Tourist Bus Simulator - MAN Lion's Intercity is a simulation game that puts you in the driver's seat of a bus company on the scenic island of Fuerteventura. This PC title combines detailed driving mechanics with business management, letting you handle everything from picking up passengers to expanding your operations. With the addition of the MAN Lion's Intercity buses in three distinct versions, the game emphasizes realistic short-distance travel across relatively even terrain, complete with interactive cockpits and functional vehicle systems.
Gameplay
In this simulation, you start by founding your own bus company and gradually build it up through an economy system. Core activities involve driving buses along routes, transporting passengers who board and leave freely, and managing your fleet. Vehicle care includes maintenance, refuelling, repairs, and using either your own workshop or external services. You also handle personnel by recruiting drivers, guides, and mechanics, while dealing with insurances, spare parts, and employee support like providing flats or access to gyms and beaches.
The MAN Lion's Intercity addition enhances gameplay with its R60, R61, and R62 variants, each equipped with a 4-gear automatic transmission and torque converter for quick acceleration. Interactive elements in the cockpit include reactive dashboard displays showing speed and departure readiness, a stop brake with start-up interlock, navigation via driver monitor, rearview camera, lifting system, wipers, door locks, usable driver windows, and sun shield. Controls for doors, luggage compartments, and laterally opening rear doors add to the hands-on experience, alongside a full interior and exterior lighting system.
Exploration plays a key role, as the game recreates Fuerteventura at a 1:5 scale with 20 cities, beaches, various road types including unpaved tracks and serpentines, points of interest, and three harbors. You can access all areas, complete long tours in manageable time, and even find hidden stashes. A bus wash feature keeps your vehicles clean, and various levels unlock as you gain experience from orders.
Game Modes
The game operates in single-player format, with options centered around different types of bus services. Scheduled routes focus on transporting passengers across the island on fixed paths. Hotel shuttles involve ferrying guests from the airport to hotels and back, requiring timely pickups and drops.
Sightseeing tours allow for custom arrangements tailored to hotel needs, where you design and execute tours to showcase the island's attractions. Freeplay mode lets you select your own route, bus, and weather conditions for a more personalized session without strict objectives.
Features and Mechanics
Beyond driving, the simulation includes a range of mechanics like depot expansion and purchasing personal apartments or estates. Vehicles in the base lineup feature models such as the MAN Lion's Coach and Lion's Coach C in different sizes, plus off-road and service options. The MAN Lion's Intercity integrates seamlessly, offering repaint options through community tools for customization.
Realistic elements extend to weather effects and a detailed environment powered by a capable engine, ensuring varied driving conditions. Passengers interact dynamically, and you manage catering, WIFI, and other amenities to keep operations running smoothly.
Is It Worth Playing?
For those who enjoy in-depth simulation games with a mix of driving and management, this title offers a solid experience in building a transportation business. Player reception shows mixed overall reviews with 63% positive out of 2,449 total, though recent feedback from the last 30 days is mostly negative at 35% positive based on 14 reviews.
The game receives regular updates, maintaining its content with achievements and community support. If you prefer relaxed gameplay focused on logistics and exploration without competitive elements, it could suit your style, especially with the added bus variants for variety. However, those seeking fast-paced action might find the pace too methodical.
