Haunted Chocolatier may 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 from Stardew Valley. Despite this, Haunted Chocolatier is 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 both Haunted Chocolatier and Stardew Valley share the same pixelated art style, their playstyles are radically different. Stardew Valley features some combat, such as in the caves, but ConcernedApe has confirmed that combat will be an integral part of Haunted Chocolatier’s gameplay. The two games also land in entirely different genres, with Stardew Valley ultimately focusing on farming simulation, while Haunted Chocolatier supposedly emphasizes action RPG elements. Simulation elements do remain in Haunted Chocolatier, as the game hinges on players running a chocolate shop, but the differences are stark despite Haunted Chocolatier’s early status of development.
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Stardew Valley Focuses on One Location
As ConcernedApe considers what changes to implement in Haunted Chocolatier, it would make sense for him to look at core aspects of the story, like its setting. Stardew Valley focuses 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, making Stardew Valley feel cozy and small-scale despite its many locations.
It only makes sense that ConcernedApe would use Haunted Chocolatier to go bigger. While Haunted Chocolatier doesn’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 of Haunted 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
Since Haunted Chocolatier hinges 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 than reasonable for Haunted 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 released images of some of Haunted Chocolatier’s combat in 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 make Haunted Chocolatier feel more exciting.
Visiting NPCs
New locations also mean new NPCs. Haunted Chocolatier is confirmed to follow in Stardew 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 distinguish Haunted Chocolatier from Stardew 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.
Haunted Chocolatier