Cerasus is a Yume Nikki fangame created by SpectrumW, aka Mirabolantes-256 or Isasapiens, first released on June 26th, 2020 for the 4th annual Dream Diary Jam on Itch.io. Since then, it has received an update for the 5th annual Dream Diary Jam on June 25th, 2021. It is currently still in development.
Plot
Cerasus focuses on the plight of a dolorian named Reshnha, who is stuck in the Dream World. Reshnha has been kidnapped and forced into the Dream World by a mysterious person called the Blank Painter (aka B.P.) who seems to have a great hatred for Reshnha and his family, as explained by Stomidori in their letter. Cerasus' itch.io page also explains that the Dream World has aligned itself to form different specific locations, events, characters, and effects around the inner workings of Reshnha's mind. Therefore, these can be assumed to be created from his memories of different things he has experienced throughout his life. It seems he will need to face all of these and much more in order to gather the songs needed to escape the Dream World and return to the real world.
Gameplay
Controls
- Arrow Keys - Move
- Z/Enter - Interact
- Shift - Effect Action
- X/Esc - Status/Save/Options
Unlike the traditional mechanics of many other fangames, there is no need to enter the Dream World through sleep as Reshnha is already stuck there. The Nexus is easily accessible by simply leaving Reshnha's bedroom. In order to return to the real world, he must collect all songs playable with an accordion given to him by Stomidori. However, effects can be found and are necessary in order to progress through the game, so these must all be collected as well. Since Cerasus is still in development, there are currently no endings available.
Trivia
- The title theme "Cherry Flavored Trance" has a section starting at 0:14 and ending at 0:27 with a distinct musical motif. It is used in a different game made by SpectrumW called Hallowed & Ground Up in a location where Reshnha is present. It seems this motif is meant to be associated with Reshnha, as it can be found in other places in Cerasus' dream world that are directly tied to Reshnha.