When I first got my hands on an early version of Crescent County, I never imagined that a motorized broomstick could feel so natural within a game. Yet, here I find myself, deftly navigating wide arcs through the lazy, swaying grasslands of the Isle of Morah. I search for the perfect little hill to soar from and follow trails of blooms to discover shortcuts across this open-world wonder. Although it sounds outlandishly whimsical, as the leyline-powered boost sends a tingling rumble through my controller, I start to muse, “Perhaps it’s not that far-fetched.”
Crescent County marks the debut from Electric Saint, a small yet dynamic duo comprising Anna Hollinrake, known for her work on Fall Guys, and Pavle Mihajlović, who contributed to Erica. This game is a fascinating mix: part open-world exploration, part dating sim, part gig economy with a twist of racing, with life simulation elements thrown in for good measure—all rotating around the quirky thrill of broom racing. It’s a bold vision that, given its complexity, you’d expect to be constructed from scattered parts. But interestingly enough, its genesis was surprisingly straightforward.
For years, Hollinrake has been captivating a niche audience with her “witch-tech” artistry, a bright splash of curiosity and charm. Deciding to step away from AAA game development, she teamed up with Mihajlović, an ideal partner to breathe life into their shared vision within a unique setting.
“As I exhibit my art at conventions or share it online, the common feedback is that people wish they could inhabit the worlds I depict,” Hollinrake explains. “I’m an art generalist, adept across the art pipeline, though I specialize in crafting worlds with richer layers and hints of stories. I yearn to offer people a tangible step into these beautifully painted realms, balancing joy with a touch of melancholy, so they feel warmly at home.”
Crescent County hasn’t been pieced together from mechanical whims or indulgent themes. Instead, every feature fits snugly within its thematic tapestry. Even at this stage, the connection is palpable. As Lu, the main character, your motorbroom is your essential tool, guiding you through races and a gig as the island’s deliverer, introducing you to characters but it’s not just a job; it’s an opportunity to invest in furniture for your apartment and customize your broom for speedier gameplay. In this realm, a motorbroom is more than transport—it’s a way of life.
“Motorbroom racing is a niche passion, embraced by only the coolest circles,” Hollinrake tells us. “It’s an ode to roller derby and the skating community. Being a quad skater myself, I wanted to capture that punk, entrepreneurial spirit.”
“In racing terms, it’s less about grand competitions and more about friendly challenges,” adds Mihajlović. “These are playful races like racing up a hill rather than standing crowds. Winning might land you juicy island secrets or a tip-off for a coveted broom part. Or, perhaps you’ll spend the time deepening a crush,” he chuckles.
Crescent County artfully twists each activity to influence another, creating a living tapestry that binds racing adventures with relational threads. Building Lu’s life on the island is consequential—a single race can spark romance, a courier task might spruce up your home, and even mundane tasks ripple through the wider game environment.
“We aim to evolve classic home decor elements into something narratively enriching,” Hollinrake elaborates. “You might earn a couch from a favor, and that piece shapes your home and social interactions, reminiscent of our youthful house-share escapades. Each item can shift your social life—dinner parties need tables, and conversations linger late into the night over foul spaghetti.”
The game promises a satisfying perpetual loop—the more Lu mingles and participates, the broader the horizons. Crescent County thrives on its lifelike ecosystem, with days and nights crafted from your decisions, not a rigid timeline, pushing you toward curiosity over efficiency.
“Days are packed with ways to earn, embellish your flat, and gossip with locals,” mentions Mihajlović. “You’re choosing whose needs to prioritize, whether it’s for insider info, a brush-up on broom enhancements, or fulfilling a friend’s quirky request. Every decision from hustling for an ugly couch to casual island rides feeds back into your unfolding story. By day’s end, your quirky home additions host spirited gatherings, situating you firmly in this new world.”
What binds this world together is an inviting landscape and brooms that feel exceptionally engaging to handle. Hollinrake’s artistic fingerprints are apparent, with captivating, silhouetted vistas that tease exploration. It’s all about crafting a broom that reflects your style.
“Motorbroom customization lets you tweak both aesthetics and navigation,” says Mihajlović. “Whether you’re streaking across plains or gliding over canyons, configurations offer new routes and playstyles. Sigil Stickers can imbue wild powers, from a swift lateral shift bumping foes, to a forgiving rewind for those tricky turns.”
By skillfully intertwining mechanics with narrative depth, Electric Saint has crafted something truly noteworthy. It’s the kind of innovative project that past studios might’ve struggled to greenlight, making self-publishing via ID@Xbox a tremendous asset.
“We adore the ID@Xbox initiative,” says Mihajlović. “It nurtured countless games we cherish. Remember the first Summer of Arcade? It was riveting as a teen seeing indie games on console. Now, I’m thrilled to contribute to that legacy.”
Though still early in development, Crescent County showcases Electric Saint’s daring and whimsical spirit. Like their motorbrooms, the game’s charm might be unconventional, but it’s shaping up splendidly.
Crescent County will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Don’t miss out; you can add it to your wishlist today.
