Before diving into an early build of Crescent County, I never imagined a game would make zooming around on a magical motorized broomstick feel so perfectly intuitive. But there I was, effortlessly carving paths through the swaying grasslands of the Isle of Morah. This newfound transportation had me scouring for the perfect hills to launch off and using colorful trails of flowers as guides to hidden shortcuts. While such a whimsical concept might seem unconventional, the moment my controller hummed with a leyline boost, I found myself thinking, “This feels just right.”
Crescent County, the debut creation of the two-person team Electric Saint, comprising Anna Hollinrake (known for Fall Guys) and Pavle Mihajlović (of Erica fame), marries open-world exploration with elements of dating sims, gig economy challenge races, and life simulations—all revolving around that unorthodox motorbroom mechanic. At first glance, it might seem like a mishmash of genres, but the inspiration behind it is straightforward.
Hollinrake has dedicated years to crafting “witch-tech” art, depicting vibrant and whimsical worlds that have captivated audiences. Leaving behind a career in AAA game development, she teamed up with Mihajlović to turn this vision into an interactive experience. Their shared goal was to transport people right into the enchanting landscapes she once painted.
At conventions, when showcasing her art inspired by this mystical world, Hollinrake tells me, the most frequent feedback is people expressing a desire to step into those scenes. “I wanted to offer people the chance to inhabit a beautifully crafted, painterly world that feels both joyous and slightly melancholic, allowing them to feel at home,” she shares. By building Crescent County as a cohesive world rather than a collection of game mechanics, every feature aligns with its theme. Even in its early state, Lu, the game’s protagonist, seamlessly integrates her motorbroom into every aspect of life on the island—from racing to delivering parcels to mingling with and romancing fellow islanders, and even sprucing up her living quarters.
Motorbroom racing is not just a form of transport; it’s a lifestyle, a culture. According to Hollinrake, “It draws inspiration from the DIY spirit and camaraderie of roller derby and the skating community.” Mihajlović adds, “Races feel more like casual contests among friends rather than grand, commercial events.” Win a race, and you’ll probably stumble upon some island secrets or perhaps a tip on snagging a unique broom part. Alternatively, you might prefer to savor quiet moments with a racer you’re fond of.
Crescent County thrives on the notion that every action influences another, establishing a rich life for Lu. Races might spark romance, deliveries could bring new furnishings—small but significant upgrades to her living space that impact gameplay.
Hollinrake explains their motivation to elevate traditional decorative tasks: “We wanted house decorating to propel our story, not just adorn it.” Drawing from personal experiences of making do in shared spaces during her twenties, she notes how acquiring a piece of furniture could transform social dynamics. “Even if the meal you serve isn’t a culinary masterpiece, gathering around a real dinner table can deepen relationships,” she observes.
This interaction between gameplay elements promises a rewarding cycle—the more you engage, the greater the experiences that unfold. Crescent County is designed to be lived in, not just played—a world delineated by choices, with days and nights progressing based on your actions rather than a fixed timeline. Mihajlović encourages players to engage with the island’s stories and quirks, whether it’s hunting for broom upgrades or helping a friend in exchange for a peculiar piece of furniture.
The allure lies in the motorbroom itself and the captivating landscape of the Isle of Morah—to navigate it with style and flair is a joy. That Hollinrake’s artistic vision manifests in a living environment makes simply exploring as fulfilling as plunging into Lu’s duties.
Customizing your broom is both a stylistic and strategic decision, as Mihajlović notes, allowing players to shape how they traverse the island. Cultivating the right setup—be it for speed, agility, or glide—unlocks new routes and play styles.
What makes Crescent County particularly intriguing is the harmonious blending of mechanics and storytelling. This synergy is something that might have faced resistance in larger studios, making their partnership with the ID@Xbox program vital. Mihajlović expresses his admiration for the program’s role in the indie gaming surge, from which both he and Hollinrake draw inspiration.
While Crescent County’s release date remains under wraps as this small team continues crafting their vision, the game’s early version speaks volumes about Electric Saint’s bold creativity. Just like their unique motorbrooms, Crescent County may not resemble anything you’ve seen before, but it’s already hitting all the right notes.
Look out for Crescent County on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Add it to your wishlist now!
