My Summer Car drops players into the Finnish countryside during the 1990s, where they must assemble and maintain a drivable car from individual parts. This detailed simulation challenges players to build a car, and to survive daily rural life with all its intricacies. Each component of the car, from the engine to the bodywork, must be manually assembled using tools and parts scattered around the garage and local shops. The game goes beyond mere mechanical assembly; players must also tend to the needs of their character, such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue, while managing financial resources to purchase car parts and other necessities.

Driving and Beyond: A True Test of Skill and Resourcefulness

Once the car is built, the adventure continues as players test their creation on the open roads across the Finnish landscape. The driving mechanics are as realistic as the assembly process, with players needing to manage fuel, deal with car wear and tear, and even tune the car for optimal performance. Beyond just cruising around, players can engage in various side jobs to earn money for car improvements and essentials. These tasks range from delivering firewood to bootlegging homemade alcohol, providing a gritty sense of realism and the challenges of countryside living.