When it released in 2016, few would have predicted thatStardew Valleywould go on to have as big a legacy as it has enjoyed over the years. Though it is a farming simulator first and foremost, theConcernedApe-developed projecthas plenty of side activities to enjoy that make it as much of a life simulator as it is an honest agricultural experience. Collecting bundles to restore the community center, fishing at one of the plentiful spots around Pelican Town, battling in the mines, and buying one of the many hats from the local vendor is part of the fun. The solo-developer’s next project,Haunted Chocolatier,has a lot to live up to if it hopes to have the same staying power.
It is unclear as to how much ofStardew Valley’s DNA will be inHaunted Chocolatier’s gameplay or presentation, but in order to keep fans of the former satisfied it’s perhaps a wise decision not to stray too far from what worked in 2016. However,Haunted Chocolatierhas the opportunity to improve on the formula somewhat, despiteStardew Valleyhaving so few blemishes on its stellar resume. Romance options stand out amongStardew Valley’s many activities, but the developer’s next project could do more with the idea.
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Stardew Valley’s Romance Events Offer Interesting Character Moments
Flattering the local townsfolk is an important part of the player feeling like they belong inStardew Valley. A budding friendship can soon turn to romance, leading to eventual marriage and children. Twelve bachelors and bachelorettes includingPenny, Maru, Shane, and Alexare available to be wooed, and gamers can give gifts each week to show their affection, and are often rewarded with charming cutscenes that give more context into the character’s life.
This ensures that the player isn’t just choosing a romance option based on the pixels; each has a small, but significant story arc that adds a lot of personality. FromShane’s struggles with alcoholto Penny’s uneasy relationship with her mother, Pam, the characters are wonderfully nurtured, and the option to romance them is a delight. However, it isn’t all rosy, as the simplicity ofStardew Valleymeans that once the player finds love, it doesn’t feel all too rewarding when the knot is tied.
Haunted Chocolatier Could Fix Stardew Valley’s Big Romance Problem
Romancing a character inStardew Valleyrenders that character largely pointless as they stay in or around the farm most of the time without adding much to the experience.Haunted Chocolatiercould ensure that the honeymoon period lasts longer, ConcernedApe can make the whole ordeal feel like it has a reason to occur other than the pleasant experience of building up the hearts in the friendship. Romance deserves a greater impact on the player’s playthrough than that.
By bringing the romance option into the protagonist’s story in a more meaningful way,Haunted Chocolatiercould make the experience after marriagefeel like a collaborative effort. Maybe the spouse receives shared ownership of the factory, which decreases the player’s personal profit but improves the shop’s productivity, or the spouse can set up a side store to give them something to do and make them feel impactful in the relationship.Stardew Valleyis a valiant and commendable starting point for something better and more fleshed out to happen.Haunted Chocolatieralready has a mountain of expectations to live up to, and it surely can’t cater to all pie-in-the-sky ideas, but improving onStardew Valley’s romance mechanics would be very much welcomed.
