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Before diving into Crescent County’s early preview, I never imagined an in-game magical motorized broomstick could feel so perfectly crafted. Yet here I am, maneuvering through the lush grasslands of the Isle of Morah, playfully launching off hills and winding through trails marked by flowers, seamlessly blending arcade fun with intuitive pathfinding. It’s almost as if this makeshift vehicle taps into its leyline power, sending a thrill through my controller, igniting a realization that, yes, this might actually work beautifully.
Created by Electric Saint, a duo comprising Anna Hollinrake (known for Fall Guys) and Pavle Mihajlović (of Erica fame), Crescent County is a melting pot of genres: part open-world adventure, part dating simulation, part gig economy dynamics, along with racing and life simulation elements. It’s an ambitious mix, sounding like it might have been pieced together from disparate ideas. Instead, its conception was quite seamless.
Hollinrake has been illustrating captivating worlds filled with “witch-tech” for quite some time. Her vibrant art captivated fans yearning to step into these vivid, static universes. Opting to leave AAA development, she partnered with Mihajlović to bring one such universe to life. Together, they chose a singular setting, kindling a unique creation.
“The feedback I often receive, be it at conventions when showcasing my art or on social media, is people expressing a desire to inhabit these painted worlds,” Hollinrake shares with me. With experience spanning the whole spectrum of game art, her specialty lies in imbuing her work with rich worldbuilding, inviting players into lush, 3D landscapes that hint at tales both ecstatic and solemn, yet welcoming.
Crescent County isn’t a hodgepodge of mechanics; it’s a holistic experience where each aspect reinforces its central theme. Even in its early play state, this is evident. As the protagonist Lu, you rely on your motorbroom for everything — arriving on the island, engaging in a race, and becoming the local delivery expert. This role opens opportunities for relationship building, both platonic and romantic, while furnishing your home and tweaking your broom for better performance. In Crescent County’s realm, motorbrooms symbolize not just transport, but an entire way of life.
“Motorbroom racing is a niche activity enjoyed by the coolest subcultures,” Hollinrake notes. “It draws inspiration from the vibrant roller derby scene, embodying a punk, DIY spirit characteristic of the motorbroom community.”
Mihajlović adds, “It’s more about friendly competition, like racing up a mountain, rather than professional races with sponsorships and large audiences. Winning might unlock secrets of the island or lead to exclusive broom parts, but you could also choose a more relaxed pace, perhaps spending time with a racer you fancy.”
Every action in Crescent County is interconnected, building Lu’s life on the island. Your race might kindle a romance, a delivery could lead to home improvements, and what often seems like a side quest in other games becomes central here.
“We strive to transform cozy home decoration into a narrative driver rather than mere aesthetics,” Hollinrake explains. “Like finding treasures on Facebook Marketplace, you might earn furniture for completing jobs for residents. This reflects our own experiences with sharing homes in our early adulthood. Each furniture piece could influence your social setup significantly – you can’t host a dinner without a table. It’s about creating a space where you deepen friendships, even if your cooking leaves something to be desired.”
This design leads to a rewarding cycle: the more activities you pursue, the more paths you unlock. Crescent County is structured around immersive days and nights, allowing you to choose between practical or adventurous activities.
“Every day offers fresh chances to improve your life or delve into island drama,” Mihajlović says. “Choosing whom to help opens avenues for gossip, broom enhancements, or filling your apartment with unique items. Your choices on routes – whether meticulously planned or spontaneous – determine the day’s unfolding. Later, you can spruce up your flat with a quirky new couch shared by a friend, even if you lack a TV for the social gathering.”
This would all be futile if the broom handling wasn’t satisfying or the Isle of Morah lacked intrigue. But it’s precisely the connection to Hollinrake’s artwork that imbues this game world with allure. Exploring its landscapes became a joyful endeavor, beyond Lu’s responsibilities. Tailoring a motorbroom to your style is the final, joyful touch.
“Broom customization is about crafting a ride that looks awesome and feels uniquely yours,” Mihajlović highlights. “From speeding on straightaways to gliding over canyons, different configurations open new routes and techniques. Plus, adding Sigil Stickers imparts whimsical powers, such as phasing sideways to bump opponents or rewinding time to smoothly navigate tricky turns.”
Electric Saint’s fusion of gameplay mechanics with narrative depth is both intriguing and unconventional. Such creativity might not have thrived in traditional studios, making their partnership with ID@Xbox a blessing:
“We deeply admire the ID@Xbox program,” Mihajlović says. “It fostered indie titles that inspired us to enter game development. Witnessing indie games gain recognition on a platform during the Summer of Arcade felt revolutionary, so being part of it now is incredibly fulfilling.”
With only two developers, Crescent County’s journey to completion is ongoing, with no set release date. However, the early version I experienced showcased Electric Saint’s bold, inventive spirit. Like its motorbrooms, Crescent County might seem unusual, but it’s already shining brightly.
Crescent County is slated for release on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. You can add it to your wishlist now, anticipating the adventure.
