Stars in the Trash

Release Date: December 9, 2024

Arcade, platformers, 2D, indie games, side-scroll, cats, singleplayer

7.9

OpenCritic

98%

Steam

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A 2D platformer about a house cat named Moka. The hero of Stars in the Trash wishes to get a taste of life on the street. Moka meets both friendly animals and enemies, including an animal catcher. The visuals of the game were inspired by classic animated films like 101 Dalmatians.

Story
Gameplay
Graphics

Stars in the Trash is a platforming game inspired by classic animated films. The game was developed by the independent Spanish studio Valhalla Cats, which previously delivered the thematically related game The Purring Quest.

Story

The main character of Stars in the Trash is Moka, a certain spoiled cat. Having had enough of sitting within four walls, the protagonist decides to run away from home and experience unforgettable adventures on the street.

Our hero quickly makes new friends, among which there are both other cats and dogs. Besides, the cat has to face a bully who poses a great danger to every street animal. In this way, our ward gradually learns the art of survival, and also begins to appreciate everything he left behind.

Gameplay

In Stars in the Trash the action is presented from the side. Moka runs around locations, jumps on platforms and avoids traps, as well as interacts with objects, solving environmental puzzles. Additionally, the cat gets to know other friendly animals.

It doesn't end there, as from time to time Moka has to get into fights with opponents like overgrown rats, making use of primarily their paws. Confrontations with a tomcat look different, as most often our cat has to run away from him to avoid being caught.

Graphics

The two-dimensional graphics of Stars in the Trash are maintained in a style reminiscent of cartoons like 101 Dalmatians or Lady and the Tramp.

Videos and Screens

[1:36] Stars in the Trash - International Cat Day Trailer

7.9

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 79% of Critics. There are 7 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

LadiesGamers.com: by Mina Smith

Overall, I had tons of fun with Stars in the Trash. If you like things like the Aristocats or The Fox and the Hound, I think you will love this game. There are so many details, such as beautiful art and loving care and taking in every detail, that I think anyone who loves animals will dig this game. As I said in my preview of the Stars in the Trash demo, it feels like playing a Disney movie. Now that I’ve played the whole thing, it feels even more like that. I love this game a lot, and I think most of you will love it too.

Full Review

GameGrin: 7.5 / 10 by Alana Dunitz

Stars In The Trash is an experience that all pet lovers should try. Besides the hand-drawn animations, this title is incredibly heartfelt but ends way too fast.

Full Review

GamesCreed: 4 / 5 by Rifaye Awsaf

Anyone who enjoys animals will enjoy Stars in the Trash because it has so many details, including exquisite artwork and meticulous attention to detail. Stars in the Trash is like watching a Disney film, and it feels even more like that now that we’ve finished playing it.

Full Review

98%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (124)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Beautiful Art Style: The hand-drawn animation is frequently compared to classic Disney and Don Bluth styles, with many users praising its nostalgic charm.
Heartfelt Story: The narrative is described as emotional and touching, resonating particularly with pet lovers. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke feelings of love and nostalgia.
Passion and Love from Developers: Users consistently note the evident love and care that went into the game's creation, making it feel like a heartfelt tribute to pets.
Engaging Soundtrack: The music complements the emotional tone of the game, enhancing the overall experience.
Satisfying Gameplay: Although simple, the platforming mechanics are described as enjoyable, with some moments of challenge that keep players engaged.

The main cons of the game

Short Playtime: Many reviews mention that the game is quite brief, typically lasting around 1-2 hours, which some players feel is insufficient for a fully developed experience.
Limited Depth: Some users express disappointment in the lack of character development and side quests, feeling that the story and interactions could have been more fleshed out.
Gameplay Mechanics: A few users reported clunky controls and awkward platforming at times, which detracted from the overall experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Expanded Content: Players expressed a desire for more content, such as additional side quests, characters, or even downloadable content (DLC) to enhance the game.
Accessibility Options: Some users suggested that options to manage visual elements, such as turning off flashing lights, would be beneficial for players with sensitivities.
Character Motivation Clarity: A few reviews pointed out that the main character's motivations, specifically why Moka the cat wanted to run away, could have been better established to enhance the narrative connection.

Summary

Overall, "Stars In The Trash" is celebrated for its artistic beauty and emotional storytelling, though it faces criticism for its brevity and the need for deeper gameplay mechanics.

Summary generated on: January 6, 2025