ConcernedApe's sophomore project Haunted Chocolates is probably still a way out – something ardent fans unfortunately know all too well. But Haunted Chocolatesthe distance only seems to make it more enticing, as speculation about how it might evolve and recontextualize Stardew Valleys core game system has shined. Indeed, ConcernedApe struck gold with Stardewand now the audience hopes he will do it again.
Chances are this will happen, as Haunted Chocolates seems like a promising spin on Stardew Valley formula. The most significant, Chocolates aims at other goals than Stardewin some ways, with ConcernedApe himself saying it will “channel the moon”, with its naturally darker subject matter. Other gameplay twists, such as the increased focus on combat and the emphasis on business management rather than growing crops and livestock, suggest a markedly different overall experience. But perhaps the most obvious difference between Haunted Chocolates and Stardew Valley can be found right in the former title: the “haunted” nature of this upcoming game means a new world of possibilities built around supernatural storytelling and game mechanics, and Animal Crossingone of ConcernedApe's clear influences, could again serve as inspiration in this regard.
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Haunted Chocolatier's battle plans require a major upgrade over Stardew Valley
A major upgrade to the foundation laid by Stardew Valley could do wonders to help Haunter Chocolatier's combat strategy flourish.
Animal Crossing's Wisp Quests can provide a strong plan for the Haunted Chocolatier
Wisp is Animal Crossing's friendly ghost NPC
Occurs in several Animal Crossing game since the start of the series, the Wisp is a friendly NPC that employs the main character in order to track down various spirit pieces. In keeping with the franchise's signature real-time play schedule, the Wisp will only appear late at night or early in the morning, making him relatively difficult to find, especially for those who play mostly during the day.
However, most players would say that finding him is worth it, as completing his objectives can provide a number of special benefits. In some iterations, he will clear the player's house of roaches or perform some other helpful task, but usually the reward for completing the Wisp's request is a random item of varying rarity and quality. Of course, this is just the literal, tangible reward for completing the request. One could argue that the Wisp's unexpected nature, and the fact that finding him can almost feel like a secret, is a reward in itself.
Benevolent, Quest-Doling spirits would be perfect for the Haunted Chocolatier
Haunted Chocolatess early reveal trailer gestures toward some spiritual allies in the game, though the exact nature of these ghostly NPCs remains to be seen. They appear to be positioned as helpers of some sort, perhaps helping with the day-to-day activities of running the chocolate workshop and storefront, but the game's focus on the spiritual realm need not be limited to this kind of unconventional employment arrangement.
It is here Haunted Chocolates could pick up some signals from Animal Crossings Wisp. A mostly independent spirit, Wisp is an eccentric and bizarre character, even for a ghost (he's afraid of ghosts himself, for example). Additionally, the Wisp plays the role of the traditional quest giver, giving the user specific tasks, albeit very basic ones, in exchange for a reward. Given Haunted Chocolatess themes and premise, there's a world of possibilities in this kind of dynamic, as a variety of ghosts, perhaps “lost souls” in need of guidance, could enlist the player's help for various tasks, rather than just a simple fetch quest.
Haunted Chocolates could provide both narrative rewards, such as an explanation of the ghost's backstory, and material ones, such as cooking supplies, upon completion of such quests. Perhaps these activities could even expand the player's lineup of “hired” ghosts, as each ghost's quest must be completed before being recruited, serving to strengthen the player's bond with these NPCs.
Haunted Chocolates
Haunted Chocolatier is an upcoming adventure game from Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe (Eric Barone). The game is currently set to a lush explorable world, chocolate making and cooking, a spooky theme and more. There is currently no release date or timeframe for the game.
- Platform(s)
- Microsoft Windows
- Released
- 2025-00-00
- Engine
- Mono game
- ESRB
- e
