Haunted Chocolatier Could Double Dip on One Stardew Valley…

Though the game is still early in development, players are already excited about indie developer ConcernedApe’s next title, Haunted Chocolatier. While the game comes from the same developer as Stardew Valley, players should not expect Haunted Chocolatier to be yet another simulation game. Rather, Haunted Chocolatier will be an action-adventure RPG featuring high-stakes combat with simulation elements. Combat represents the first half of the game’s title, whereas the simulation elements represent its second half, as the central focus of Haunted Chocolatier is running a confectionery.

Haunted Chocolatier may not be a simulation game, but that doesn’t mean it won’t borrow, be inspired by, or even feature the same gameplay as Stardew Valley. After all, since both games were developed by ConcernedApe, there’s bound to be some sort of overlap. Based on images and a gameplay trailer released by ConcernedApe, Haunted Chocolatier shares the same art style as Stardew Valley. Additionally, this content confirms that NPCs will be present in the new indie game, with a few of these characters likely being romanceable. Stardew Valley’s romanceable NPCs are certainly one of its most popular gameplay features, but one central mechanic should be implemented in Haunted Chocolatier in some way.

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By Megan Lorich

Stardew Valley's Pelican Town is the Heart and Soul of the Game

Pelican Town is the central location of Stardew Valley outside the player’s farm. As the hub for meeting NPCs, selling wares, fishing, and many other tasks, it’s impossible to play Stardew Valley in its entirety without stepping into Pelican Town at least once. The game features a few other locations, mostly by passing mention, but players can eventually unlock another farm on Ginger Island.

Nevertheless, when gamers think of Stardew Valley, they tend to also think of Pelican Town. The game’s rich setting is host to some of the most iconic parts of Stardew Valley. But with ConcernedApe dedicated to making Haunted Chocolatier grand in both size and detail, it would make sense for Haunted Chocolatier’s version of Pelican Town to be expanded in some way. This unique opportunity could lead to not just one central town in Haunted Chocolatier, but maybe two.

Two Locations Could Be Better Than One for Haunted Chocolatier

Haunted Chocolatier could easily justify two locations. While implementing more settings would obviously lead to a longer development stage, two central locations could easily fit into the game’s story. As mentioned, while players will get to fight ghosts and ghouls, running a chocolate shop is Haunted Chocolatier’s main form of gameplay. Running deliveries from the store to two separate towns could easily lead to players bumping into creatures that they have to fight off, leading to combat encounters.

Part of Haunted Chocolatier’s confectionery making involves hunting down various ingredients. With a second town, certain ingredients could be made native only to that specific region. This could unlock new flavor profiles and new sweets, leading to a recipe collection that players can eventually complete. A second town could also mean a second location, like Stardew Valley’s Ginger Island farm. Different towns could prefer specific kinds of sweets, with NPCs also having their own particular tastes. Of course, with another town comes a whole new set of NPCs for players to grow attached to and eventually romance. Perhaps these hypothetical towns have a rivalry, which could further Haunted Chocolatier’s lore. After all, the game is an RPG despite its simulation elements. Haunted Chocolatier’s story will likely be integral to its gameplay.

With Haunted Chocolatier’s central town still unnamed, it will likely be a while before further details about the game’s location are revealed by ConcernedApe. Despite this, it’s still fun to speculate and imagine how certain elements of Stardew Valley could be included or expanded upon in Haunted Chocolatier, especially its location.

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