In an exciting announcement from the Finnish gaming industry, independent developer Lohkare Games Oy has revealed their ambitious new title “Last Drop,” a game that promises to transport players back to the raw and authentic atmosphere of 1994 Finland.
Set in the fictional city of Nykylä, Last Drop distinguishes itself through its unique narrative approach, blending dark humor with gritty storytelling. The game’s story centers around the character Seppo Sahtivaara (nicknamed Zeze) and explores profound themes including friendship, addiction, and redemption. Drawing inspiration from Finnish culture and the iconic action movies of the 1980s and 90s, the game features a cast of memorable characters including Rahikainen and Kuikka.
Henri Koskinen, CEO and Founder of Lohkare Games Oy, emphasizes the game’s storytelling focus: “I just wanted to tell a story, and using games as a medium is the perfect way.” The development team’s dedication to authenticity has earned praise, with Koskinen noting that many have observed, “This game is Finland”.
Last Drop presents itself as an ambitious open-world action game with RPG elements, built on the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 platform. Players will navigate through intricately designed environments, experiencing the game’s story through professional voice acting that brings its characters vividly to life. The gameplay loop involves various activities, from hustling for survival to collecting vehicles, all while fighting to establish your reputation in the city’s hierarchy.
What makes the development of Last Drop particularly noteworthy is its unique collaborative approach to game development. The project has benefited from the contributions of over 90 interns and thesis project participants from leading Finnish educational institutions, including JAMK, Metropolia, and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences. These talented individuals have collectively invested an impressive 40,000 work hours into the game’s development.
The project’s grassroots nature is further highlighted by the fact that 32,000 of these development hours were completed through unpaid internships. The team’s dedication and vision were recognized with a 25,000 euro grant from the Digidemo Avek fund in 2021, representing the project’s only external funding to date.
With its combination of authentic storytelling, modern gaming technology, and deep Finnish cultural roots, Last Drop appears poised to offer players a unique gaming experience that goes beyond traditional action-adventure titles. The game’s commitment to raw storytelling and cultural authenticity, coupled with its impressive technical foundation, suggests that players can look forward to an immersive journey through a meticulously crafted slice of 1990s Finland.
