Jumping into the world of Crescent County for the first time, I never imagined that zipping around on a fantastical, motorized broomstick could feel so right. Yet, as I navigate through the sun-drenched fields of the Isle of Morah, discovering perfect launch points and chasing paths of vibrant flowers, it all just clicks. As I unleash a leyline-powered burst of speed, the vibration in my controller makes me think, “This might just work.”
Crafted by Electric Saint—a duo consisting of Anna Hollinrake of Fall Guys fame, and Pavle Mihajlović from Erica—Crescent County isn’t just your typical game. It fuses open-world exploration, elements of a dating sim, gig-economy challenges, racing, life simulation, all anchored by the thrilling motorbroom experience. Despite its many layers, it doesn’t feel piecemeal. The concept sprang organically from one central idea.
Hollinrake, whose imaginative “witch-tech” art has captivated audiences for years, turned her vision into a game. After leaving AAA game development, she reached out to Mihajlović to help transform her vibrant, whimsical paintings into an interactive world.
“When people see my art at conventions or online, they often say they wish they could live inside my paintings,” she shares. An experienced game art generalist with a knack for worldbuilding, Hollinrake aims to invite players into a visually rich world that feels both joyful and tinged with melancholy—a place to call home.
Crescent County’s charm is that it wasn’t cobbled together from random game mechanics. Everything in the game, from character races to delivery runs, seamlessly aligns with its central theme. Playing as the character Lu, the motorbroom is your anchor, facilitating every interaction on the island—from racing to day jobs like delivery, which open paths to romances and personal upgrades. In the culture of Crescent County, motorbrooms are more than transportation—they’re an identity.
“Motorbroom racing is an underground sport, a bit of a punk culture,” explains Hollinrake. It draws inspiration from roller derby and skating, embodying a DIY ethos. “Racing here isn’t about massive events; it’s friends challenging each other, learning the island’s secrets, or finding that unique broom part,” Mihajlović adds. You might venture into a competition and instead find yourself deepening bonds with charming rivals.
Crescent County’s gameplay reflects life’s interconnectedness. A simple race can spark romance; delivery tasks might yield treasures to decorate your home. Unlike many games where house decoration is cosmetic, here it’s pivotal. “We’re exploring how something as mundane as furniture can drive stories forward,” says Hollinrake. Striking a balance between functional and personal, the game takes cues from early adulthood experiences—how much a single new item, like a table, can elevate your social life.
The beauty of Crescent County lies in its world—days progress not through obligatory cycles, but at your leisure. Whether during serene daytime deliveries or thrilling nighttime races, choices reshape your story. Mihajlović notes, “Each day, you decide whose story to follow, perhaps for rewards or simply for the pleasure of connection.”
Broom customization—both functional and aesthetic—is another delightful aspect. Mihajlović highlights how adjustments can influence paths and playstyles, making each broom journey feel unique. Whether you’re blazing through fields or gliding over canyons, your broom becomes an extension of your island persona.
This blend of mechanics and narrative is not just engaging; it’s unique. Indie freedom, through the ID@Xbox program, has empowered Electric Saint to push these creative boundaries. Mihajlović remembers the thrill of early indie games on consoles and is thrilled to now contribute to this legacy.
Though a release date remains uncertain, Crescent County’s early version already captivates with its whimsy and ambition, much like its delightfully eccentric motorbrooms, bringing something truly fresh to the table.
Crescent County is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. It’s available for wishlist now.
