Haunted Chocolatier could make a jump that Stardew Valley didn't with human enemies, and there are a few valid reasons to consider it. Since Haunted Chocolatier looks to follow in the footsteps of Stardew Valley, it's expected to capture the same sort of cozy vibe. The idea of fighting humans sounds antithetical to that idea at first glance. However, there are a good few ways that the concept could fit into the game without incident. After all, Haunted Choclatier will already have its fair share of combat. It wouldn't be a huge shock if players battled a few humans.
The increased combat focus in Haunted Chocolatier is one of the clearest hints so far at what players can expect from the game. Stardew Valley had simple combat that worked for what the game needed. On the other hand, the greater emphasis on combat that Haunted Chocolatier promises could go in many directions. It could point towards monsters and battles being more prevalent in the game, necessitating more intricacies in the system. The game can certainly go far beyond what Stardew Valley's combat mechanics had to offer. The kinds of combat scenarios that players face can see some evolutions in Haunted Chocolatier as well.
Haunted Chocolatier Has the Perfect Chance for a Twist on a Sneaky Stardew Valley Activity
Stardew Valley doesn't have many taboos, but one thing NCPs dislike could be downright vile in Haunted Chocolatier, or might have unexpected results.
Haunted Chocolatier Could See Some Fisticuffs Involving Humans
Stardew Valley's Farmer Never Ended Up Fighting Humans
While players engaged in combat in Stardew Valley, they never encountered any human enemies. There were antagonistic humans, such as Morris the JojaMart manager and Kel from Leah's heart events, but the farmer never actually fights any of them. Instead, their battles were fought strictly against the monsters in the mine and Skull Cavern. It's not hard to see why this is the case. It could be seen as a break in the game's cozy atmosphere if the protagonists were to take up arms against another human. However, Haunted Chocolatier could provide some valid reasons for its protagonist to put up a fight.
Haunted Chocolatier Could Mix In a Few Clashes With Human Characters
One obvious possibility would be Haunted Chocolatier's new antagonists showing up to cause trouble, and the protagonist having to stand up to them. Of course, these confrontations would have to be nonlethal, and possibly involving no weapons at all. At the same time, establishing human threats that the protagonist has to stand against could be a useful storytelling tool. Even going that far may not be necessary, as the protagonist could simply have the chance to spar with certain characters, possibly as part of Haunted Chocolatier's iteration of the adventurer's guild. That could be yet another way to introduce something new to the experience.
Human Confrontation Wouldn't Come Out of Nowhere in Haunted Chocolatier
There's even precedent in Stardew Valley for such fights. Romancing Leah in Stardew Valley will lead to her ten-heart event, where either she or the farmer will punch her controlling former partner, Kel. Likewise, one possible outcome for the community center path sees Pierre uppercutting Morris out of the center. Players have already seen physical conflict between humans in Stardew Valley; it's just that the player didn't personally play out these fights. It wouldn't be a surprise if similar situations were to crop up in Haunted Chocolatier as well. However, in those circumstances, the player could end up playing a more direct role.
While the player could choose to have the farmer punch Kel, said punch takes place entirely in a cutscene.
Of course, fighting shouldn't become the core of Haunted Chocolatier. After all, Haunted Chocolatier should keep Stardew Valley's coziness, as those good vibes are one of the latter game's biggest strengths. At the same time, it may be worth experimenting with new nonlethal fights between humans, be they friend or foe. It sounds like Haunted Chocolatier players will be spending more time in combat compared to Stardew Valley. That increased focus could lead to a few new kinds of fights to take part in as well.
- Developer(s)
- ConcernedApe
- Publisher(s)
- ConcernedApe
- Engine
- MonoGame
WHERE TO PLAY
Haunted Chocolatier is an upcoming adventure game from Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe (Eric Barone). The game is currently set to feature a lush explorable world, chocolate making and cooking, a spooky theme, and more. There is currently no release date or time period for the game.
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Simulation
