Steam Free Download Is An Unexpectedly 'Relaxing' Experience

A new free demo that’s just hit Steam has been called “relaxing” by players, and it might be worth checking out.

Although Steam Next Fest is over now, that hasn’t stopped some publishers from uploading demos of their upcoming games for all to play.

And these can sometimes be the best way to find your next game purchase. If you’re able to check out a small slice of the game for free, you may be more likely to know whether you’ll like it or not.

Bus Bound from stillalive studios is an upcoming game that also recently received a demo for Steam Next Fest. Despite the event being over now though, the demo remains up on Steam for all to play.

It’s a driving simulation game from the same creators of the Bus Simulator series. As you can probably guess, this is a game where you drive a bus around a city, picking up passengers and making sure you’re hitting all the stops.

It’s set in a city called Emberville, which is described as “a fully simulated, densely inhabited fictional town alive with traffic systems, a dynamic day/night cycle, and multiple weather conditions. From bustling intersections to quiet neighborhoods, every area has its own rhythm, and your route helps shape its future”.

In addition to driving around the city, you’ll also be able to shape its future. This includes being able to upgrade stops, unlock new routes, and watch as each district evolves with the progression you make.

For those who enjoy multiplayer shenanigans too, Bus Bound features co-op for up to four players. Here, you’ll split off and do your own routes while simultaneously contributing to a shared goal.

Saber Interactive

What do the demo reviews say?

Bus Bound is also being received well by demo players. At the time of writing, the demo has 81% positive review score ratings on the Steam store page.

One review called the Bus Bound demo a “relaxing ride worth taking”.

Meanwhile, another review says it “feels like an improvement from their last game. Everything is more simple and textured giving a nice quality of life change. Definitely feel more like the 2018 game which I personally think is much better than 2021”.

“I do have to say they made it interesting because for one, the driving itself is smooth which already makes it outshine some other car sim games,” reads a third review.

“And there is actual meaning in following the street signs and driving rules, as your passengers will punish you with a lower rating which affects you upgrading the map, which in turn affects what buses you can have etc. This always irked me in other car sims, I could go over red anytime and all I would get is a ‘don't do that’ message.”

Overall, it sounds like the players are really enjoying Bus Bound’s demo. There’s no release date for the full game yet, though Saber Interactive estimates it should be ready for a 2026 release.