 1970s and 1980s, including the option to operate it with manual transmission in dense traffic. It recreates period-accurate details such as route signage, interior controls, and environmental interactions that reflect real-world omnibus operations of the era.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on operating the O305 along scheduled routes while managing vehicle systems and passenger requests. Drivers select between automatic and manual transmission, with the latter requiring gear changes that affect acceleration and engine behavior in city conditions. Weather influences starting performance, and battery state plays a role in reliable ignition. Buses accumulate dirt over time based on usage and road conditions, adding to the maintenance simulation.
Interior and exterior lighting options include driving lights, cabin illumination, instrument panel glow, and ventilation controls such as windows and roof hatches. Heating systems respond to temperature needs, while a stop request button produces the characteristic chime when passengers signal for the next halt. Door mechanisms offer multiple control modes, and the rollsign displays correct destinations for each line. Sound design captures engine notes, gear shifts, and ambient city noise with attention to the mechanical character of older diesel and trial propulsion units.
Game Modes
Route driving forms the primary activity. One established service places the bus on line 92 through the Spandau district, handling typical urban stops and traffic patterns. The fictional Neuendorf setting expands options with five distinct lines that cover both central streets and quieter suburban stretches. Morning shifts transport workers to industrial sites such as the Böttcherwerk, while evening runs return staff home, creating varied schedules within the same map.
Players can focus on compact city-center loops or opt for longer suburban segments that emphasize steady cruising over frequent stops. The Neuendorf network supports independent exploration of its medium-sized layout, allowing repeated runs on chosen lines to refine timing and handling skills.
The City Bus O305 Variants
Three distinct liveries and configurations represent different production years and experimental uses. The Berlin version from 1984 matches vehicles delivered to the local transport authority in a batch of forty units. A 1985 series incorporates trial propulsion systems, including methanol power before conversion back to diesel, and remained in service until the early 2000s. The third variant draws from typical 1970s and 1980s municipal fleets with ivory paint and red leatherette seating, suitable for smaller towns without a direct real-world match.
- MB E2H84 Berlin model with period-accurate fleet markings
- MB E2H85 experimental propulsion version later refitted with diesel
- Standardbus 1977 representing widespread municipal use
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback highlights the accurate recreation of older bus mechanics and the satisfaction of manual gear shifting in traffic. The add-on appeals to those interested in classic German public transport history and detailed vehicle operation rather than high-speed action. It remains available as a standalone expansion that integrates directly with the base OMSI 2 simulation, providing focused content for route enthusiasts. Those who enjoy methodical driving, system management, and period vehicles will find consistent value in its routes and bus models.
