Before diving into Crescent County, I couldn’t imagine how a magical, motorized broomstick could feel so fitting in a game. But as I zoom through the isle’s grassy plains and find perfect spots for stunning takeoffs, it all starts to make sense. The game seems to defy any expected depiction of such oddity until the rumble of my controller from a leyline boost suggests otherwise.
Electric Saint, composed of Anna Hollinrake and Pavle Mihajlović, serves up a mixture of open-world exploration, dating sim elements, gig economy challenges, and dynamic racing – all centered around the motorbroom. Despite its complex nature, Crescent County began with a simple inspiration.
Hollinrake, known for her “witch-tech” artistic style, drew a following with her colorful and intriguing worlds. Deciding to transition away from AAA development, she teamed with Mihajlović to breathe life into a setting straight from her art portfolio.
“At conventions or online, people always tell me they wish they could step into my paintings,” Hollinrake shares. “Having worked in game art across all stages, my specialty is weaving worlds that feel tangible and infused with narrative hints. I hope to let others live in a crafted space that is both joyful and slightly wistful, somewhere they feel at home.”
This mindset is why Crescent County isn’t a hodgepodge of ideas but rather a coherent universe. Even in its early build, everything ties back to that central theme. Playing as Lu, your motorbroom is your lifeline, leading you into races or island delivery duties, which in turn introduce you to characters and deeper relationships. Broom culture is not just functional but a way of life here.
“There’s an underground coolness to motorbroom racing, much like roller derby,” Hollinrake explains, channeling an authentic, rebellious spirit. Mihajlović adds, “It’s more about friendly challenges than official races. Winning might earn you some island secrets or valuable knowledge about broom parts, but you can also just enjoy the ride with someone you fancy.”
In Crescent County, every interaction holds potential. Racing could spark romance, completing delivery gigs might redecorate your space, and the ambience of your dwelling affects gameplay more than aesthetics.
“We want the decor to advance the storyline,” notes Hollinrake. “Much like scavenging for that perfect couch online, tasks around the island could reward you with just the right furniture. From our own experiences, every piece can influence social interactions—no dinner parties without a table!”
These interconnected systems promise ongoing entertainment. The game flow reacts to your choices, with days unfolding based on actions rather than a set calendar, encouraging exploration over efficiency.
Mihajlović points out, “Daily decisions offer a mix of practicality and intrigue, like aiding in a task for gossip or securing a unique broom part. You might finish your errands with something odd but useful for your decor – just to realize it spurs more connections.”
The game’s success hinges on the delight of using the broom and the allure of Morah. Hollinrake’s creative world is captivating and draws you in, as much for exploration as for Lu’s narrative. Personalizing your broom adds a layer of charm, further engaging players.
“Customizing your motorbroom isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s functional,” emphasizes Mihajlović. “A short glide or a wild canyon jump depends on your setup, with options like Sigil Stickers offering wild abilities, keeping gameplay fresh.”
This innovative merger of gameplay mechanics with story is refreshing and might have struggled in larger studios, making self-publishing a perfect fit through ID@Xbox.
Mihajlović expresses, “We’re enthusiasts of ID@Xbox, aligning with our indie roots and passion for unique games. For us, being part of this community is a dream come true.”
While Crescent County continues to develop, the current build hints at Electric Saint’s creative zeal. Like the quirky motorbrooms, the game might feel new, yet it’s already hitting all the right beats.
Crescent County is headed to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Keep an eye out and wishlist it for updates!
