Halloween is a time when so many fantastic storytellers can flex their muscles. The spooky season brings seemingly unlimited potential for great narratives, and in the video game space, it can provoke some truly exceptional experiences in the horror genre. Carrion, Dead by Daylight, Resident Evil 6, and Call of Cthulhu all released in October of their respective years, and while each offers tense atmosphere and tried-and-tested horror presentation flourishes, there are some games that cater to those who aren't enticed by creaking floorboards, surprising jumpscares, and dystopian settings. Haunted Chocolatier's release is likely a while away, but may be the answer for scaredy-cat gamers.
It's been proven that a release doesn't have to be frightening to wield a tone and atmosphere that's suited for the Halloween season. Luigi's Mansion 3 is a fantastic game that only raises the heart beat of its players because of its challenging level design and gameplay. Haunted Chocolatier is going to be different from the Stardew Valley that inspired it, and placing more emphasis on a ghostly story and character elements will do well to differentiate it from what came before. For players who want a game that gives off a Halloween-ish vibe without the constant worry of fearful storytelling or world-building, Haunted Chocolatier could be perfect.
Haunted Chocolatier is a Spooky Successor
Haunted Chocolatier will 'channel the energy of the moon,' which makes its presence known in the fall season. Mystery, darkness, and the supernatural are the flavor of Haunted Chocolatier, as it's different in tone entirely to the light-hearted Stardew Valley that released in 2016 and is still finding fans today. With players assuming the role of a chocolate factory owner rather than a humble farmer who moved to Pelican Town from the big city, the gameplay will be very different, with more combat and a different progression focus.
Stardew Valley doesn't shy away from abstract elements to flesh out its lore like an unassuming wizard in the forest or Junimo's taking over the derelict Community Center, and it's all the better for it as it separates itself from other games in the farming simulator genre. The differences between Haunted Chocolatier and Stardew Valley can be the biggest source of the former's charm if they are executed well, and if it releases in the right window, it could have an even higher advantage over any competition.
Halloween Doesn't Necessarily Mean Horror
Horror games are an acquired taste. They're typically only reserved for those who find enjoyment in being scared, and as such, the best parts of games like Outlast, The Evil Within, and Dead Space can't be appreciated by people who simply don't have the heart for the genre's norms. It's surely a source of frustration, and when Halloween creeps up on players, they're left looking for a game that matches the tone of October in a more accessible way. Batman Arkham Asylum is an example of a title that is perfect for non-horror fans, as its superhero license and fantastic action-based 'freeflow' combat does well to make the setting's tense aura more manageable.
Haunted Chocolatier could do the same thing, and seems to balance the spooky elements with a familiar and charming visual style that would be very tough to make work in a truly frightening game. Should it arrive in the fall, ConcernedApe's newest game can stand alongside horror experiences that will inevitably attempt to take advantage of the Halloween season, but will be accessible to gamers of all ages and persuasions. October's atmosphere can be suitable for a plethora of different genres, not just the typical horror or survival tropes that can be found in the usual suspects like Resident Evil or Silent Hill. Haunted Chocolatier, like Luigi's Mansion did in 2001, can provide the perfect respite for people who don't enjoy the aforementioned franchises but still want to enjoy the full force of Halloween.
Haunted Chocolatier is in development.