Way beforeHaunted Chocolatier’s time,Stardew Valleynot only re-defined the indie life simulator space but invited thousands of non-gamers to take joy in creating their farms in Pelican Town. The game’s success was due to the ingenuity and sincerity of developer Eric “ConceredApe” Barone, who took a formula made famous by games likeHarvest Moonand turned it into a heartfelt, thoroughly enjoyable game that players can make their own. While theupcoming ConcernedApe gameHaunted Chocolatiermay attempt to distance itself from its predecessor, it would benefit significantly if it kept some farming elements in play.
In the upcoming life simulation game, the player steps into the shoes of a new chocolatier who must gather ingredients and turn them into delicious chocolate. While very little is known about the game in early development,Haunted Chocolatierhas a moodier, almost-gothic atmosphere that makes it feel incredibly different fromStardew Valley.Barone has clarified that while the farming simulator game was meant to “channel the sun,“Haunted Chocolatieris intended to “channel the moon.” While this might spell the end of farming in the next ConcernedApe game, there are still ways in which the developer could keep the well-loved mechanics in their new title.
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Haunted Chocolatier Could Evolve Stardew Valley Farming Mechanics
While there is plenty of reason for ConcernedApe to want todistanceHaunted ChocolatierfromStardew Valleyso that the game can stand on its own, there is a way for the upcoming title to include farming without feeling like a sequel. Given that the player will be gathering materials to make chocolate, it would make sense thematically for the player to be able to garden or farm in a small plot outside their haunted mansion. The ghosts could even help with the farm work. This would add another layer of immersion to the game and attract hardcore fans ofStardew Valleywho enjoyed growing crops.
WhileHaunted Chocolatiermight need to constrain the farming mechanics in the game to make the game feel distinct, this allows forStardew Valley’s ConcernedApeto evolve the farming system. Given that much of the main town inHaunted Chocolatierappears to be snowy and dark, this could be an excellent opportunity to employ magic or hydroponics if players can garden inside their mansion. It would be fantastic for players to monitor soil health, plant growth, contain diseases, and more - especially since Barone has said he wants to involve more stats in the upcoming title compared toStardew Valley.
How Farming Could Fit Into Haunted Chocolatier’s Gameplay
Since ConcernedApe is still working on developingHaunted Chocolatier, not much is known about the core gameplay elements except that players will need to find ingredients and make chocolate. Fans know that the haunted mansion contains a mysterious door to a lush, green landscape where players can explore and gather ingredients.Haunted Chocolatier’s gameplaycould feasibly do with farming elements added to this forest landscape, especially if the NPCs in this world are farmers. Knowing that ConcernedApe intends to have more combat in the upcoming game, this would provide a balance of action and relaxation.
Other recently released RPGs likePotion Permittask players with gathering ingredients and turning them into sellable products, but those games often need more dynamic gameplay. Adding farming elements toHaunted Chocolatierwould allow players to grow ingredients that could be added to their chocolate through gameplay that isn’t reliant on combat. While this would makeHaunted Chocolatiermore similar to theRune Factoryfranchise compared toStardew Valley, the advent of the in-game economy and storefront would make the game unique from any recently released RPG on the market. Hopefully,Haunted Chocolatier’srumored connection toStardew Valleywill be seen as a return to farming in some small way.
