When I first tried out an early version of Crescent County, I wasn’t prepared for how right a motorized, magical broomstick could feel in a game. But there I was, carving wide arcs through the swaying grass of the Isle of Morah, discovering just the right spots to launch off and effortlessly tracing flower paths that hinted at hidden shortcuts. You wouldn’t think there’s a perfect way to depict something this unusual, but as my controller roared with a leyline-powered boost, I found myself thinking, “maybe there is.”
Crescent County is the ambitious first game from Electric Saint, a duo consisting of Anna Hollinrake (known for Fall Guys) and Pavle Mihajlović (of Erica fame). This game marries open-world exploration, dating themes, the gig economy, racing elements, and life simulation, all revolving around the motorbroom experience. Despite this complexity, the inception of the game was surprisingly straightforward.
Anna has been enchanting the internet with her “witch-tech” art for years, drawing fans with her vibrant, whimsical worlds. After stepping away from AAA development, she teamed up with Pavle to bring these creations to life. The setting they wanted to explore was a no-brainer for them.
“The feedback I get the most at conventions or on social media when I share this world is that people wish they could inhabit these paintings,” Anna shares. “My background in game art spans the entire art pipeline, but my forte is creating rich, immersive environments that invite people in with a delightful mix of joy and a touch of melancholy. I wanted to give people a chance to step into such a world.”
Crescent County wasn’t pieced together from disparate ideas; every decision champions its theme. Playing as the game’s protagonist, Lu, the motorbroom is your lifeline. From racing newcomers to delivering packages, your job allows you to forge connections, maybe even find romance, furnish your home, and upgrade your broom for faster adventures. In this world, motorbrooms don’t just get you from point A to B—they embody a way of life.
“Motorbroom racing is a niche underground sport embraced by the coolest folks,” explains Anna. “Think roller derby meets the roller skating scene—I’m a big fan myself—and we wanted to capture that rebellious, DIY spirit in motorbroom culture.”
In racing, it’s not about the grand events lined with sponsors and fans. “It’s more about the fun challenges between friends—like racing to the top of a mountain,” Pavle adds. Winning might reveal island secrets or tips for obtaining particular broom parts. Alternatively, you might spend time with a racer you fancy.
The interconnectedness of activities is key here. For Lu, a race might spark romance, a delivery could add to your home’s aesthetics, and even decorating your abode (often a secondary task) influences the broader game world.
“We’re intrigued by how we can seamlessly merge cozy, classic home decoration with the narrative,” Anna comments. “Just like our real-life experiences scavenging for furniture, each piece can profoundly impact your social landscape—you can’t host dinner without a table, right? Sharing a meal with new friends and chatting away into the night solidifies those bonds, even if the meal is subpar.”
This interactivity promises an engaging cycle—the more you play, the more it offers. Crescent County is built as a breathing world, not a mere sandbox. The days and nights unfold based on your choices (race at night, deliver by day), encouraging you to opt for the intriguing over the efficient.
“Daily life offers a plethora of chances to earn and better your living space while immersing yourself in the island’s tales,” Pavle says. “You decide who you want to help today—whether to learn juicy gossip, secure a broom part, or because your friend Rava promised you her ugly, but free, couch if you help her out. Plan your day meticulously or wander and see what adventure finds you. Once the day ends, bring your odd couch home, place it just right, and maybe realize your room’s missing a TV during movie night.”
The charm of Crescent County would falter if the brooms didn’t handle so well or if the Isle of Morah lacked intrigue. The world, birthed from Anna’s art, captivates with its strange silhouettes and invites exploration beyond Lu’s tasks. Finding and personalizing the perfect broom is the last piece of this puzzle.
“Customizing your broom isn’t just about style,” explains Pavle. “It’s about how you navigate the island. Whether darting on straights, cutting across fields, or soaring over canyons—your broom’s setup defines your path. Add Sigil Stickers for special abilities, like knocking rivals off course or rewinding time for a second chance.”
Combining gameplay mechanics with personal narrative choices here feels fresh and, quite frankly, is a rarity in game development—a vision easier pursued through the self-publishing found in ID@Xbox.
“We’re big fans of ID@Xbox and its predecessor, Xbox Live Arcade,” Pavle recalls. “It catalyzed so many beloved games and essentially launched the indie movement that inspired us. Witnessing indie games find their spot on consoles was a thrilling, validating milestone as a teen, and it’s unbelievable to be part of it now.”
With just the two of them steering the project, Crescent County has some ground to cover before its full debut, with no set release date yet. However, the early experience showcases Electric Saint’s boldness and the game’s promising potential. Just like a trusty motorbroom, Crescent County may be unconventional, but it’s already feeling just right.
Look out for Crescent County on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Don’t forget—you can wishlist it now.
