Before diving into Crescent County, an early version of the game had me skeptical about the concept of a motorized magical broomstick feeling authentic. Yet, there I was, soaring through the lush landscapes of the Isle of Morah, tracing flower paths that hinted at hidden shortcuts across this expansive world. It’s the kind of vehicle that feels like it shouldn’t work—but as I activated a leyline-induced burst of speed and my controller vibrated in response, it all just clicked.
Crescent County is the ambitious debut from Electric Saint, a dynamic duo composed of Anna Hollinrake (known for her work on Fall Guys) and Pavle Mihajlović (of Erica fame). This game weaves together elements of open-world exploration, dating mechanics, a gig economy delivery system, racing, and life simulation—all revolving around the motorbroom experience. With so much going on, you might think it started with a mishmash of mechanics, but its inception was surprisingly straightforward.
The roots of this unique project can be traced back to Hollinrake’s passion for “witch-tech” art—a captivating blend she’s been developing for years, which has captured the imagination of many. Leaving behind the constraints of AAA game development, she teamed up with Mihajlović to bring their vibrant visions to life, choosing a singular world that resonated with them both.
The acclaim Hollinrake’s artwork received at conventions and online echoed the same sentiment: fans wished they could immerse themselves in her creations. “As someone who’s worked across game art pipelines, my specialty lies in crafting worlds that feel alive and narrative-rich,” Hollinrake shares. She hopes Crescent County offers players an opportunity to step into a space that exudes joy with a tinge of melancholy—a world where they feel truly at home.
This vision imbues Crescent County with seamless cohesion; it isn’t just a collection of game mechanics tossed into a sandbox. Decisions in the game are made to enhance its overarching theme. As Lu, the protagonist, you arrive on the island with your trusty motorbroom, entering a race that leads to you becoming the local delivery person. This role sets you up to meet various islanders, each relationship offering layers of depth and romance. Through these connections, you can furnish your apartment and customize your broom to explore faster and further. Here, motorbrooms aren’t just vehicles—they’re a lifestyle.
Hollinrake explains that motorbroom racing takes inspiration from communities like roller derby. “It’s fueled by that DIY punk vibe,” she explains, “where small groups of the coolest people race each other up mountains, not for accolades but for the thrill and camaraderie.” Mihajlović adds that these casual competitions reveal island secrets or even lead to upgrades for your broom—providing a chance to bond further when tactics aren’t the only strategy in play.
Crescent County interlinks every activity to shape your life on the island. It’s about creating an even playing field where a race might spark romance, or where delivering packages unlocks new decorations for your space. Enhancing your home isn’t purely about aesthetics—it plays into your broader journey.
Hollinrake explains, “We’re reimagining classic home decoration into a narrative tool, reflecting our twenties spent in shared houses, knowing how a single piece of furniture can elevate your social status or comfort. Without a dinner table, there’s no dinner party, and without a TV, it’s hard to host movie nights.”
The game delivers a refreshing loop of rewards where player engagement breeds more opportunities. It’s structured around day and night cycles that respond to your choices. Whether it’s day deliveries or nocturnal races, the objective remains: pursue what piques your interest, not just what’s efficient.
Mihajlović says, “With a plethora of daily tasks, you decide who to assist—whether it’s quenching your curiosity, upgrading your broom, or helping a friend. Maybe you’ll wind up with a couch you can’t refuse.”
The craftsmanship behind Crescent County ensures the brooms glide seamlessly, and the Isle of Morah captivates with its peculiar silhouette. Hollinrake’s artwork imbues the world with intrigue, making exploration and recreational rides a delight. Broom customization introduces another layer, allowing you to modify both appearance and functionality.
“Pavle and I are wholeheartedly experimenting with customization,” says Hollinrake. “Each choice in your broom’s setup—be it for speed or agility—opens different pathways and enhances playstyles. Attach Sigil Stickers for fun perks, like phasing opponents off track or rewinding time after a poorly navigated turn.”
This blend of narrative and mechanics distinguishes Crescent County. Self-publishing through ID@Xbox has facilitated this unique venture that might not have found support in traditional studios.
Reflecting on the ID@Xbox program, Mihajlović recalls how it enabled their indie inspirations—”It provided a platform for indie games, empowering the wave of creators who inspired us.”
Though Crescent County is still in development with a release date yet to be confirmed, its early access exhibits Electric Saint’s creativity and boldness. Like its motorbrooms, Crescent County may start out feeling unfamiliar, but it’s a ride that could just feel perfect from the first launch.
Gamers can look forward to Crescent County on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. It’s available for wishlisting now.
