
Stars in the Trash
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Arcade, platformers, 2D, indie games, side-scroll, cats, singleplayer
OpenCritic
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.
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
Impulsegamer: 4.5 / 5 by S. Masoud Kazemi
Stars in the Trash is not the game to play to finish. It is an experience to have and let is consume you with everything it has in store. Sometime the pacing goes out of place, yet the overall experience it gives is something magical.
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.
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.
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:
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