Though still in its early development phase, excitement is already brewing for ConcernedApe’s upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier. While it shares its lineage with the beloved Stardew Valley, fans shouldn’t expect a direct repeat. Haunted Chocolatier puts a fresh spin on things as an action-adventure RPG that spices things up with intense combat, while still incorporating elements of simulation. The split is fairly straightforward: if the combat represents the “haunted” part, then running a chocolate shop captures the “chocolatier” essence of the title.
Despite stepping away from being a pure simulation game, Haunted Chocolatier might still borrow a page or two from Stardew Valley’s book. With both games coming from the mind of ConcernedApe, some overlap seems inevitable. From what we’ve seen in previews and trailers, the new game maintains the familiar art style seen in Stardew Valley. Moreover, NPCs will play a role, with some being potential romantic interests — a feature loved by Stardew Valley enthusiasts. This aspect of interpersonal relationships should definitely make its way into Haunted Chocolatier, albeit with a twist.
In Stardew Valley, Pelican Town stands as a vibrant core beyond the player’s farm. Acting as the hub where players mingle with NPCs, peddle their goods, and engage in a variety of activities like fishing, Pelican Town becomes a vital part of the game’s experience. While the game does feature other locales, accessible mostly through progression, none quite match the importance of Pelican Town. Considering Haunted Chocolatier is looking to make a grand splash with its expansive world, it would be wise to extend this central concept. Why stop at one town when a second might add even more depth and charm?
The inclusion of two towns could seamlessly integrate into the storyline of Haunted Chocolatier, although it may extend the development period. The game could orchestrate a fascinating narrative where managing a chocolate shop intertwines with adventures, with players needing to deliver goods between towns while battling supernatural foes along the way. This setup provides a functional context for the game’s combat encounters.
On top of that, the search for unique ingredients could leverage the geographical differences of two towns, each offering native resources, special flavor blends, and sweets. Just as in Stardew Valley, such distinctions could unlock new recipes and encourage players to fill out a comprehensive recipe book. Additionally, specific towns could crave particular confections, with NPCs exhibiting unique tastes. A rivalry between towns could add layers to the lore, enriching the RPG narrative.
By venturing to set two unique locations within Haunted Chocolatier, players might find themselves involved with a different set of relationships, new characters to charm, and an immersive gameplay experience. This could also tie into potential narratives surrounding rivalry, whether social, economic, or cultural, between the towns — deepening the RPG elements of the game.
While the main town in Haunted Chocolatier remains unnamed, we eagerly await the details and can only speculate about how elements reminiscent of Stardew Valley will unfold in this new venture. It’s an exciting time to dream about how the immersive worlds we’ve come to love might evolve and expand.
