Stars in the Trash Review (hepcat)
Stars in the Trash is a stunningly beautiful game with an amazingly detailed story that is told all through the game play as a cat interacting with the world. For Moka the cat, there are enjoyable moments (napping and scratching), fun moments (knocking things over) and annoying moments (reaching the treats only to be...) and moments of achievement (finally getting outside on his own).
The outside world has its joys (running free and eating grass) and there are new friends to meet (people and animals) but there is also stress (the kennelman and rats). The story is a combination of charm and accuracy because life on the streets is harsh for animals. The game depicts this in a way that is good because it is stressful but not traumatic.
I will note that I have not finished Stars in the Trash yet due to my clumsiness as a cat. Some of the puzzles are rather easy to figure out but the gymnastics and timing involved in some of the others mean I will not get the achievement for completing the game with some of my nine lives left. A controller is recommended by the developers... That being said, there is no reason to rush through this lovely game.
I cannot imagine the time and dedication involved in creating all of the watercolor art for Stars in the Trash, but I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the creators because it really makes Stars in the Trash such a special game. It is amazing to think that a small studio like Valhalla Cats can create such a truly great game just by taking their love of animals and dedication to art to heart. They have pets they love and realize the problems that exist for so many animals. They have donated large amounts to shelters not because they have to but because they know it is the right thing to do and they "need" to help. I will lastly point out, that the creators at Valhalla Cats realize what our pets mean to us and asked for photographs of our pets that have died. It was very touching to see my cat Slinky on the wall of remembrance while I was playing Stars in the Trash. Thank you for doing such a kind thing for people.
I highly recommend Stars in the Trash. A small studio dedicated to a vision has created a great game!