Fruitbus

A lot of the issues I outlined and other big stoppages I ran into could be ironed out with time focused to careful playtesting. I think that another couple of months, and Fruitbus would have been closer to where it needs to be. But barring a last-minute stomp on the brakes, this is how it’s launching. I really, really wanted to love Fruitbus, but I can only review how it was served to me.

Fruitbus costs a very reasonable $20, which is good considering you’ll get anywhere between 10 and 20 hours out of your playthrough. It’s a very sweet game with such a relaxing experience that you’re going to enjoy like I did. You just need to look past the movement animations and you’ll be fine.

A heartfelt cooking adventure that too often trades cozy fun for frustrating chores

Fruitbus could easily fall into the category of a cozy game, but it's so much more than that. The storytelling and scaling create an engaging timeline that walks the player through a fascinating story all while maintaining the principles of a standard cozy game.

Absolutely filled with some charming characters and a cozy feel, but lacking the management sim gameplay and performance consistency to back it up

Krillbite Studio delivers with Fruitbus a relaxed, colourful and direct experience built around cooking, upgrading your vehicle and helping the inhabitants of each island. It does not aim for great depth, but it entertains with charm and personality for several hours.

The only reason I gave Fruitbus a Thumb Culture Gold Award last time was because of how aggravating it was having to rebuy a shovel over and over again. I’m a console girl at heart so maybe that was why I enjoyed Fruitbus even more this time around? It was so much fun getting back into my little bus and meeting all the NPCs again. Because of the improvements the dev has made, it seems only right that this time Fruitbus receives the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.

Fruitbus deserves great praise for its adorable graphics, heartfelt story, and relaxing yet entertaining gameplay. However, it should have baked in the oven a little longer while working out its oodles of glitches that frequently take away from the lighthearted fun. 🍌

Alas, there is so much more to the world of Fruitbus beyond fulfilling demanding orders from customers. Every character has their own daily routines, preoccupations, and goals. Disrupting their lives with your whimsical food truck also entails listening to their problems, hopefully forging bonds with them in the process. By the end, you will likely even have favorites among the charming cast.

Visually, Fruitbus is a feast for the eyes, featuring adorable characters and charming landscapes that enrich the overall experience. The captivating graphics drew me in immediately, setting a memorable stage for this heartwarming tale of family and friendship. Despite its endearing qualities, Fruitbus feels like a work in progress. There’s potential for future updates to refine the experience, but as it currently stands, the game would benefit from immediate fixes to unlock its full charm.