Despite knowing few details aboutHaunted Chocolatier, it has been made clear that ConcernedApe’s next game will have a much stronger combat focus thanStardew Valley. This is one way in whichHaunted Chocolatiercan stand out from its massively successful predecessor, which is a sign of good things to come for the upcoming title.
In recent years, life sim games have come to be known for a handful of features. Activities like farming, romancing NPCs, and exploration are all par for the course, and this is in no small part due to their prominence inStardew Valley. ConcernedApe’s first game was a surprise hit and revolutionized the genre, a feat which he may be able to do again inHaunted Chocolatier. The game’s supposed focus on combat is perhaps the largest difference between the two games. Because of that difference,Haunted Chocolatier’s combat might be good forStardew Valleyas well as ConcernedApe experiments with new ideas, giving him an outlet for mechanics that wouldn’t feel at home in his previous title.
Haunted Chocolatier’s Combat Can Make it a Stand-Out Indie Game
Life sims aren’t exactly known for their robust fighting mechanics. As the genre has evolved, there have been some games that branch out into exploration, requiring players to protect themselves along the way, but most keep any combat segments very basic. Typically, these types of games prefer to depict an idyllic and relaxing lifestyle.
That’s whyHaunted Chocolatiergoing all in on the fighting mechanic will set it apart from any life sim to come before it.It can even useStardew Valley’s combat system to help it grow, taking what worked in the past and buffing it up to reach new levels in the future. Because the simulation side of things was so fleshed out inStardew Valley, there isn’t a need to reinvent the wheel in that area, allowing ConcernedApe to shoot for a ‘best of both worlds’ approach inHaunted Chocolatier.
Diverse Combat Mechanics can Help Haunted Chocolatier and ConcernedApe Grow
Just what type of combat may be featured inHaunted Chocolatieris still to be seen. A few development teasers have showcased that swords will return fromStardew Valley, and that a shield mechanic is in the works to go with them, but a true combat focus demands more ways to fight than just the one players are used to. PerhapsHaunted Chocolatiercan take inspiration from other games, such as looking atDark Souls’ parry mechanic to enhance the swordplay. Other fantasy titles likeSkyrimalso feature a variety of different combat styles that ConcernedApe could look to for inspiration.
Besides sword and shield, another mainstay of fantasy combat is the bow and arrow.Stardew Valleyfeatured a slingshot, which may find its way intoHaunted Chocolatieras well, but ConcernedApe shouldn’t stop there. Using a bow could lead to more diverseranged combat inHaunted Chocolatier, as well as other innovations. It’s been implied that players will need to forage for ingredients in order to make their chocolate, which might mean the need to dispatch animals who are also interested in natural resources. Using a slingshot or bow could be a good way to make some distant noise and scare them away, or even set a trap to catch them off guard.
Stardew Valley’s magical elements also open the door forHaunted Chocolatierto incorporate a bit of magic. If players aren’t fond of weapons, magic could present a third option.A magic combat system could makeHaunted Chocolatierstand outeven further. Spells could be used for damage purposes, like a lightning strike, or even to help explore, like freezing a lake to gain access to the other side. A spellbook mechanic could also keep the abilities from breaking the game by limiting the use of spells. ConcernedApe has room for countless new innovations inHaunted Chocolatier, and combat is hopefully just the beginning. With his reputation for working hard to deliver standout experiences to his players, there’s no telling what fans can expect inHaunted Chocolatier.
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.
