Haunted Chocolatieris positioned to be notably different fromStardew Valley, its spiritual successor from the same creator. Considering how both games are coming from the ambitious and unique mind of Eric Barone, AKA ConcernedApe, players can probably expectsome similarities betweenHaunted ChocolatierandStardew Valley, but these will hopefully be few and far between.
One of the biggest distinctions between these two games (which otherwise seem strikingly similar at a glance) is their respective tones and premises. On his blog, Barone describesHaunted Chocolatieras “channeling the energy of the moon,” whereas its predecessor channeled the energy of the sun. This is in reference toChocolatier’s clear emphasis on the undead and supernatural, which, while not entirely absent inStardew, are definitely themes that take a back seat. It’ll be fascinating to see how Barone manages to pull this off, and how far he will ultimately go to do so, considering the conventions of the modern cozy genre that he played an instrumental role in shaping.
How Haunted Chocolatier Might Balance Cute and Cozy With Scary and Mystical
Haunted Chocolatier May Struggle to Fully Lean Into Its “Moon-Channeling” Premise
“Channeling the moon” is quite a compelling way to describe a game, especially one that is following afundamentally wholesome experience likeStardew Valley. Of course, this could just be marketing-speak, but with how forthright and honest Barone has proven to be thus far, it’s likely that this is an earnest evaluation of his upcoming project. Maybe players truly can expect to encounter darker themes inChocolatier, with the game taking a surprisingly sober look at concepts like death, the afterlife, and black magic.
Haunted Chocolatiercertainly looks likeStardew Valleyand aesthetics, while skin-deep, can matter quite a bit when it comes to tone. The charmingly retro art style ofHaunted Chocolatiercould very well be a hindrance to any horror ambitions it may have, for instance. Similarly, its nature as a “cozy” game may necessitate a more lighthearted approach to storytelling and worldbuilding, as most players won’t want to sink hundreds of hours into a low-stakes game if it has too many unsettling or uncomfortable themes. It’s not an impossible tonal balance to strike, but there are obstacles in the way.
Haunted Chocolatier Could Pull Off Its Tone
Having said all that, there’s evidenceHaunted Chocolatierwill successfully channel the moon, as it were,and one needs to look no further than Barone’s previous work to find it.Stardew Valley’s Grandpa evaluation, for instance, leverages the supernatural for great sentimental effect without sacrificing the game’s broader tone of jovial tranquility. While not supernatural, the Joja Corp plot inStardewis also rather serious and poignant, further suggesting that Barone doesn’t shy away from real-world issues in his games.
There are several othermature story elements inStardew Valley, like Pam’s alcoholismor Linus' life as an outcast, though these are handled in a soft-handed way. The way these themes are presented allowsStardewto stay upbeat, as the player can solve the problems in their community or help others find some semblance of peace with them.
Haunted Chocolatiercould follow suit while doubling down on its darker worldbuilding. Perhaps players could help ghosts come to terms with their fate, or use magic in a subversively positive and pro-social way, instead of only for combat. ConsideringHaunted Chocolatier’s more abject fantasy focus, it may have a little more leeway than its predecessor when it comes to delving into certain subject matter. Either way, it should retainStardew’s deft balance of maturity, somber and emotional storytelling, and lighthearted atmosphere for the best results.
