When I first got my hands on an early build of Crescent County, I wasn’t quite sure how well a motorized, magical broomstick would translate into a game. But as I swooped in wide arcs over the gently swaying grasses of the Isle of Morah, picking out the perfect hill to launch from and intuitively tracing flower paths that led to shortcuts, it all just felt right. It’s the sort of thing that seems like it shouldn’t work, but as the leyline-powered boost rumbled through my controller, I couldn’t help but think, “Maybe they’ve nailed it.”
Crescent County is the ambitious brainchild of Electric Saint, a duo made up of Anna Hollinrake, known for her work on Fall Guys, and Pavle Mihajlović, who worked on Erica. This debut game is a blend of open-world exploration, dating sim, gig economy delivery challenges, racing, and life simulation, all revolving around that magical motorbroom experience. It’s a tapestry woven with various elements that miraculously fit together, stemming from a simple, solid foundation.
Hollinrake’s imagination has long conjured what she calls “witch-tech,” earning a fan base captivated by her vibrant, intriguing worlds depicted in static art. Departing from AAA game development, she partnered with Mihajlović to bring one of these worlds to vibrant life. Her fans often tell her they wish they could step into the worlds she paints. “I strive to create spaces that are immersive and emotive, filled with story hints and a mix of joy and melancholy,” Hollinrake shares with me. Her goal is to give players a home within these artfully crafted environments.
Crescent County isn’t a hodgepodge of random mechanics crammed into a game space. Every decision reinforces its vibrant theme. Even in its early stage, this is clear. As the protagonist, Lu, your life on the island revolves around your motorbroom—competing in a race upon arrival and eventually becoming the local delivery courier. This role allows interactions, from forming friendships and romances to customizing your broom and apartment, paving the way for deeper immersion in the island’s culture.
“Think of motorbroom racing as an underground sport with a DIY punk vibe,” explains Hollinrake, inspired by roller derby and roller skating, which she avidly enjoys. Racing here is less about grand events with sponsors and more about friendly challenges—like who can climb the mountain fastest. Mihajlović adds, “Winning brings secrets of the island or tips for broom upgrades, but sometimes it’s rewarding just to hang out with a racer you fancy.”
Each task and interaction in Crescent County is interlinked, building a life for Lu on the island. One race can lead to romance, a delivery job could transform your living space, and even furniture collection from locals influences gameplay.
“We wanted decorating your space to push the story forward,” Hollinrake enlightens. “Doing favors around the island can earn you a secondhand furniture piece, reminiscent of our early twenties house shares where every item impacted our space and social life. You need a dinner table to host dinners, turning meal times into occasions for bonding, even if your spaghetti isn’t the best.”
The gameplay loop is satisfyingly complex—the more you engage, the wider your opportunities. Crescent County is structured around your choices, not a fixed day-night cycle, encouraging you to pick interesting over efficient actions.
“Daily, you decide who to help, based on personal goals or simply out of curiosity,” Mihajlović shares. “Plan your day carefully, or explore casually, but remember, you can end your day bringing home furniture like that quirky couch and hosting friends, even if you don’t yet have a TV for movie night.”
The motorbrooms and the enthralling Isle of Morah make this world enchanting. Drawn from Hollinrake’s art, the setting is filled with intriguing sights, encouraging exploration as much as task completion. Customizing your motorbroom, adapting how you navigate the island, is essential.
Mihajlović elaborates, “Customization is about style and strategy—whether you’re racing, gliding, or navigating your way, each setup opens different paths. Sigil Stickers add flair with abilities like pushing opponents or rewinding time.”
The interplay of mechanics and narrative in Crescent County is as unique as it is compelling, something that might not have been feasible in traditional studios. Self-publishing with ID@Xbox provides the freedom needed for such innovation.
“We’re big fans of ID@Xbox,” Mihajlović states, revealing their love for the independent spirit it fosters. The game remains a work in progress, with its release date still unannounced. However, the early version displays Electric Saint’s wild ambition and creativity. Like the motorbrooms themselves, Crescent County may feel unusual, but it’s already finding its groove.
Crescent County will be landing on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. You can add it to your wishlist now.
