Thank You Bus Driver Reviews
“Thank You Bus Driver” is one of those small games that takes a quirky idea and runs with it to its logical conclusion. The driving mechanics are satisfying, the character designs are charming, and managing passengers leads to some pretty funny situations. However, the lack of variety and shallow progression mean that the novelty wears off sooner than one would like.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The game isn’t particularly deep. It feels more like an arcade game. And it works. There isn’t a story, but for Double Fine’s first game since becoming independent from Microsoft, this is a perfect way to get back into the game. If you are a fan of Crazy Taxi, you’ll enjoy Thank You Bus Driver.
Thank You Bus Driver is a fun and chaotic little driving game that combines driving with keeping an eye on passengers, leading to some very funny situations. Its artistic style and humor make it worth a try, although the single setting, the controls that could use some improvement, and the unlockables that don't add much variety limit its appeal.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
This is an addictive, short, chaotic ride worth going on. It’s satisfying and honestly so much fun, especially with the crazy driving you can do alone. I had more fun running over and into things and watching all of the insanity that followed. It’s a great game to throw on and decompress to.
Capturing the creative freedom of Double Fine's independence, Thank You Bus Driver delivers a genuinely funny, fast-paced arcade loop driven by responsive handling and cartoon chaos. Even though stiff passenger-management controls, busy visuals, and an exasperatingly looping soundtrack hold it back from greatness, this budget-priced title remains a delightfully unhinged trip.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Thank You Bus Driver delivers a quirky, charming spin on arcade driving with satisfying bus handling, chaotic passenger management, and an inventive 1950s cartoon aesthetic.
I was quietly hoping that Thank You Bus Driver would turn out to be one of the dark horses of this year’s indie gaming scene. Especially since it was developed by the legendary Double Fine Productions, the studio responsible for classics like the excellent Psychonauts and Brütal Legend, as well as the more recent, definitely noteworthy Keeper. Unfortunately, my hopes were quickly dashed by reality. What we got was a boring, monotonous, and painfully repetitive game, though it undoubtedly has its own artistic character and a good dose of charm. That doesn’t mean, however, that Thank You Bus Driver is a complete failure. It’s more of a short, disappointing experience that, despite its numerous flaws, can provide some pretty enjoyable entertainment for a little while. Some will certainly be amused by its absurd humor as well. What’s more, I’d even go so far as to say that it’s worth giving this game a chance, if only because of its ridiculously low price.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Thank You Bus Driver took me a little bit to get the hang of, but once I got going, I actually had quite a bit of fun. While part of me wishes there were different maps, I’m also kind of glad I didn’t have to memorize more locations. There’s not a whole lot to the game, but with it only being about 3 hours long, I think it’s a good bite sized game to run through.
Thank You Bus Driver is the perfect game for anyone who’s always wished Crazy Taxi were a little more laid-back, and maybe even in black and white. While it doesn’t reach the same levels of madness, this wild bus simulator puts you behind the wheel in a small but complicated city, transporting quirky 2D characters to earn “thanks,” scolding those who break the rules, and collecting power-ups to improve your performance. All of this, of course, while dealing with the inevitable repetitiveness typical of this kind of game. Sure, some of the most interesting ideas don’t work as they should, but Double Fine’s latest release is still a title we can easily recommend.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Thank You Bus Driver is primarily a successful filler, and it comes into its own in that role. The unique design, quirky characters, and fresh combination of bus driving and maintaining order clearly bear the stamp of Double Fine. The readability could be a bit better at times, and the game becomes repetitive a little too quickly. On the other hand, this is offset by the low price tag and a cool new experience. This is the kind of game you play for a quick smile between the bigger titles, and sometimes that is exactly what you are looking for in your next game.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Ultimately, Thank You, Bus Driver is not a full-fledged game in any traditional sense or price. What it actually is may be more important for them right now; an assertion of the passion and creativity that Double Fine have as a developer, no matter what the budget or timeframe. A few hours of chaotic fun delivered with signature charm; it’s more of an entertaining curio than anything else. Even so, it is small, but worthy addition to the Double Fine catalogue for fans of the studio and hopefully – a good sign of things to come.
Thank You Bus Driver is another charming game from Double Fine. The studio wasted no time showing that it will continue to put out smaller games that are highly enjoyable and unique in the current gaming landscape. It's a bit repetitive, but it has a charming art style and gameplay that demands you to be attentive to what's both in front and behind you at all times. For how cheap it is, these are the kind of titles that should be appreciated in a time where prices are rising and everything feels rather samey.
Thank You Bus Driver is a $5 run-based transit sim where you slap unruly passengers to keep the peace. Packed with Double Fine's humor, striking rubber-hose art, and chaotic replayability, it's a snack-sized gem.
Thank You Bus Driver features a decent amount of content for what the game is, and I can't imagine the map holding most people's attention much longer anyway, but I still lean toward recommending the game. It can be aggravating, and the presentation can make focusing harder than it needs to be, but it is still a game that's as unique and interesting as it is funny. All of that makes it easier to overlook some of its design quirks, but it still depends on whether or not its brand of frustration speaks to you.