Haunted Chocolatieris one of the most anticipated indie titles at the moment, as it’s set to be the follow-up game fromStardew Valleydeveloper ConcernedApe. First announced back in 2021,Haunted Chocolatierbrings the aesthetic and gameplay ofStardew Valleyto an all-new type of simulation that puts players in the shoes of a chocolate shop owner.
As a lone developer, ConcernedApe brought one of gaming’s biggest indie hits to life with the release ofStardew Valleyback in 2016.Stardew Valleyhas received a series of updates with new content as thewait forHaunted Chocolatiercontinues. There is little known aboutHaunted Chocolatierand its setting, but it’s at least known that the game won’t be a direct sequel toStardew Valley. However, if both games share the same general location, thenHades 2could serve as an unlikely source of inspiration.
Haunted Chocolatier Looking to Hades 2 For Guidance
At first,Hades 2may seem like an impossible title forHaunted Chocolatierto gain insight from, but one of the biggest changes inHades 2could be just what ConcernedApe’s confection-filled game needs to take for its own. Although both games are incredibly different from one another,Haunted Chocolatiershould studyHades 2and its time jump iftheStardew Valleyfollow-uptakes place in the same location as its predecessor.
Haunted Chocolatier Embracing a Time Jump
Hades 2makes a big leap in time between it and the first game. InHades 2,protagonist Melinoe has grown into an adultsince she was born after the events ofHades. Although it’s unknown exactly how much time has passed, it’s enough time thatHades 2is able to differentiate itself from its predecessor to the point that it gives the game a fresh feeling. Even thoughHaunted Chocolatierisn’t a full-blown sequel toStardew Valley, there could be ways that the two games are interconnected, and if ConcernedApe chooses to base the upcoming game in the fictional Ferngill Republic, then a time jump would be compelling.
If the game still takes place in the Ferngill Republic, it would be great to see an entirely new region that has yet to be given the spotlight.Stardew Valley’s setting has more lore than one might think at first, and getting to see a new region of the fictional land could be exciting. It’s expected thatHaunted Chocolatierwill improve upon variousStardew Valleyfeatures, but taking things a step further and having the game’s story either be way before or way after the events ofStardew Valleymay help the game stand strong on its own.
Haunted Chocolatier Building Upon Stardew Valley’s Legacy
Thanks toStardew Valleybeing such a hit, there are understandably high expectations forHaunted Chocolatier.ConcernedApe has been working on the gamefor quite some time, but this will hopefully bring a great follow-up title to both longtime players and newcomers who will be drawn to it by its intriguing blend of chocolate shop simulation and haunted house mystery.
There’s no tellingwhenHaunted Chocolatierwill be readyfor launch, but ConcernedApe has proven that he has what it takes to bring a compelling world to life. Once more information is known about the game, more insight will be given in regard to the game’s setting, which will hopefully be new enough to bring something fresh while also providing a sense of familiarity.
Haunted Chocolatier
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Haunted Chocolatier is an upcoming adventure game from Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe (Eric Barone). The game is currently set to feature a lush explorable world, chocolate making and cooking, a spooky theme, and more. There is currently no release date or time period for the game.
