Haunted Chocolatier
PlatinumGames, the team behind high-octane third-person games like Bayonetta and Astral Blade, has invested in a publishing deal to boost sales of the popular indie game, Stardew Valley, on PC. While the developer is renowned for over-the-top fighting games, they could benefit from taking inspiration from Stardew Valley's success and improving a specific aspect of their own game. If Haunted Chocolatier can build upon and enhance the best part of Stardew Valley, it has the potential to become one of the greatest PC games ever made.It is worth noting that Haunted Chocolatier is being developed solely by Eric Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, unlike its predecessor that was backed by publisher Chucklefish. However, Haunted Chocolatier's foundation, from graphical design to core mechanics and farm-based gameplay loop, seems to draw inspiration from Stardew Valley. This suggests that Haunted Chocolatier may expand upon its incredible character creator.
Fans of Stardew Valley's customization are aware of the endless possibilities it offers. You can change your appearance by visiting the Wizard and using the Shrine of Illusions. However, Haunted Chocolatier could improve upon this by providing a more seamless and frequent method of obtaining cosmetic items.
Stardew Valley's art style and character sprites add a tremendous amount of personality to the game. The characters' appearances change regularly depending on which farmhand you interact with, fostering a sense of warmth and connection that is often lacking in similar titles. If Haunted Chocolatier were to introduce regular updates with more clothing and hairstyle options, it would greatly enhance players' ability to express themselves in this immersive game.
Furthermore, Haunted Chocolatier could introduce themed outfits, such as a Santa outfit at Christmas or a Pride-centric shirt during Pride month. These additions would not only provide players with more choices but also serve as conversation starters.
In terms of gameplay, Stardew Valley offers more than just farming; it provides an interconnected gameplay loop that includes socializing, exploring, and foraging. Haunted Chocolatier should strive to replicate and expand upon this same level of freedom, allowing players to engage with the game's environment in various ways, from browsing menus to interacting with the world itself. Games like Stardew Valley have an anything-goes feel, and Haunted Chocolatier would benefit from capturing that essence.
