Haunted Chocolatier will be missing out on a lot of potential if it doesn't expand its selection of pets past the dogs and cats of Stardew Valley. While being a chocolatier may not be a profession as associated with animals as a farmer, players should still be able to have pets of their own in-game. In fact, since it is clear Haunted Chocolatier is going in its own direction compared to ConcernedApe's last game, it may be a good idea if the pets followed suit in similar fashion. If handled correctly, they could be another way to show the sequel's character.
Early in Spring of the first year, Stardew Valley players will get a pet, either a cat or a dog. The player would get to choose what animal they would receive ahead of time when they created their character, with three options for both dogs and cats. Players can pet their chosen animal and fill their water dish in order to raise their friendship with them. Unlike the various villagers, the player's pet can never lose friendship points, showing their loyalty. Aside from this, the pets play little role aside from wandering the farm, though they are pleasant to have around and add to the farm's atmosphere. In Haunted Chocolatier, they could be given far more importance.
Haunted Chocolatier Can Give Players More Pets
While dogs and cats made sense as pets that would run around on a farm, Haunted Chocolatier will have its own themes and location. With the game tasking the player with making chocolate in a haunted factory, it's a far cry from growing crops on a farm in the sun. The more fantastical setting could be a good excuse to get more experimental with options for the player's pets. Of course, cats and dogs would not have to be phased out entirely, since they would undoubtedly still be popular picks. It would be good to introduce some new options alongside them, though.
When it comes to expanding the selection of pets in Haunted Chocolatier, the game's setting and fantasy theme can be used as inspiration. Considering that Haunted Chocolatier's light horror elements include ghosts and cooking chocolate in a cauldron, animals associated with witches or the night could be appropriate choices. Among these options could be a bat, an owl, or a snake. In particular, the bat and owl would make interesting additions since Stardew Valley didn't feature any flying pets. Maybe players could even raise tame versions of monsters from the dungeons. While Stardew Valley's slime hutch let the player raise slimes, the player couldn't keep one as an actual pet.
In addition to more options for pets, the pet system itself could receive something of an overhaul. One way that Haunted Chocolatier can differ from Stardew Valley is by letting players have more than one pet. While Stardew Valley only let players have a cat or a dog, Haunted Chocolatier could let the player gather more pets over the course of the game. In addition, pets could also receive their own little cutscenes as their affection towards the player grows, similar to the villagers the player can befriend. Giving pets their own little events would make caring for them and increasing their affinity with the player a more rewarding endeavor.
The player's pet in Stardew Valley was a good element of the farm, but Haunted Chocolatier can make them even better. Stardew Valley can inspire Haunted Chocolatier, and by adding more types of pets, Haunted Chocolatier will be able to further build off the past game's foundation. Pets are very dear to their owners in real life, so players should be able to make sure that their in-game pet is right for them. For that reason, Haunted Chocolatier would do well with a larger pet selection.
Haunted Chocolatier is in development.