My Summer Car

Ever wanted to build a car from scratch and live out a gritty, nostalgic summer in the Finnish countryside? That’s exactly what My Summer Car offers a unique blend of hands on mechanics, survival, and open world exploration set in the 1990s. It’s not just a game about cars; it’s a slice of life simulator where every nut, bolt, and beer matters.

You start with a garage full of parts and a whole lot of ambition. Piece by piece, you assemble your ride, troubleshooting everything from the engine to the electrical system. But it’s not all wrenches and grease you’ve got to take care of yourself, too. Eat, drink, sleep, and yes, even hit the sauna to keep your character in good shape. Because if you pass out from exhaustion or hunger, that car isn’t going to build itself.

Once your car is roadworthy, the real fun begins. The driving feels surprisingly authentic, with engine sounds, physics, and handling that mimic real life. And if you crash? Well, better have your toolbox ready. But cars aren’t your only option you can also hop into a tractor, a van, or even a boat to help with errands or explore the game’s surprisingly large map.

Money doesn’t grow on trees in rural Finland, so you’ll need to take on odd jobs like delivering newspapers or chopping wood to afford gas, food, and spare parts. And if you’re feeling competitive, you can even tune your car for rally racing and put your driving skills to the test.

Time flies in My Summer Car literally. One in game minute passes in just five real world seconds, meaning a full day cycles by in about two hours. This makes planning your activities essential, especially when night falls and visibility drops.

Oh, and try not to break the law. If you do, you might end up in jail. But here’s a pro tip: if you manage to escape, your sentence pauses though the cops will be on the lookout for you afterward. It’s just one of the many ways the game keeps you on your toes.

You can grab My Summer Car on Steam for a one time purchase of $7.99. It’s not free, but it’s a steal for the amount of content and replayability it offers. Even if the game eventually gets delisted, if you’ve backed up your files, you can keep enjoying this quirky gem offline for years to come.