Haunted Chocolatier's Story May Be Better Off Avoiding Stardew Valley's Approach

Summary

Haunted Chocolatierwill likely carry over a number ofStardew Valley’s mechanics, design pillars, and aesthetic qualities, but one major part of the latter’s story might be fit for an adjustment in the upcoming game. While there are certain aspects ofStardew ValleythatHaunted Chocolatierwill likely improve upon, the approach to story should perhaps be completely overhauled, leading to a drastically different experience.

Stardew Valleyis often considered one of the most replayable games of all time. However, the term ‘replayable’ is a bit of a misnomer: while there is certainly an appeal to starting a brand-newStardew Valleysave file, it’s not something that is particularly encouraged or rewarded, as players can enjoy all the game’s content (with a few notable exceptions) in a single playthrough. In reality,Stardew Valleyfollows in the footsteps of games likeAnimal Crossing, which allow players to spend dozens, if not hundreds, of hours in a single playthrough, as the gameplay loop is essentially endless, with no concrete or defined conclusion to the low-stakes narrative. Now,Haunted Chocolatiercould tweak this approach.

Haunted Chocolatier Tag Page Cover Art

Stardew Valley’s Story Is Endless, But Haunted Chocolatier’s Doesn’t Have To Be

Given player expectations and genre conventions, it’s likely thatHaunted Chocolatierwill have a lot of content. While this will have its benefits, allowing players to sink plenty of time into progression systems that will hopefully be satisfying, the game could also benefit from adding one major element: a proper ending to its story.

A Real Ending Could Benefit Haunted Chocolatier’s Narrative

Stardew Valleyis light on linear storytelling, but it does have a plot. The game centers on the player-character rejecting fast-paced modern culture and choosing a life of peace and simplicity on their late grandfather’s land. Given this premise,Stardew Valleyplayers are free to make their own stories, form friendships, start a family, and either invest in their community or help tocorrupt it via the Joja Corporation.

Though the game has something of a soft ending in year three, when the grandpa character’s spirit comes and evaluates the player’s success and choices, it’s far from conclusive. The game goes on like usual, and players can still make any number of decisions that alter their NPC relationships and the state of Pelican Town.

haunted chocolatier progress update stardew valley developer

While this lack of closure isn’t too big of a deal considering the game’s inherent lack of an involved narrative, it is something of a missed opportunity.Haunted Chocolatierwill likely have a different narrative style, so it could perhaps feature a more concrete, and therefore more moving, plot by including an actual ending.

Haunted Chocolatier Could Still Have Stardew Valley-Style Endgame Content

Of course, most players probably wouldn’t appreciate having all their hard work wiped away at the end of the story, and some sort of long-term endgame goal is vital for a management or life sim. That said, a firm and conclusive ending wouldn’t preclude this sort of longevity, as the rest of the game could be framed as a sort of extended prologue similar to a game likeRed Dead Redemption 2.

Better yet,Haunted Chocolatiercould feature New Game Plus. This could be a worthwhile expansion ofStardew Valley’s approach to replayability, as players could try out different starting configurations or story choices, but with all their previous upgrades and items. New Game Plus would encourage fresh playthroughs and experimentation since players wouldn’t have to start from scratch every time.

A character from Haunted Chocolatier swinging a stick at Kel from Stardew Valley

Some players will naturally be drawn to the idea of a ‘forever game’, but others may want a defined experience that offers a satisfying place to bow out. IfHaunted Chocolatiercould give a more conclusive ending to its narrative while still offering the longevity ofStardew Valleyin other ways, it could satisfy both groups.