Summary
Haunted Chocolatierhas a lot of high and often contrasting expectations to fulfill. On one hand,fans ofStardew Valleywill likely be eager to see that game’s footprint on the developer’s next project, but the impressive longevity of ConcernedApe’s first title also means that his next needs to find a way to stand out and be unique. That could prove tricky, asStardew Valleycasts a very big shadow.
However,Haunted Chocolatierlooks to be different in a lot of different ways, both mechanically and visually. The seasons are vital toStardew Valley’s identity, and the next game from the esteemed solo developer could extend them, or replace them entirely, maximizing their potential and contributing to an all-new experience.
Stardew Valley’s Seasons' Familiarity Could Hurt Haunted Chocolatier
Stardew Valleyis a simulation gamethat is based on the trials and tribulations tied to farming and rural life, and thus it has to make full use of the four seasons to give players obstacles to overcome, and opportunities to capitalize on. Getting ahead on planting spring crops, using the winter to build out the farm, and making the most out of the greenhouse are smart choices that let the player maximize their productivity inStardew Valley. Having four set seasons does well to help players organize their time, and gives the experience a distinctive sense of progression as each season shows something new.
It’s brilliant, but while this format works forStardew Valley, shouldHaunted Chocolatierdo the same, it could run the risk of feeling too similar to its predecessor. Seasons are baked intoStardew Valley’s fundamental design, so using the same philosophy again would increase the chance of the next game feeling too familiar, thus it would take even more new features to justify its existence.Stardew Valleyfeels like a game that is segmented into four distinctive chapters, and though this idea may work forHaunted Chocolatier, having it be by way of seasons feels like a misstep.
When addressing the differences between the two games, Eric ‘ConcernedApe’ Barone notes that:
“The haunted castle represents the allure of the unknown. The ghosts represent the imprint of the past. All of these things are important. However, don’t think for a moment that, because this game features ghosts in a haunted castle, it is an evil or negative game. On the contrary, I intend for this game to be positive, uplifting and life-affirming. However, ifStardew Valleymostly channeled the energy of the sun,Haunted Chocolatierchannels the energy of the moon. Both are vital.”
This sentiment could give insight into howHaunted Chocolatierwill handle elements lifted fromStardew Valley.
Haunted Chocolatier Could Set Up Shop in One Season
Seasons inStardew Valleycan fly by when the player is having fun tending to the farm, finding friends in Pelican Town, and exploring all its curiosities. So much so that often it can feel like there hasn’t been enough time to truly reap the benefits of Summer, or enjoy the vibe of Fall.Haunted Chocolatierhas the opportunity to extend the seasons to give players more time to enjoy them, and its ‘haunted’ nature could imply that one season would warrant more time in the spotlight than the others.
Haunted Chocolatiercould pitch itself as the perfect, cozy Fall game, and a title that is perfect for players who want all the atmosphere of Halloween with none of the horror. To do this, it would be wise to extend the seasons somewhat so that they can be enjoyed for longer or, perhaps better still, to just focus on having one season type, and find new ways of keeping it engaging while maintaining a Fall-inspired tone.
