Haunted Chocolatieris the next title fromStardew Valleydeveloper ConcernedApe. Some gamers may expect the indie developer to take the same route asStardew Valleyby makingHaunted Chocolatiera simulation game. WhileHaunted Chocolatierwill contain simulation elements, the game is supposedly also an action-adventure RPG. This genre switch is one key way that ConcernedApe has distinguished the two games from one another, though they will share similarities like romanceable NPCs and the same artstyle.
Images and a gameplay trailer forHaunted Chocolatierhave been released by ConcernedApe, teasing players with new footage. The second half of the game’s title references the simulation elements of the game, whereas the first half hints at the combat players must face head on. ConcernedApe has played with combat previously inStardew Valley, specifically in caves, but this brief taste of combat is only the beginning. A new mod forStardew Valley Expandedfeatures not only more combat, but could prime players foraspects ofHaunted Chocolatier.
New Zelda-Inspired Mod for Stardew Valley
Developer and creator of theStardew Valley Expandedmod, FlashShifter, has been working in tandem with ConcernedApe for quite some time. ThoughStardew Valleyis clearly a passion of FlashShifter, thedeveloper revealed in an interview with NexusModsthat their focus has shifted to a new project. FlashShifter is currently working on a mod of gargantuan proportions calledCastle Village. Inspired byThe Legend of Zelda, theCastle Villagemod will introduce dungeons toStardew Valley. Further details aboutCastle Village, like a release date, are still in the dark, but FlashShifter has confirmed features like a new city, fully developed NPCs, boss monsters, magical artifacts, new music, and more.
Castle Villagewas initially intended to be part of Update 2.0forStardew Valley Expanded, but the creator ultimately decided to make it a separate project. Considering the alleged scope ofCastle Village, the shift from update to a whole new mod makes perfect sense. According to FlashShifter,Castle Villageis even more ambitious thanStardew Valley Expanded, with a stronger focus on monster combat. FlashShifter is currently working on sprites forCastle Village’s new region and developing a distinct architectural style fromStardew Valley.
Castle Village Could Be a Sign of What’s to Come for Haunted Chocolatier
A few keywords from FlashShifter’s announcement should definitely pique the interest of any gamersinvested inHaunted Chocolatier’s developmentand gameplay. Considering how closely ConcernedApe collaborates with FlashShifter, the combat movements planned forCastle Villagecould influenceHaunted Chocolatier. Additionally, players need somewhere to face chance encounters with the ghosts and various monsters present inHaunted Chocolatier. A dungeon may not be the most obvious option for the game, but it could be tied intoHaunted Chocolatierdue to a crucial part of its gameplay.
One confirmed aspectofHaunted Chocolatier’s gameplayis the need to collect ingredients. After all, players will be crafting the chocolates and sweets available at their confectionery. The road to finding these ingredients will likely be spooky, considering the name of the game. Players might need to travel to dungeons to find rare ingredients, encouraging fans to explore and hone their combat skills.
Of course, this is all speculation. There’s no guaranteethatHaunted Chocolatierwill followthe exact beats of theCastle Villagemod, but it certainly wouldn’t be the most surprising outcome from the game. As bothHaunted ChocolatierandCastle Villageare still in the very early stages of development, it will likely be awhile before more information about either game is revealed by FlashShifter and ConcernedApe. Nevertheless, players should keep their eyes peeled onStardew Valley Expandedfor future hints aboutHaunted Chocolatier’s gameplay.
