Fans of the critically acclaimed farming simulator gameStardew Valleywill soon experience another adventure from developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone. The indie game maker has released regular updates for his new life simulatorHaunted Chocolatier.This pixilated adventure puts players in the shoes of a chocolatier on a quest to make the best sweets with the help of their ghostly sous chefs. The game appears to be a moodier take on theStardew Valleyformula, and games likeDiablo 2have inspired its development.
Curiously enough,Stardew Valleydeveloper Eric Baronehas said in previous interviews that his love of action role-playing hack-and-slash games - particularlyDiablo 2- has influenced Haunted Chocolatier’s development. The developer has found inspiration in focusing on leveling up stats and looting thatDiablo 2centers in its gameplay. This might be an odd inspiration for a game involving magic chocolate-making in a small town. Still, it’s the perfect creative departure forHaunted Chocolatierto evolve past the formula used byStardew Valley.
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How Diablo 2 Could Level Up Haunted Chocolatier’s Combat System
ManyStardew Valleyplayers are highly familiar with the combat mechanics in the game, as it is almost impossible to progress in the mine without hack-and-slashing a few ofStardew Valley’s strongest enemies, magma sparkers, and haunted skulls.The combat system in the game is relatively sparse, which makes sense given the title is a farming simulator heavy on social progression. Granted, players must equip themselves with a weapon and armor that provides varying levels of effectiveness and protection. From there, fighting is mostly dodging and slicing enemies, a fine set of mechanics for a farming simulator, but not nearly nuanced enough for a game focused on obtaining ingredients from combat.
The best part about ConcernedApe’s use ofDiablo 2in the development ofHaunted Chocolatieris that Eric Barone genuinely likes the combat mechanics and uses that personal enjoyment to fuel the creative process. While the game got aremake inDiablo 2 Resurrected,Diablo 2is over two decades old, even though it has been praised far and wide for its dynamic combat involving varied environments and a compelling story. The game also employs character classes but has a randomly generated equipment system that focuses on character evolution and crafting that is unique to theDiablofranchise. It would be incredible to see even one of these elements employed inHaunted Chocolatier.
How The Combat Mechanics In Diablo 2 Might Show Up In Haunted Chocolatier
A more sophisticated loot system will probably make its way intoHaunted Chocolatier. One aspect of this might be giving players more equipment options, allowing armor pieces, clothing, and accessories to be randomly found and then worn in battle. The game could also increase the diversity of materials found in the world, introducing a system for equipment crafting alongside the cooking mechanics that form the foundation ofHaunted Chocolatier’s combat. This game mechanic would work incredibly well in giving players access to various ingredients as they battle while not having the process be repetitive or predictable.
The most exciting addition toHaunted Chocolatierthat could be added to the game is the addition of boss battles.Diablo 2has legendary bosses, with enemies that range from Lilith to the Hephasto the Armorer keeping the player on their toes while in combat. ConcernedApe has released screenshots of bee-themed combat zones, possibly hinting at boss battles being themed by the ingredients players could collect there. With the advent of more challenging combat,Haunted Chocolatiercould add a spell-casting system. There are player-made mods that have added magic toStardew Valley, making the possibility of varied and dynamic combat a definite option in the upcoming game.
