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Stars in the Trash

Stars In The Trash is a short, hand-drawn adventure that puts you in the paws of a curious house cat experiencing the world beyond home for the first time. Through simple platforming and playful interactions, it captures both the wonder and danger of that journey with surprising emotional depth. It’s a compact, heartfelt experience that values mood and storytelling over complexity, and it leaves a lasting impression despite its brief runtime.
Stars in the Trash Game Cover
95%Game Brain Score
story, emotional
grinding
98% User Score Based on 165 reviews
Critic Score 82%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchPCSteam DeckWindows
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Stars in the Trash Game Cover

About

Stars in the Trash is a single player simulation game. It was developed by Valhalla Cats and was released on December 9, 2024. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Stars in the Trash follows Moka, a spoiled cat who runs away seeking adventure but must learn to survive and value friendship when danger threatens his world. Set in a beautifully hand-drawn watercolor environment, the game offers an emotional, short journey inspired by animated movie classics. Experience life as a cat while facing intuitive challenges and uncovering the power of friendship.

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Stars in the Trash screenshot
Stars in the Trash screenshot
Stars in the Trash screenshot
Stars in the Trash screenshot
Stars in the Trash screenshot
Stars in the Trash screenshot
Stars in the Trash screenshot
Stars in the Trash screenshot
Stars in the Trash screenshot
Stars in the Trash screenshot
Stars in the Trash screenshot
+2
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98%
Audience ScoreBased on 165 reviews
story32 positive mentions
grinding3 negative mentions
  • Stars in the Trash features stunning hand-drawn watercolor art and animation that evokes nostalgia for classic animated films, making it visually captivating.
  • The game tells a heartfelt story through visual storytelling without dialogue, allowing players to connect emotionally with the characters and their journey.
  • Despite its short length, the game is packed with charm and creativity, providing a delightful experience for cat lovers and fans of narrative-driven adventures.
  • The gameplay can feel simplistic and janky at times, with some platforming mechanics being frustrating and lacking depth.
  • Many players found the game to be very short, taking less than two hours to complete, which may not justify the price for some.
  • The story, while emotional, can feel rushed and underdeveloped, leaving players wanting more character interactions and plot depth.
  • story
    96 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Stars in the Trash" is a heartfelt and emotional journey told entirely through visuals and gameplay, resonating deeply with animal lovers and evoking nostalgia for classic animated films. While some players found the narrative to be simple and occasionally rushed, the game's charming art style and expressive animation effectively convey a touching tale of adventure, friendship, and life lessons, making it a memorable experience despite its brevity. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions without dialogue, though some reviewers wished for a more fleshed-out narrative.

    • “The story is emotional and contains moments of sadness and joy.”
    • “At its core, it tells a simple yet deeply heartfelt story, sprinkled with unexpectedly dark moments that add depth and intrigue.”
    • “The story perfectly captures the feel of those animated films: adventure, excitement, loss and love, all without a single line of spoken dialogue.”
    • “If the devs read this, I wish the story would be more fleshed out and more 'realistic', because a lot of things just feel like they pop out of nowhere just to serve as an excuse for the gameplay (looking at you pneumatic tube in the supermarket launching steel apples).”
    • “It's undeniably lovely, but maybe a touch brief: the whole adventure's over almost as soon as it gets going, leaving its characters and plot feeling disappointingly underdeveloped and rife with missed opportunities.”
    • “The story is okay, I did shed a tear at one moment but besides that it's nothing extravagant.”
  • emotional
    45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    "Stars in the Trash" is widely praised for its emotional depth, combining a heartfelt story with beautiful hand-drawn art and a touching soundtrack. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from joy to sadness, often shedding tears during key moments, particularly those involving themes of friendship and self-discovery. The game is described as a charming and nostalgic adventure that resonates deeply with animal lovers, making it a memorable experience despite its short length.

    • “The story is emotional and contains moments of sadness and joy.”
    • “The emotional journey, combined with themes of friendship and self-discovery, is heartwarming and memorable.”
    • “I was expecting a silly little cat platformer, but I was taken on an emotional roller coaster while also getting to do classic kitty antics like knocking over objects and taking quick cat naps.”
  • gameplay
    43 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is primarily simple platforming and exploration, with a focus on casual mechanics that cater to a wide range of players. While it features charming visuals and some engaging puzzles, many reviewers noted that the gameplay is basic and lacks depth, often feeling rushed and janky. Overall, it offers a light-hearted experience with nostalgic elements, but may not satisfy those seeking a more challenging or intricate gameplay experience.

    • “The gameplay is simple, but I actually love that as a change of pace.”
    • “The gameplay itself is also fun - there are some moments that are surprisingly difficult and take some extra thought despite the mostly straightforward platforming.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, it's just move and jump, with less than 5 minutes of combat total, which just adds punch and dodge to the mix. Clearly, 4-year-old me could have finished it.”
    • “The gameplay consists of simple platforming from left to right for about 85% of the game.”
    • “It's very short, and the gameplay is a bit clunky, but I have to respect the excellent animation and the clear passion behind it.”
  • graphics
    33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning, hand-drawn art style that evokes nostalgia and resembles classic animated films. Reviewers highlight the breathtaking watercolor visuals and intricate details, which enhance the overall experience despite some critiques of the gameplay and story. Overall, the artwork is considered a standout feature, making the game visually captivating and memorable.

    • “An absolutely wonderful platformer, with beautiful, hand-drawn graphics.”
    • “The hand-drawn watercolor art style is breathtaking, with incredible attention to detail in every character and stage.”
    • “This is a beautiful game that's art style really feels like a beloved, detailed cartoon from your childhood that you can't quite remember.”
    • “Overall, it's a good game with amazing visuals, mediocre story, and simple gameplay.”
    • “Definitely reminded me of Valiant Hearts in the gameplay, graphics, and general presentation.”
    • “This game has a very original style, with its traditional handmade artwork and animations that have transported me back to the 90s, awakening many pleasant and nostalgic memories of my childhood.”
  • music
    28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic and soothing qualities, enhancing the overall emotional experience and complementing the beautiful hand-drawn art and animations. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a key element that creates a warm, melancholic atmosphere, drawing players deeper into the enchanting world. While some note that the music is not groundbreaking, it is consistently described as lovely and fitting for the narrative, contributing significantly to the game's charm and emotional impact.

    • “Every scene looks like a painting, and together with the music and the animation, it creates a warm, slightly melancholic atmosphere.”
    • “The atmospheric soundtrack enhances the journey, drawing you further into its enchanting world, while the characters are wonderfully crafted, each with their own charm and personality.”
    • “The soundtrack deserves equal praise as it succeeds in being an emotional driving companion to the heartwarming story that unfolds.”
    • “The soundtrack is decent, relaxing, and it fits the narrative well, but it is not that groundbreaking.”
    • “In all honesty, this game oozes charm with every frame of its beautiful animations, accompanied by some soothing music and a touching story that needs no words.”
    • “However, if you want and can support the developers, buy it at full-price and/or consider the artbook/soundtrack, otherwise wait for sale.”
  • atmosphere
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is characterized by beautifully hand-drawn backgrounds and animations that create a warm, slightly melancholic vibe, enhanced by an enchanting soundtrack. Players appreciate the charming character designs and the overall old-school cartoon feel, which together foster a wholesome and emotionally resonant experience.

    • “The atmospheric soundtrack enhances the journey, drawing you further into its enchanting world, while the characters are wonderfully crafted, each with their own charm and personality.”
    • “Super quick but very atmospheric and wholesome adventure and had a couple of moments that hit me right in all the feelings.”
    • “Every scene looks like a painting, and together with the music and the animation, it creates a warm, slightly melancholic atmosphere.”
    • “I really love all the hand-drawn backgrounds, animations, and cozy atmosphere and music.”
  • character development
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The character development in the game is highlighted by its wonderful and memorable animal designs, which draw inspiration from classic animation styles like Don Bluth and Disney. Reviewers praise the fun and distinctive character designs, noting their beauty and high-quality animation.

    • “The character designs for the animals are wonderful and memorable, the exact type of designs I've always wanted to see in an animated movie, and it was lovely to see it here.”
    • “The character designs are fun and distinctive, drawing stylization choices from Don Bluth and classic Disney.”
    • “It's a beautiful game, with wonderful character designs and top-notch animation.”
  • grinding
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be manageable, with sessions lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours, making it suitable for casual play. However, some criticize the tedious nature of certain achievements, which require repetitive tasks and time investment. Overall, while grinding is present, it is not overwhelmingly burdensome.

    • “Another would be how tedious the achievements are: waiting some odd minutes, doing something a certain number of times, and replaying the game but faster.”
    • “Grinding achievements: no”
  • humor
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is highlighted by its funny achievements, amusing character interactions, and a comical villain, all set against beautiful landscapes. Players appreciate the lighthearted tone and the entertaining animations that contribute to a fun and engaging experience. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with charming visuals and character dynamics.

    • “It has easy achievements, but they are all funny. I had a good time playing this game; I also cried, and now I know why this game is called 'Stars in the Trash.'”
    • “Beautiful landscapes, cute characters, and a funny villain.”
    • “I particularly enjoyed all the animation work behind it, the many funny and amusing interactions a cat would do while causing mischief and meeting new friends along the way.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's bittersweet ending, combined with its depth and richness, enhances its replayability by encouraging players to revisit the story for a deeper understanding and emotional experience.

    • “The bittersweet ending is impactful but leaves a sense of hope, making the story replayable for its depth and richness.”
    • “Each playthrough offers new choices and outcomes, ensuring that no two experiences are ever the same.”
    • “The game’s dynamic world changes with each decision, encouraging players to explore different paths and strategies.”
  • optimization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is well-optimized, featuring full Steam Deck support and ensuring smooth performance across a variety of devices.

    • “With full Steam Deck support, the game is accessible and runs smoothly on a range of devices.”
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82%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

Stars in the Trash is a simulation game.

Stars in the Trash is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck and Windows.

Stars in the Trash was released on December 9, 2024.

Stars in the Trash was developed by Valhalla Cats.

Stars in the Trash has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Stars in the Trash is a single player game.

Similar games include Sheepy: A Short Adventure, stray, Neva, Planet of Lana, GRIS and others.