Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has now revealed Haunted Chocolatier, a brand new project that comes after his smash hit farming sim Stardew Valley.
Haunted Chocolatier has no clear details right now apart from an early gameplay video. There’s also the fact that it’s connected to the world of Stardew Valley but there’s no other information about it at the moment.
Chocolatier plays as a cutesy combat-oriented RPG
The story of Chocolatier is a little more fantastical than its predecessor, as players take on the eponymous role. They live in a weird haunted castle turned chocolate factory, with several characters to help them create the sweet treats. Players will be making their delicious confectionery, as well as managing a team of NPCs.
https://twitter.com/ConcernedApe/status/1451290564469551107
Players can work with a blacksmith, a corpo, and a lot of ghosts. Much of the gameplay also revolves around killing monsters in the wild and getting materials for your desserts. There are slimes and plant monsters, as well as trees that you can thump for the occasional material.
“Chocolate represents that which is delightful,” said Barone in the game’s new website. “The haunted castle represents the allure of the unknown. The ghosts represent the imprint of the past. All of these things are important.
“However, don’t think for a moment that, because this game features ghosts in a haunted castle, it is an evil or negative game. On the contrary, I intend for this game to be positive, uplifting and life-affirming.
“However, if Stardew Valley mostly channeled the energy of the sun, Haunted Chocolatier channels the energy of the moon. Both are vital.”
ConcernedApe still developing its gameplay
Haunted Chocolatier follows the same aesthetic as Stardew Valley in both graphics and music. The game somehow looks like a more eclectic SDV that is more combat-oriented. The RPG focus is cute and enjoyable, especially with the chocolate-making and monster-slaying.
“Now, you might be scratching your head, wondering exactly what type of game this is,” said ConcernedApe. “I’m not sure how best to describe it. It’s evolving organically as I develop it, so I’m not sure where it will go. But at its core, the gameplay loop involves gathering ingredients, making chocolate, and running a chocolate shop.
“Of course, there’s a lot more to the game than that, but I don’t want to get too deep into at this early stage, partly because I don’t want to be tied down to any particular concept of what the game is.”
Haunted Chocolatier has no release date just yet. The game is still in its early stages and would still need a lot of things to develop over the next few months.
Featured image courtesy of ConcernedApe/Youtube Screenshot