Barone Says Haunted Chocolatier Will Emphasize Action RPG

Eric Barone says his upcoming game Haunted Chocolatier will put more emphasis on action-RPG adventuring and progression than Stardew Valley, while retaining what he describes as a town-game structure. The developer said the project is aimed in part at players who enjoy exploring Stardew Valley’s mines. In an interview, Barone described Haunted Chocolatier’s main focus as adventuring, finding equipment and becoming more powerful. He also said the game will feature monsters and boss fights. His comments offer a broad description of the intended direction, rather than a full account of the game’s finished design. Barone’s comparison points to a shift from the farming and social activities associated with Stardew Valley toward combat and exploration as more prominent parts of play. He has not described the new game as abandoning its town-based element. The reports provide no playable demonstration that would independently establish how those features will work in the finished release. The project is a follow-up to Stardew Valley, the farming and life-simulation game Barone created. He said the success of that game has brought expectations he did not face while making it.