ConceredApe
In late 2021, indie developer Eric Barone (generally generally known as ConcernedApe on-line), famed for single-handedly creating the magical Stardew Valley (considered one of Digital Developments’ greatest video video games of all time), formally introduced that he was growing an all-new recreation. That recreation is known as Haunted Chocolatier, and it seems to be like an entire different world of enjoyable, informal simulation the place you discover out the key needs of each single member of your group.
Particulars are nonetheless restricted. however don’t fear —loads of information has already dropped. We’ll hold you up to date about each element so you realize what’s happening.
Launch date
There is no such thing as a set launch date for Haunted Chocolatier, and it seems to be prefer it’s going to be in growth a bit longer than followers initially anticipated.
The newest replace on the sport’s progress comes from an interview Barone did with Display Rant in December 2022. The interview targeted on a collaboration between Barone and the indie-pop band Alvvays to make a music video for his or her track “Many Mirrors,” however there have been additionally a couple of Stardew Valley references and information about Haunted Chocolatier as effectively. Right here’s what Barone needed to say about his progress on Haunted Chocolatier:
“It’s going effectively, however it’s a giant recreation. I’ve a giant, bold imaginative and prescient for it. It’s slightly bit daunting, the quantity of labor that it’s going to be. However Stardew Valley took me four-and-a-half years; I’ve been engaged on Haunted Chocolatier for a couple of 12 months and a half or possibly two years now. I introduced it slightly bit over a 12 months in the past, however it’s nonetheless gonna be some time. However I believe it’s going good. To this point. There’s a whole lot of good issues to this point.”‘
In 2023, Barone took a brief break from growing Haunted Chocolatier in an effort to launch a brand new replace for Stardew Valley. That replace lastly launched in spring 2024, so it needs to be all Haunted Chocolatier from right here on out. Nonetheless, if Haunted Chocolatier takes as lengthy to get to its last type as Stardew Valley did, followers won’t see the sport till 2025 on the earliest.
Platforms
ConcernedApe
Haunted Chocolatier will completely be popping out on PC, however there was no point out of different platforms.
Stardew Valley ultimately made its option to consoles and cellular, so we’re assuming Haunted Chocolatier might be available to all players as effectively.
Trailers
ConcernedApe’s Haunted Chocolatier — Early Gameplay
We’ve solely seen a fast glimpse of Haunted Chocolatier in an early gameplay video launched in October 2021. The video reveals residents going about their day in a comfortable little city, slightly little bit of fight as a personality gathers substances within the wild, and a few chocolate-making footage from contained in the chocolate manufacturing unit.
Gameplay
Picture used with permission by copyright holder
Haunted Chocolatier begins with the participant beginning up a chocolate store whereas residing in a haunted citadel in the course of a snowy group. The participant might want to search all kinds of substances and alliances to make one of the best chocolate attainable and finally attain success.
It’s not stunning simply how related the sport seems to be to Stardew Valley to this point. ConcernedApe has in contrast it to the vitality of the moon, as Stardew Valley was the vitality of the solar. The artwork model, motion, and interface are all recognizable right here. Nevertheless, it’s being created in a brand new engine, which seems to permit for some vital additions. To this point, there’s no info if it’s really positioned in the identical world as Stardew Valley.
The simulation points
One of many issues folks fell in love with in Stardew Valley was the power to take their time, get to know everybody locally, and make progress with quite a lot of relationships (and farming, in fact), what Barone calls a “city recreation.” Haunted Chocolatier might be extra of the identical, with related programs to provide items, get to know characters, and progress relationships…or make errors.
Motion and fight
Right here’s the place Haunted Chocolatier splits from Stardew Valley in vital methods. There’s a a lot larger emphasis on Motion RPG options, and that features fight, which has an entire overhaul. There might be quite a lot of weapons and shields, a full blocking system, a stun system related with efficiently blocking enemies, and extra. This could make foraging makes an attempt and exploration an attention-grabbing a part of the sport for individuals who need slightly extra motion of their chocolate-making plans.
Surprisingly, the fight within the recreation might take a little bit of inspiration from Diablo II.
“After I was within the early phases of Haunted Chocolatier, I used to be enjoying a bunch of Diablo II. Getting loot and seeing your numbers go up on the stats? I like that stuff,” stated Barone in a December 2022 interview with Display Rant. “I really feel like a whole lot of Stardew Valley gamers aren’t that into it, however I’ve simply received to do what I believe is enjoyable. And I believe that’ll shine by way of within the recreation, if I’m enthusiastic about it.”
The soundtrack
Followers of Stardew Valley are little doubt wanting to know what kind of soothing tunes Haunted Chocolatier may have. Excellent news — it sounds nice to this point. You’ll be able to take a look at the trailer to get an concept of what to anticipate. We in all probability received’t hear way more till the sport nears completion.
ConcernedApe’s Haunted Chocolatier — Early Gameplay
Multiplayer and co-op
Picture used with permission by copyright holder
In response to the FAQ part of the developer’s weblog, Haunted Chocolatier is being designed as a single-player recreation with no plans for any type of multiplayer points.
Preorders
The sport remains to be probably a few years from launch, so there’s no probability to pre-order it simply but. We’ll hold you posted.
Editors’ Suggestions
Marvel Rivals: launch date hypothesis, trailers, gameplay, and extra
The Sims 5: launch date hypothesis, trailers, gameplay, and extra
Stardew Valley 1.6 replace: the whole lot you might want to know
Dragon’s Dogma 2: launch date hypothesis, trailers, gameplay, and extra
Foamstars: launch date hypothesis, trailers, gameplay, and extra
