An increased focus on combat inHaunted Chocolatiercould mean shining a spotlight on some lore that was in the background ofStardew Valley.Haunted Chocolatieron its own seems like it has plenty of rich opportunities for exploring the lore of its world. Its more supernatural setting naturally invites some topics that wouldn’t have entered the picture inStardew Valley. However, the new emphasis on combat also adds a new angle that the game could use to tell a few new stories.Haunted Chocolatiercould make the most of this opportunity with a few choice ideas and mechanics, especially if it takes place in the same world asStardew Valley.
Theincreased importance ofHaunted Chocolatier’s combatlooks to be one of the early distinctions between it andStardew Valley. InStardew Valley, there were only a few select areas where the player would ever fight enemies, such as the mines and Skull Cavern. Early footage ofHaunted Chocolatiercombined with ConcernedApe’s own statements offer reason to believe that players of the new game will need their character to be more combat-ready. Of course, exactly how this new balance will take place has yet to be seen. At the very least,Haunted Chocolatier’s combat should be a step above whatStardew Valleyoffered.
Haunted Chocolatier’s Combat Could Inspire Another Direction For its Storytelling
War Was a Background Element of Stardew Valley’s Story
Between the war withStardew Valley’s Gotoro Empireand the thousand-year war between the dwarves and the shadow people,Stardew Valleyhas a history of strife and battle that is barely touched upon. The most prominent mentions of such primarily come from Kent, the war veteran and former POW who returns to town at the start of Year 2. Outside of Kent and his conversations, any mention of war remains largely in the background while the player’s focus remains on the valley and the people within. Depending onHaunted Chocolatier’s direction, these elements could end up playing a bigger role in the game.
Haunted Chocolater Could Include an Old Veteran as a Mentor
A character in the vein ofStardew Valley’s resident veteran Kentcould play a bigger role for that lore inHaunted Chocolatier, either as a villager or one of the ghosts around the town. They could act as a mentor of sorts for the player. Even if they weren’t a chocolatier themselves, their lifetime of experience could provide crucial guidance regarding the town as well as the lands around it. A mentor’s combat experience could prove vital, letting them instruct the player onHaunted Chocolatier’s new combat mechanics. This character could even have a storyline involving their past that could tie in with the main plot.
ConcernedApe has not confirmed whether Haunted Chocolatier shares a setting with Stardew Valley.
A Mentor in Haunted Chocolatier Could Train the Protagonist’s Fighting Skills
This sort of warrior-mentor could also open the door for animprovement toHaunted Chocolatier’s combat mechanics. The protagonist could learn combat abilities from their mentor, either by paying for training or by doing favors for the mentor. These abilities could take the form of special attacks with certain weapons, new defensive abilities, and more. The mentor’s assistance could also come in the form of equipment or weapons that they could offer the player as rewards. Upon being convinced that he could trust the protagonist with them, they could offer some of their own keepsakes. This would provide not only great equipment, but a more personal connection with the character.
A mentor’s combat experience could prove vital, letting them instruct the player onHaunted Chocolatier’s new combat mechanics.
Haunted Chocolatiercan use its combat to explore a new side of its lore.Haunted Chocolatier’s supernatural premisealso gives it an incredible amount of potential when it comes to stories to tell. Whether it involves one of the wars mentioned inStardew Valleyor a completely new conflict,Haunted Chocolatiercan shine more of a light on the region’s darker history. This focus could also lead to more innovations with the game’s combat.Haunted Chocolatier’s deeper combat focus can influence its lore as well as its mechanics.
Haunted Chocolatier
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
