Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 77 | 25 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 98% | 94 | 192 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 97% | 93 | 269 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 90.5, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 384 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Dec 20, 2024) · 269 reviews sampled · 226 total reviews in window · weighted 64.5 up / 1.8 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (15)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 79
“An unusual pet-based adventure that manages to enchant and entertain, even with a few scruffy spots, while it lasts”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Stars in the Trash is a wonderful game, and as I mentioned, a piece of art in its own right. You start off feeling like, “Oh, this is fun, I’m a cat knocking things over,” but as you progress, you get deeper and deeper into this mindset that you feel like you know exactly what this cat is feeling and thinking. I very rarely find a game that makes me stop and think every few moments about what it’s like for animals out on the streets, and I have a lot of appreciation for Valhalla Cats for their work in bringing much-needed funding to animal shelters. In conclusion, get this game, play it, enjoy it, and remember to donate to your local shelters.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Although Stars In The Trash is only a little over an hour long, I absolutely loved it. The only downside to this game is that I wanted more of it; I'm sure I’ll go back and get the remaining achievements soon. Thankfully, the menu has the option to select previous chapters, making it easy to go back and get whatever it is that you’ve missed.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“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.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“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.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Stars in the Trash is a very enjoyable game title that will bring a smile to the face of any animal lover.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“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.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Stars in the Trash is a great game. It controls well, it has a fantastic art style, and it has good music. On top of that, the story is gripping and emotional, and it all comes together in one nice package. Unfortunately, the game has some issues, namely plot inconsistencies, price, and length. That said, I think these issues are minor and don’t hinder the game too much. If you’re willing to shell out the $12 the game costs, I highly suggest checking it out. It’s a fun, short story that I believe everyone can find enjoyment in.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Though it could use a bit more polish, Stars in the Trash is a beautifully crafted game showcasing a love for old-school animation and pets. It’s an easy choice for fans of both.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Stars in the Trash is a heartwarming and incredibly sweet game that, in some scenes, moves you emotionally, while in others, brings a smile to your face. I just wish it were longer.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Whilst it may have taken a little while and a couple of patches to get my review out. Stars In The Trash was always on my mind as a game I enjoyed. From the nostalgic graphics to the incredible animations, Valhalla Cats have hit the jackpot with this one. I just hope that they keep doing this sort of game and bring us more cats. Stars In The Trash receives the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“For fans of narrative-driven platformers or anyone who loves cats, this is a must-play experience. It slots perfectly into the growing line of feline-focused games, offering a unique balance of whimsy and emotional depth. It’s clear that Valhalla Cats has created something truly special, earning a well-deserved 9/10 for its charm, creativity, and heartfelt execution.”
read full review ↗
Nindie Spotlight
Life is Xbox
Minimap
GamesCreed
GameGrin
SomHráč.sk
LadiesGamers.com
Smash Jump
Try Hard Guides
Oyungezer Online
Thumb Culture
Screen Hype…and 3 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Stars in the Trash 1.06 Live NowMar 5, 2026
- Stars in the Trash 1.05 Live NowOct 5, 2025
- Stars in the Trash 1.04 Live NowFeb 9, 2025
- Stars in the Trash 1.03 Live Now and What's NextJan 31, 2025
- Stars in the Trash 1.02 Live NowJan 12, 2025
- Stars in the Trash 1.01 Live NowDec 20, 2024significant · resets scoring window