My Summer Car is a unique and chaotic car-building simulator set in 1990s rural Finland, blending detailed vehicle mechanics with open-world survival elements. Among the many immersive and quirky features in the game, one particularly nostalgic detail stands out: the in-game teletext system. This simulated version of analog teletext brings an extra layer of realism and humor to the game, reflecting the cultural context of the era and providing players with updates, ads, weather, and more. While seemingly minor, the My Summer Car teletext system has earned a special place in the hearts of fans for its blend of retro charm and functional design.
What Is Teletext in My Summer Car?
Teletext, also known as videotex, was a real-life service that delivered textual information over television broadcasts before the age of the internet. In My Summer Car, the teletext feature can be accessed through the in-game television. It mimics the format and style of 90s-era Finnish teletext, complete with pixelated text, minimal graphics, and page navigation using number keys.
Though not required for progress, the teletext offers players a fun and thematic way to gather information about the in-game world. It’s a subtle detail that adds depth to the setting, making the fictional version of 1990s Finland feel more alive and culturally specific.
Where to Access the Teletext
To access the teletext in My Summer Car, follow these steps:
- Go to the player’s home and find the television in the living room area.
- Turn on the TV using the switch.
- Once a channel loads, press the appropriate key to enter teletext mode (typically a number pad key or TV remote control if mods are involved).
Once in teletext mode, players can input three-digit numbers to navigate to different teletext pages, each offering specific information or humorous content.
Common Pages Found in My Summer Car Teletext
The teletext system in My Summer Car is full of Easter eggs, parody pages, and references to real-life Finnish culture. While content can vary, here are some of the more commonly viewed or remembered teletext pages:
Page 100 Front Page
This is the main landing page of the teletext system. It typically displays a welcome message, news headlines (fictional), and instructions for navigating the other pages.
Page 101 News Headlines
Fictional headlines ranging from absurd events to quirky jokes that reference life in the countryside. These topics often change between game updates and include satire aimed at Finnish news style and small-town life.
Page 200 Weather Forecast
A basic weather forecast is sometimes shown, which may or may not reflect actual in-game conditions. While not essential to gameplay, it adds a fun detail and encourages immersion for those living the full summer experience.
Page 300 TV Guide
This section lists fictional TV shows and schedules, often with hilarious names or parodies of real programs. The shows themselves aren’t watchable, but the teletext guide sells the illusion of a functioning world.
Page 404 Joke or Glitch Page
In classic internet and teletext fashion, this page may serve as a humorous not found message or an inside joke from the developers. Expect strange symbols, nonsense text, or references only veteran players would understand.
Page 500+ Classifieds or Ads
Fake product listings, job ads, or community event announcements add more flavor to the setting. These are often exaggerated or written in broken English, enhancing the game’s rough charm and comedic tone.
Why the Teletext Feature Matters
Although not a core gameplay mechanic, the teletext system contributes significantly to the worldbuilding and atmosphere in My Summer Car. It accomplishes several goals:
- Immersion: Players feel like they’re in a real 1990s Finnish home, complete with period-accurate tech.
- Humor: The absurd news and satire reflect the game’s chaotic, tongue-in-cheek style.
- Cultural depth: It reinforces the game’s setting by using something specific to the time and place.
- Exploration incentive: Adds a reason to interact with otherwise decorative items like the television.
Many simulation games aim for realism, but My Summer Car achieves something more unique it builds a personality-rich, flawed, and deeply specific world. Teletext is part of that accomplishment.
Developer’s Touch and Humor
The game’s solo developer, Johannes Rojola (also known as ToplessGun), is known for blending humor, authenticity, and intentional jankiness into his work. The teletext system is a perfect example of this philosophy. Rather than serving a crucial gameplay purpose, it exists to provide texture, flavor, and a dose of absurdity.
Many of the teletext pages include broken Finnish-English, bizarre plotlines, or text alignment errors all intentional. They reflect not only the limitations of actual teletext systems but also Rojola’s signature style of lovingly chaotic game design.
Mods and Community Enhancements
Like many features in My Summer Car, the teletext system has attracted attention from the modding community. Some mods attempt to expand or customize the content of the in-game teletext, including:
- Custom teletext page loaders with updated headlines
- Additional functional TV channels with interactive content
- Fan-made joke teletext pages or cultural references
These mods extend the fun and allow creative players to inject even more personality into an already vibrant and unfiltered sandbox experience.
Fun Ways to Use Teletext in Your Playthrough
If you’re playing My Summer Car and want to fully enjoy the teletext system, here are some playful ideas:
- Start each in-game day by checking the news via page 101.
- Host a fictional TV viewing party by reading through the TV guide and imagining what shows might look like.
- Use classified ads for roleplay purposes pretend you’re responding to one of the absurd listings.
- Screenshot the funniest teletext pages you find and share them with the community.
It’s all part of embracing the game’s blend of freedom, dysfunction, and offbeat humor.
The teletext system in My Summer Car might seem like a small detail, but it plays a significant role in enriching the game’s atmosphere and nostalgic authenticity. It mirrors a real-world technology that was once central to daily life and brings that era into the game in a quirky, irreverent way. From fake news to imaginary weather reports, My Summer Car teletext is both a tribute to the past and a tool for player amusement. Whether you’re a first-time player or a longtime fan, taking a few moments to explore the virtual teletext adds a new layer to your unforgettable, unpredictable summer adventure in the Finnish countryside.