Before I got my hands on an early demo of Crescent County, I couldn’t have imagined how a motorized, enchanted broomstick could make such perfect sense in a game. Yet here I am, making graceful loops through the softly swaying grass of the Isle of Morah, searching for that perfect bump to launch off, and naturally following trails of flowers to discover new shortcuts in its open world. You might think there’s no “right” way to portray such a quirky concept, but as the leyline-powered boost vibrates my controller, it all starts to feel just right.
Crescent County, the ambitious debut from Electric Saint—a duo comprising Anna Hollinrake of Fall Guys fame and Pavle Mihajlović, known for Erica—skillfully blends open-world exploration, dating simulation, gig economy challenges, racing, and life simulation. At its core is the motorbroom experience, and it’s surprisingly cohesive. The idea for Crescent County isn’t a patchwork; instead, it comes from a straightforward starting point.
Anna Hollinrake has been creating artworks featuring what she calls “witch-tech” for years, garnering a following of admirers enchanted by her luminous, whimsical creations. Leaving the AAA game industry behind, she teamed up with Mihajlović to develop the technology needed to animate her unique world. Together, they focused on bringing a singular setting to life.
“I often hear at conventions or on social media when I showcase my art that people wish they could step into the worlds I paint,” Hollinrake says. “Though I’ve worked on various aspects of game art, my true passion lies in infusing rich worldbuilding into my illustrations, creating environments that are inviting, yet tinged with a hint of melancholy. In Crescent County, my goal was to invite players into a vibrantly crafted, yet slightly wistful world.”
This thoughtful approach ensures that Crescent County wasn’t cobbled together from scattered ideas. Every aspect you encounter in the game seems to fit seamlessly within its theme. As the protagonist, Lu, your motorbroom is at the heart of your adventures—arriving on the island to first compete in a race, you soon become the island’s delivery service. This gig allows you to forge connections (and romances), afford new furnishings for your dwelling, and upgrade your broom to explore even more. In the world of Crescent County, motorbrooms aren’t just vehicles; they’re an integral part of cultural identity.
“Motorbroom racing is an underground phenomenon practiced by the coolest folks around,” Hollinrake explains. “It draws inspiration from the roller derby and skating communities—I’m an avid quad skater myself—and we wanted to embody that punk, DIY spirit in the motorbroom culture.”
“When it comes to racing, it’s more about friendly challenges like racing up a mountain than major sponsored events,” Mihajlović adds. “Victory might earn you insider secrets about the island or tips for acquiring unique broom parts, but it’s equally rewarding to spend more time with a racer you’re fond of.”
In Crescent County, every action seems to complement another. As you carve out a life for Lu on the island, a race might kindle a romance, a delivery job could earn you new furnishings, and even the home customization, often an auxiliary game feature, feeds back into the wider experience.
“We’re keen to see how traditional, cozy home decoration can propel our story forward beyond just aesthetics,” Hollinrake reveals. “Much like searching for deals on Facebook Marketplace, you can perform tasks around the island that may score you a spare couch someone doesn’t need anymore. Reflecting our own early experiences with communal living, we know how a single piece of furniture can boost both social interactions and one’s sense of place. Hosting a dinner party without a table or enjoying good conversation over a shoddy spaghetti bolognese can deepen friendships.”
This interconnected design creates a satisfying cycle—the more you delve into the game, the more possibilities unfold. Crescent County feels like a living, breathing world rather than a static playground. Days and nights advance based on your choices (deliver by day, race by night), encouraging players to prioritize interesting tasks over efficient ones.
“As each new day dawns, you have countless opportunities to earn some cash, brighten up your apartment, and uncover the island’s buzz,” Mihajlović explains. “Who you decide to help each day, whether it’s for juicy gossip, a broom upgrade, or Rava’s unattractive but free couch in exchange for herding some sheep, is entirely up to you. You can plot your path meticulously or take a more leisurely approach and stumble upon unexpected adventures. Afterward, you can take your quirky furniture home, decide its placement, and invite friends over for movie nights—only to realize you don’t own a TV yet.”
All this would fall flat if the brooms weren’t such a joy to ride or if the Isle of Morah wasn’t such an enthralling setting. Thanks to Hollinrake’s artistry, the island is imbued with a captivating and mysterious vibe. This connection allows for moments of simple pleasure as I wandered freely, sometimes losing sight of Lu’s responsibilities. So, crafting your perfect broom becomes another intriguing element.
“Broom customization lets you build a ride that looks amazing and matches your style and play,” Mihajlović says. “Whether you’re barreling down a straightaway, cutting across fields, or soaring over canyons, the right broom setup can change your entire game experience. Sigil Stickers add special powers—like an aggressive sideways phase shift to nudge rivals off the track, or a 10-second rewind to finesse a tricky turn.”
The way Electric Saint weaves mechanical and narrative elements is not just compelling; it’s also rare. This innovative approach thrived under the freedom of self-publishing, thanks to the ID@Xbox program.
“We’re huge admirers of ID@Xbox and the old Xbox Live Arcade,” says Mihajlović. “Their support has been crucial for numerous beloved games and a pivotal indie movement that led many of us to the industry. I recall the first Summer of Arcade, and how thrilling it was to see indie games featured on console as a teen. Now, being part of this program feels like a dream.”
The game still has some distance to go before its release, with no official date set, but the early playthrough leaves no doubt about the bold creativity Electric Saint aims to achieve. Much like its motorbrooms, Crescent County may be an eccentric creation, but it’s already hitting all the right notes.
Crescent County is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. You can add the game to your wishlist now.
