ConcernedApe’s sophomore projectHaunted Chocolatieris likely still a ways out—something that eager fans sadly know all too well. ButHaunted Chocolatier’s distance seems to only make it more alluring, as speculation about how it may evolve and recontextualizeStardew Valley’s core gameplay systems has been running rampant. Indeed, ConcernedApe struck gold withStardew, and now audiences are hoping that he will do so again.
Chances are high that this will happen, asHaunted Chocolatierappears to be a promising spin on theStardew Valleyformula. Most significantly,Chocolatieris aiming for different goals thanStardew, in some ways, with ConcernedApe himself stating that it will be “channeling the moon,” with its inherently darker subject matter. Other gameplay twists, like the increased focus on combat and the emphasis on business management rather than raising crops and livestock, suggest a markedly different overall experience. But perhaps the most obvious distinction betweenHaunted ChocolatierandStardew Valleycan be found right in the former’s title: the “Haunted” nature of this forthcoming game means a new world of opportunities built around supernatural storytelling and game mechanics, andAnimal Crossing, one of ConcernedApe’s clear influences, could once again serve as a font of inspiration in this regard.
Animal Crossing’s Wisp Quests May Provide a Strong Blueprint for Haunted Chocolatier
Wisp Is Animal Crossing’s Friendly Ghost NPC
Appearing in severalAnimal Crossinggames since the series' inception,Wisp is a friendly NPC that employs the protagonistin the aim of tracking down various spirit pieces. In accordance with the franchise’s signature real-time in-game schedule, Wisp will only appear in the late hours of the evening or early in the morning, making him relatively difficult to find, especially for those who play mostly during the day.
But most players would say that finding him is worth it, as completing his objectives can net 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 Wisp’s requestis a random item of varying rarity and quality. Of course, this is only the literal, tangible reward for completing the request. One could argue that the unexpected nature of Wisp, and the fact that finding him can feel almost like a secret, is a reward in and of itself.
Benevolent, Quest-Doling Spirits Would Be Perfect for Haunted Chocolatier
Haunted Chocolatier’s early reveal trailergestures toward some spiritual in-game allies, though the exact nature of these ghostly NPCs remains to be seen. They appear to be positioned as helpers of some sort, perhaps assisting with the day-to-day activities of running the chocolate workshop and storefront, but the game’s focus on the spiritual realm doesn’t have to be limited to this sort of unconventional employment arrangement.
This is whereHaunted Chocolatiercould take some cues fromAnimal Crossing’s Wisp. A mostly independent spirit, Wisp is an eccentric and bizarre character, even for a ghost (he is scared of ghosts himself, for instance). Moreover, Wisp plays the role of the traditional quest-giver, giving the user specific tasks, albeit very basic ones, in exchange for a reward. GivenHaunted Chocolatier’s themes and premise, there’s a world of opportunity in this sort of dynamic, as a variety of different ghosts, perhaps “lost souls” in need of guidance, could enlist the player’s help for distinct tasks, rather than just a simple fetch quest.
Haunted Chocolatiercould provide both narrative rewards, such as an explanation of the ghost’s backstory, and material ones, like cooking supplies, upon completion of such quests. Maybe these activities could even expand the player’s assortment of “employee” ghosts, as each ghost’s quest would have to be completed before recruiting them, serving to strengthen the player’s bond with these NPCs.
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.
