Fans of laid-back farming simulator Stardew Valley are waiting excitedly for Haunted Chocolatier, the next title from creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone. Unfortunately, it seems likely that the game is several months or even several years in the future, forcing Stardew Valley fans to come up with unique and creative ideas to make the wait bearable. One fan, in particular, came up with an exciting idea to pay tribute to Haunted Chocolatier in another slow-paced life simulation game.
Announced by ConcernedApe in late 2021, Haunted Chocolatier is the creator's second major project after Stardew Valley. Like Stardew Valley, ConcernedApe will be developing this game almost entirely on his own. So far, the creator has described the game as being both similar to and different from Stardew Valley. Rather than a farm, players will run a chocolate factory and shop with adorable ghost assistants. Some elements from Stardew Valley will be returning, including the ability to build both platonic and romantic relationships with NPCs.
On Reddit, a user going by u/acnh_kaylee showed off a recreation of the titular Haunted Chocolatier itself inside another popular simulation game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. They used Animal Crossing's in-game design function to create a building with an exterior that matched that of the Chocolatier, including a large sign and two fake "windows" giving a glimpse inside the building. The player's character stood outside and performed the Greeting action, as though welcoming visitors to the establishment. However, they did not show off the interior of the Chocolatier, so it remains unknown whether the building is also decorated like a chocolate shop on the inside.
can I post this here? feel free to take it down mods if it's not allowed but in anticipation of concernedapes new game I made this 😳 from StardewValley
This is not u/acnh_kaylee's first project combining the worlds of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Previously, they created an entire Stardew Valley-themed island, including recreations of iconic locations throughout Pelican Town, including the Tavern, Mayor Lewis's house, and Pierre's general store. The island, which even included the player character's nemesis JojaMart, was praised for its meticulous attention to detail and the accuracy with which each Stardew Valley landmark was remade in an Animal Crossing style.
One way in which Haunted Chocolatier will differ from Stardew Valley is in its focus on exploration and combat. Players will be able to explore a large wilderness area, getting into fights with a variety of wild creatures. It also is rumored to feature boss battles, which Stardew Valley did not. If Haunted Chocolatier indeed gives such a large focus to exploration, it could take some cues from Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which allows fans to purchase plane tickets to a number of surrounding islands where they can encounter rare items, new potential island residents, and creatures such as tarantulas.
Stardew Valley is currently available for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Xbox One.