When I first got my hands on an early version of Crescent County, I couldn’t have imagined how natural it would feel to zip around on a magical, engine-powered broomstick in a game. But here I am, gracefully drifting through swaying fields of grass on the Isle of Morah, effortlessly searching for the perfect hills to launch from, and instinctively following floral paths through this expansive world. At first glance, you’d think capturing the essence of such a whimsical concept would be impossible, but as the leyline-powered boost makes my controller vibrate, I’m starting to reconsider.
Crescent County, crafted by Electric Saint—a dynamic two-person team consisting of Anna Hollinrake (known for Fall Guys) and Pavle Mihajlović (from Erica)—combines open-world exploration with dating sim mechanics, incorporates elements of a gig economy delivery challenge, racing thrills, and life simulation, all interwoven with the exhilarating broomstick experience. It’s a bold project with many pieces, and while it could have easily felt disjointed, its creation was born out of simplicity.
Anna Hollinrake has spent years painting vibrant worlds she calls “witch-tech,” enchanting a community that adores the bright and intriguing landscapes she brings to life on canvas. After deciding to leave AAA development behind, she joined forces with Mihajlović to dive into the tech side of things, focusing on one world they were both eager to bring to life.
“I often hear from people at conventions and on social media how they wish they could step into the worlds I paint,” Hollinrake shares. “I’ve worked throughout the game art process, but my passion is crafting richly detailed worlds, from sketches to fully-fledged 3D environments that evoke both joy and melancholy. I aim to provide players with this lovingly designed, painterly space they can feel at home in.”
Through this shared vision, Crescent County emerged not from a collection of disparate mechanics but from a cohesive theme. Even in the early build of the game that I explored, this vision was clear. As the protagonist, Lu, your motorbroom isn’t just a tool; it’s integral to your adventure—from racing upon your arrival to becoming the island’s go-to delivery person. This job allows you to mingle and maybe even find romance, furnish your apartment, and upgrade your broom for better performance. Motorbrooms here are more than mere vehicles—they’re a cultural staple.
Hollinrake describes motorbroom racing as an underground sport embraced by the coolest crowd, reminiscent of the rebellious spirit found in roller derby and skate culture. “It’s less about formal races and more about having fun with friends, like seeing who can summit the mountain first,” Mihajlović adds. Winning might unlock island secrets or broom parts, but you could also simply enjoy the company of a racer you fancy.
The game beautifully interlinks each activity, building Lu’s life on the island. Racing could spark romance, courier work might score you new home decor, and customizing your living space could impact other gameplay areas.
“We’re keen on integrating traditional house decoration into the story, making every piece meaningful,” Hollinrake explains. “By doing favors for islanders, they might repay you with an unused couch. Drawing from our own experiences in shared housing from our youth, we know the impact each piece of furniture has socially.”
This creates a rewarding cycle—the more you engage, the richer the experience. Crescent County isn’t just an open sandbox—it’s a living world. Days and nights unfold based on your choices, encouraging exploration over efficiency.
Mihajlović describes daily tasks as opportunities to earn, beautify your living space, and immerse yourself in island life. You can choose who to help based on your curiosity, desire for upgrades, or simply to dialogue with friends. Whether methodically planned or spontaneous, these choices continue to build your connections and your home.
The charming Isle of Morah, with its enchanting vistas inspired by Hollinrake’s art, truly captivates, offering an intriguing setting where work and play meld seamlessly. Customizing your motorbroom is crucial, allowing for different approaches to travel across the island—whether it’s speed, agility, or crossing expanses with ease.
“Broom customization is about personalizing your ride to fit your style and exploring different island routes,” Mihajlović explains. “You can equip Sigil Stickers for unique powers like bumping rivals or rewinding time to correct mistakes.”
The merging of gameplay mechanics and narrative is both intriguing and unconventional. This innovative spirit likely faced challenges in traditional studios, but self-publishing with ID@Xbox has empowered them:
“We’ve always admired ID@Xbox—it inspired the indie wave that drew us into the industry,” Mihajlović shares. “Being part of a program that uplifts indie games on consoles is a dream come true.”
With a small team, there’s still development ahead before launch. However, the version I experienced shows how Electric Saint is pushing boundaries with Crescent County. Much like its beloved motorbrooms, this game is an exciting, if unfamiliar, journey that already feels just right.
Crescent County will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Be sure to add it to your wishlist now!
