Haunted Chocolatiermay still be early into the development process, but all the images and descriptions that ConcernedApe have revealed so far prove that the game will have enough differences to distinguish itself fromStardew Valley. Despite this,Haunted Chocolatieris sure to continue seeing comparisons between itself and ConcernedApe’s first title. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see ConcernedApe implement more differences between the two games.
Though bothHaunted ChocolatierandStardew Valleyshare the same pixelated art style, their playstyles are radically different.Stardew Valleyfeatures some combat, such as in the caves, but ConcernedApe has confirmed that combat will be an integral part ofHaunted Chocolatier’s gameplay. The two games also land in entirely different genres, withStardew Valleyultimately focusing on farming simulation, whileHaunted Chocolatiersupposedly emphasizes action RPG elements. Simulation elements do remain inHaunted Chocolatier, as the game hinges on players running a chocolate shop, but the differences are stark despiteHaunted Chocolatier’s early status of development.
Stardew Valley Focuses on One Location
As ConcernedApe considers what changes to implement inHaunted Chocolatier, it would make sense for him to look at core aspects of the story, like its setting.Stardew Valleyfocuses almost entirely on Pelican Town and the game’s central farm, though outside areas like Zuzu City are mentioned,and Ginger Island can be unlocked. Nevertheless, Pelican Town remains at the heart of the story, makingStardew Valleyfeel cozy and small-scale despite its many locations.
It only makes sense that ConcernedApe would useHaunted Chocolatierto go bigger. WhileHaunted Chocolatierdoesn’t need to be set in a bustling city, expanding the game’s map to include other towns and named areas could make its scale feel larger. These areas don’t necessarily have to be part ofHaunted Chocolatier’s central gameplay, but having more spots to visit could also make the game more immersive considering its hook.
How Haunted Chocolatier Could Justify a Bigger Map
Chocolate Deliveries
SinceHaunted Chocolatierhinges on players running a confectionery, the addition of other towns could lead to players delivering orders of their sweets. Whether this is to homes or stores, a delivery system with new areas feels more thanreasonable forHaunted Chocolatier.
Chance Ghost Encounters
Players could also encounter ghosts and monsters on their way to make deliveries. After all, the “Haunted” aspect of the game’s title should see some headway because of the new locations. Encountering ghosts and ghouls on the road is a trope present in plenty of horror stories and could increase chances of combat for players. ConcernedApe has releasedimages of some ofHaunted Chocolatier’s combatin the past, though players and critics alike speculate that combat occurs when trying to collect specific ingredients for sweets. This is certainly a great way to introduce combat into the indie action RPG, and should remain its central route if true, but having a random chance of fighting monsters on the road would makeHaunted Chocolatierfeel more exciting.
Visiting NPCs
New locations also mean new NPCs.Haunted Chocolatieris confirmed to follow inStardew Valley’s footsteps,with several romanceable NPCs. From shop owners, rival confectionists, fellow ghost hunters, and other roles ConcernedApe is sure to cook up, players will likely have a lengthy roster of romanceable NPCs to woo. It would make perfect sense for new locations to introduce these new characters. Perhaps romancing an NPC that lives far away on the map could lend to some humor or new dynamics with a long-distance relationship.
These are only a few ideas as to how new locations could distinguishHaunted ChocolatierfromStardew Valley, but it’s clear that the upcoming indie action RPG will be different from its predecessor, regardless if its map is expanded or not.
