In late 2021, indie developer Eric Barone (generally generally known as ConcernedApe on-line), famed for single-handedly creating the magical Stardew Valley, formally introduced that he was growing an all-new sport. That sport is named Haunted Chocolatier, and it appears to be like like an entire different world of enjoyable, informal simulation the place you discover out the key needs of each single member of your neighborhood.
Particulars are nonetheless restricted — “I identical to working in secret,” ConcernedApe reported in his final official progress replace — however don’t fear, loads of data has already dropped, and we’ll preserve you up to date about each element so you understand what’s occurring.
Launch date
There is no such thing as a set launch date for Haunted Chocolatier, and it appears to be like prefer it’s going to be in improvement a bit longer than followers initially anticipated.
The latest replace on the sport’s progress comes from an interview Barone did with Display screen 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 number of Stardew Valley references and information about Haunted Chocolatier as properly. Right here’s what Barone needed to say about his progress on Haunted Chocolatier:
“It’s going properly, nevertheless it’s a giant sport. I’ve a giant, bold imaginative and prescient for it. It’s a bit bit daunting, the quantity of labor that it’s going to be. However Stardew Valley took me fou-and-a-half years; I’ve been engaged on Haunted Chocolatier for a few yr and a half or perhaps two years now. I introduced it a bit bit over a yr in the past, nevertheless it’s nonetheless gonna be some time. However I believe it’s going good. Thus far. There’s a whole lot of good issues up to now.”‘
In April 2023, Barone tweeted that he was engaged on an replace to Stardew Valley and that he was taking a break from growing Haunted Chocolatier quickly. It seems that the break is over although — in October, he tweeted a number of new photographs from the sport.
If Haunted Chocolatier takes as lengthy to get to its closing type as Stardew Valley did, followers may not see the sport till 2025 on the earliest.
Platforms
Haunted Chocolatier will completely be popping out on PC, however there was no point out of different platforms.
Stardew Valley finally made its solution to consoles and cellular, so we’re assuming Haunted Chocolatier can be available to all players as properly.
Trailers
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, a bit little bit of fight as a personality gathers elements within the wild, and a few chocolate-making footage from contained in the chocolate manufacturing unit.
Gameplay
Haunted Chocolatier begins with the participant beginning up a chocolate store whereas residing in a haunted citadel in the midst of a snowy neighborhood. The participant might want to search all kinds of elements and alliances to make one of the best chocolate potential and in the end attain success.
It’s not stunning simply how comparable the sport appears to be like to Stardew Valley up to now. ConcernedApe has in contrast it to the vitality of the moon, as Stardew Valley was the vitality of the solar. The artwork type, motion, and interface are all recognizable right here. Nevertheless, it’s being created in a brand new engine, which seems to permit for some necessary additions. Thus far, there’s no info if it’s truly positioned in the identical world as Stardew Valley.
The simulation facets
One of many issues individuals fell in love with in Stardew Valley was the flexibility 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 sport.” Haunted Chocolatier can be extra of the identical, with comparable methods to present presents, 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 necessary methods. There’s a a lot higher emphasis on Motion RPG options, and that features fight, which has a whole overhaul. There can 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 many who need a bit extra motion of their chocolate-making plans.
Surprisingly, the fight within the sport might take a little bit of inspiration from Diablo II.
“Once I was within the early phases of Haunted Chocolatier, I used to be taking part in a bunch of Diablo II. Getting loot and seeing your numbers go up on the stats? I like that stuff,” mentioned Barone in a December 2022 interview with Display screen Rant. “I really feel like a whole lot of Stardew Valley gamers aren’t that into it, however I’ve simply bought to do what I believe is enjoyable. And I believe that’ll shine by means of within the sport, if I’m enthusiastic about it.”
The soundtrack
Followers of Stardew Valley are little doubt desperate to know what kind of soothing tunes Haunted Chocolatier may have. Excellent news — it sounds nice up to now. You possibly can 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.
Multiplayer and co-op
In response to the FAQ part of the developer’s weblog, Haunted Chocolatier is being designed as a single-player sport with no plans for any sort of multiplayer facets.
Preorders
The sport continues to be doubtless a few years from launch, so there’s no probability to pre-order it simply but. We’ll preserve you posted.
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