As a person who travels throughout the world to ride different trains, different buses, different planes, when I’m not traveling, I look to simulators.
For buses, I’ve tried many bus simulation games but the definitive bus simulator happens to be an old, janky, 32-bit 2013 abandoned software (by its developers) and has continued to thrive thanks to its community who create DLCs via freeware and payware.
“OMSI 2” is not a simulator to recommend to those who want to run things off the bat. It requires using a 4GB patch to update, requires customization on settings, requires patience as the game has long load and wait times.
While older games like “Train Simulator Classic” which also has a large dedicated community and a ton of DLCs, at least the developer was able to give it the 64-bit treatment a decade after its release. In the case of “OMSI 2”, anyone hoping the original developers will extend each other peace and joy and update the core to 64-bit kind of expected, it will never happen. Thankfully, we have many DLCs from 2013 to the present.
For today’s review, I am reviewing Omsi 2 – The Lancsbus Omnidecker DLC from Masterswitch Studios. Maker of the “Masterbus Gen 3 Pack” and the “Masterbus Veiling Pack”.
***This is a bus DLC not a map DLC.
****This is a bus with doors on the left size!!! So, use maps in which the stops are on the left side, and you are driving on the left lane primarily.
WHAT IS THE LANCSBUS OMNIDECKER?
The East Lancs OmniDekka is a double decker bus built by East Lancashire Coachbuilders (based in Blackburn, Lancashire, England) on a range of Scania (Swedish manufacturer of heavy trucks, buses and engines and is a subsidiary of Traton, which is part of the Volkswagen Group) bus chassis between 2003-2011.
The version featured on OMSI 2 from Masterswitch Studio is the 4-Series N94 Chassis build between 2002-2006. The N94 is actually an older chassis introduced by Scania back in 1997 as a replacement of the 3-Series. The N is for engine position (Scania chassis with transverse engine behind rearmost axle), the 9 is for engine displacement (ala DSC9/DC9) and the 4 is series number.
The buses included on this DLC are the the following four, non-urban spec or with urban-spec and 1DR or 2DR:
– Lancsbus Omnidecker N94UD – 10.6m (1DR / 2DR)
– Lancsbus Omnidecker N94UD – 12.0m (1DR)
U meaning Urban, Short Distance, Normal Comfort and D meaning Double Decker Bus.
For the most part, this was the double decker lowrider built for the United Kingdom. Sold as East Lancs OmniDekka, the first bus was built for Metrobus.
THE BUSES & LIVERIES:
Liveries are pretty much all white, blue or gray. The white is as plain as you get, while the blue is the better looking, with the gray incorporating the same logos as the blue but in grey tone which is pretty cool. I have to admit that I was not thrilled to see the red version or more different color liveries omitted. London Scania N94UD is popular! Even Orange/red and Yellow/white were popular but were not included. Fortunately, for those who are Photoshop wizards, there is a repaints folder with PSD files, so you can add your own paint colors.
If you are very particular to red doubledeckers, definitely check out Masterswitch Studio’s “Masterbus Gen 3” DLC. Granted, they are Masterdeck and not Lancsbus.
You also get SETVAR that you can easily manipulate and change to your preference. Especially the seating area, adboard, display, mirror type and many more.
Also provided are files you can do your own repaints.
GAMEPLAY:
This is what makes the Lancsbus Omnidecker a bit different from others. This one requires a triple click on the E key. But before you drive it, you will need to set the IBIS and Ticket Machine. There is also a DERIC+ and ICU400 Destination Controller (which can be set via SetVar txt). [Note: I do feel that Masterswitch should show examples for this section for those who don’t know how to set it].
And then to proceed on driving, you must hold the brake down and drive at the same time.
While for two door bus, you will need to have the power brake on to let people in/out of the back farthest door.
For the most part, this bus is a smooth drive and not difficult to operate. The PDF manual is well-written, easy to follow.
UPDATE:
The DLC received a 1.02 update and this added “Urban Spec” variants, fixed broke and added missing CTCTextures, fixed erroneous floating endcap on 12m variant, fixed floating ticket and fixed rear doors of dual door not closing when in AI mode.
JUDGEMENT CALL:
I absolutely believe that double decker buses are worth it, especially this Lancsbus Omnidecker.
It’s a not so difficult bus to utilize but as long as you get the three click starting and the brakes before you hit the gas pedal, you should be fine!
I do feel that Masterswitch Studios has done a wonderful job with this release. From the user friendly side to it, the riding portion of it and if anything, not too complicated to use.
Also, the addition of extra freebies for the more creative individuals who want to repaint/recolor/design their buses.
I just wished they would follow similar to what they do for planes on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024 and Train Simulator Class by releasing livery paint add ons as DLC. Heck, even a repaint set sold for an affordable price would be great and surprised Masterswitch hasn’t capitalized on it, so it can come close/similar (exact is probably not similar but is possible if ever sold).
And in closing, I enjoyed this DLC, great to get on sale! But I will say that for Masterswitch Studios creating the “Master Gen 3” and “Masterplus Veiling” Packs and including so much content, I would hope to see the Studio do a livery update for the “Lancsbus Omnidecker”. But not much has been done or released, so probably not happening.
May it be free via version update or even a paid DLC with many choices, the potential is always there but aside from the Likino train which continues to get updates for its release, not many developers do that for “OMSI 2”, which is a bit of a shame.
Still, you get a good selection of the 4-Series N94 chassis buses, limited to white, blue and gray but you can repaint if you have the software and knowhow. But I still hold out hope for Masterswitch Studios to do another update and add more colors based on real livery colors and design.
Last but not least, OMSI 2 DLC’s go on sale often, so if you see this on sale, definitely check this one out as well as the other two DLC releases from Masterswitch Studios. Recommended!
