Car building meets survival in Finland
My Summer Car by Amistech Games blends car-building with open-world survival, offering a simulation that demands patience, skill, and attention to detail. Set in rural Finland during the summer of the mid-1990s, it challenges players to assemble and maintain a vehicle while managing everyday survival needs.
My Summer Car places players in charge of constructing the Satsuma, a car modeled after the Datsun 100A, using hundreds of individual parts. With no in-game tutorials, success comes only through trial and error, making each completed step feel rewarding. Beyond car-building, players must manage hunger, thirst, fatigue, and hygiene, adding a survival element that reinforces the game’s commitment to realism. The steep learning curve can feel punishing at first, but it creates a strong sense of accomplishment once the car finally runs.
Challenging assembly and survival mechanics
Immersive driving and open-world atmosphere
My Summer Car features realistic driving physics, including manual transmission and vehicle damage, which require careful handling on Finland’s dirt roads and highways. The game’s countryside setting adds depth, with opportunities to explore lakes, forests, and small-town shops while completing odd jobs to earn money. Side activities like fishing, socializing, and resource gathering expand the experience, making the world feel lived in. While the environment is not destructible and technical quirks can break immersion, the unpredictable interactions contribute to its reputation as a demanding yet rewarding simulation.
Final thoughts
My Summer Car stands out for its uncompromising realism and unique blend of mechanics. Its lack of guidance and punishing survival system may deter casual players, but those who invest the time will find a memorable experience filled with challenge and personal achievement. For fans of both vehicle simulation and survival games, it offers a rare and distinctive mix.
