Do you remember the feeling of the last day of school? The sun on your face, the promise of endless adventure, and the joy of a brand-new backpack? Lugn Games is bottling that exact feeling and releasing it on March 26, 2026. Get ready to set sail for the charming island of Kioku: Last Summer, a cozy, story-driven adventure that blends the serene aesthetics of Scandinavia with the mystical charm of Japan.
If you are a fan of games like Summer in Mara, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure or Studio Ghibli-esque coming-of-age tales, you’ll want to add this to your Steam wishlist. You can even try out the demo now to get a head start on Summer.
Welcome to Kioku
Step off the ferry and onto the shores of Kioku, this charming, isolated island sits about forty-five minutes from the mainland, but it feels like a world entirely of its own. The developers at Lugn Games describe Kioku as a “Japandi” paradise—a seamless and magical blend of Scandinavian tranquillity and Japanese mystery. Think cozy wooden cottages with turf roofs nestled beside elegant torii gates, all framed by the rugged, nature-rich landscapes of the Nordic wilderness.
The peaceful atmosphere encourages lazy bike rides through lush groves, while the rich history, filled with folklore and myth, promises that something extraordinary lies just around the next bend. There’s a tangible sense of nostalgia here, a whisper of childhood summers past that lingers in the air and tugs at your curiosity.
An Unforgettable Summer
You play as Asti, a lively and curious girl who has just moved to the remote island of Kioku with her father. It’s her first day at a new school, which also happens to be the last day before summer vacation. The story progresses day-by-day. As you complete main quests, new side stories unlock, ensuring the island feels alive and ever-changing.
You’ll meet a cast of unforgettable locals, but the heart of the story lies with three other kids who will shape Asti’s summer. There’s Ton, the reserved and anxious planner who always needs to be thoroughly prepared for any situation. Then there’s Lyra, the clever journalist-in-training who loves apples and gossip in equal measure, bringing her level-headed curiosity to every conversation. And finally, there’s Bo, the energetic wild child who values friendship above all else and claims to know every shortcut on the island… yet he remains distant and unfriendly toward Asti from the moment she arrives.
As summer continues, Asti struggles to understand Bo’s cold behaviour, and the tension threatens to cast a shadow over what should be the best summer ever. Without spoiling the heartwarming narrative that unfolds, Bo’s actions stem from feeling threatened by the new girl—he worries she might change the group dynamic and ruin the perfect summer he’s always dreamed of. It’s a tale of misunderstanding, vulnerability, and the kind of deep friendships that shape the rest of your life, reminding us that even the most guarded hearts can open up with a little patience and understanding.
Relaxing Minigames
Marubï
Marubï is a minigame-within-the-game inspired by classic 2000s trends like Beyblade, Pokémon, and B-Daman. Each Marubi marble represents a unique monster with its own attributes and stats, offering strategy and collection. You open packs, build a team, and challenge the locals.
Crab Fishing
For a more laid-back activity, grab a line and go crab fishing. You can catch and collect various types of crabs along the shore. Some are common, but others are incredibly rare. Keep an eye out for the mysterious “Crab Pots” —the local fisherman has been searching for them, and trading these pots will earn you special items for future quests.
Explore This Tranquil Paradise
Kioku’s unique geography is an open invitation to wander. Whether you’re pedalling through the quaint and bustling streets of the town, casting a line off the sun-drenched pier, or cutting through the halls of the local school on a dare, every location feels alive with possibility. The world expands as you do, revealing forest trails that wind into deep, shaded woods and mountain paths that climb toward the sky. You might stumble upon Jodd’s Apple Farm, its orchards heavy with fruit, or catch a glimpse of Murt’s Island rising from the water, just waiting to be explored.
And for those who follow their curiosity off the beaten path, the island holds its deepest secrets close. An overgrown trail might lead you to the base of Mt. Tin, its peak offering a breathtaking view of the entire island and the sea beyond. Or perhaps you’ll discover the most enigmatic location of all: a mysterious, ancient shrine hidden within the forest, a place where the blend of Scandinavian and Japanese mythology feels most potent. In Kioku, the world is packed with detail and wonder, inviting you to run, skip, and uncover its magic at your own pace. Who knows what you might stumble upon?
Kioku: Last Summer
Kioku: Last Summer invites you to a vibrant island as Asti, a young girl exploring her first summer in a new home. Uncover mysteries, forge friendships, and relive the magic of summer as a child in this charming adventure! Ride your bike, wander off the path, and let the days unfold at your own pace. There are secrets tucked everywhere, and the best moments usually happen when you’re not rushing.
Kioku: Last Summer is scheduled to launch on March 26, 2026, on PC.
