Stars in the Trash
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Arcade, platformers, 2D, indie games, side-scroll, cats, singleplayer
Steam
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.
Videos and Screens
[1:36] Stars in the Trash - International Cat Day Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Beautiful Animation: The hand-drawn animation is frequently praised for its quality, reminiscent of classic Disney and Don Bluth films. Reviewers highlight the fluidity and vibrant colors that enhance the overall visual experience.
- Heartfelt Story: The narrative is described as emotional and charming, effectively conveying themes of love for pets and the adventures of a cat named Moka. Many players felt a deep connection to the story and its characters.
- Soundtrack: The music complements the game beautifully, enhancing the emotional impact and overall experience.
- Passion and Craftsmanship: Players appreciate the evident love and dedication from the small development team, Valhalla Cats, which shines through in every aspect of the game.
- Family-Friendly: The game is suitable for all ages and is recommended for families, especially those with children who love animals.
The main cons of the game
- Short Length: Many reviews mention that the game is quite short, typically taking around 1-2 hours to complete, which some players feel is insufficient for a fully immersive experience.
- Basic Gameplay: The platforming and puzzle mechanics are described as simple and sometimes clunky, lacking challenge and depth. Some players noted that they didn't find the gameplay particularly innovative or engaging.
- Limited Narrative Depth: Some players felt that the narrative was not as strong as advertised, with a lack of dialogue and emotional connection to the characters. A few reviews suggested that the story left some scenes unanswered.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- More Content: Users expressed a desire for additional content, such as downloadable content (DLC) or expansions, to further enrich the story and gameplay.
- Improved Gameplay Mechanics: Some players suggested that the platforming controls could be refined for a smoother experience, as certain objectives could be frustrating due to small trigger areas.
- Deeper Narrative Engagement: A few reviews indicated that the game could benefit from more engaging storytelling elements or character development to enhance player connection and investment in the narrative.
Summary generated on:
Stars in the Trash Description
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.
Stars in the Trash Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Valhalla Cats
Publisher: IndieArk
Age restrictions: none
Stars in the Trash System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 950 / 2 GB Radeon R7 370, 8 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GeForce GTX 970 / Radeon RX 570, 8 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit