Finnish independent developer Lohkare Games Oy is preparing to launch Last Drop, an open-world action game inspired by real-life stories and locations from 1990s Finland, in Steam Early Access on August 18, 2026. The game combines cinematic storytelling, hand-to-hand combat and everyday survival in a setting designed to capture the culture and atmosphere of the era.
Rather than following the familiar formula of firearm-heavy open-world games, Last Drop focuses on one-on-one fighting, financial survival, odd jobs, friendships and the unpredictable experiences of its central character, Seppo “Zeze” Sahtivaara.
Last Drop Builds an Open World Around 1990s Finland
Set in and around the fictional Finnish city of Nykylä, Last Drop places players in the role of Zeze, an aspiring writer trying to navigate a difficult life where money is scarce and disagreements can quickly turn into fistfights.
The game’s locations are closely inspired by real places in Finland, including forests, lakes, country roads, towns and urban areas.
Lohkare Games has also designed the world around a daily schedule. Shops open and close depending on the time, while weather conditions change naturally as players explore.
Many of the game’s unusual characters and encounters are based on stories and events that the developers say have roots in real life, giving the fictional setting a connection to their experiences growing up in Finland.
“We didn’t want to create another generic open-world game,” said Henri, Founder & CEO of Lohkare Games Oy. “We wanted to capture a time and place where we grew up. Some players will laugh because it’s ridiculous. Others will laugh because they may feel like they know someone like these characters.”
Fighting Replaces Firearms as a Core Gameplay Mechanic
Combat in Last Drop takes inspiration from classic fighting games rather than conventional open-world shooters.
Players engage in skill-based one-on-one fights where timing, movement, character statistics and technique can determine the outcome. Health, Strength, Agility and Stamina can be developed as players progress.
VHS Movies Teach Zeze New Fighting Techniques
One of the game’s more unusual progression mechanics involves VHS action movies.
Instead of simply spending experience points to unlock new fighting moves, Zeze can discover and watch exaggerated action films scattered throughout the world. Watching them allows him to learn additional combat techniques.
The system connects character progression to the game’s mid-1990s setting while giving exploration another purpose beyond completing the main storyline.
Odd Jobs, Retro Cars and Saunas Shape Everyday Life
Combat represents only one part of Last Drop. Players can drive aging 1990s vehicles along country roads, travel by bicycle, work odd jobs and earn money.
They can also spend time at local pubs, visit lakeside locations and heat up a traditional Finnish sauna.
Managing Zeze is another component of the experience. Players need to keep track of their wallet, inventory and Drunkenness level while balancing everyday activities with the game’s larger narrative.
Interactions with non-player characters can also carry consequences. Players may attempt to sell moonshine to characters they encounter, while determining who can be trusted and who could become an enemy.
A Living World Extends Beyond the Main Story
The game’s open environment includes Nykylä as well as smaller towns, forests and lakes.
By giving locations their own schedules and incorporating changing weather, Lohkare Games is aiming to create a world that continues functioning while players pursue missions, explore or take part in everyday activities.
The studio describes the narrative as having a Tarantino-style approach to storytelling presented through cinematic cutscenes, while its Finnish atmosphere also draws inspiration from filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki.
Last Drop Early Access Begins August 18
Last Drop will enter Steam Early Access on August 18 with the first portion of its story available to players. Lohkare Games says additional content will arrive later as development continues.
The project is the debut game from Lohkare Games Oy, an independent Finnish studio founded by Henri, Hannes and Timo. The team brings experience in animation, filmmaking, storytelling and commercial production to the project.
By combining fighting-game mechanics, open-world activities and a setting grounded in 1990s Finnish life, Last Drop is positioning its Early Access debut around a distinctive sense of place and character rather than the conventions of a traditional action sandbox.
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