The 3 elements of a GOLDEN FLEECE story are:

1) A road spanning oceans, time—or across the street—so long as it demarcates growth. It often includes a “Road Apple” that stops the trip cold.
2) A team or a buddy the hero needs to be guided along the way. Usually, it’s those who represent the things the hero doesn’t have: skill, experience, or attitude.
3) A prize that’s sought and is something primal: going home, securing a treasure, or re-gaining a birthright.

Save the Cat! Beat Sheet Analysis for Stars in the Trash

In Stars in the Trash, players are immersed in Moka’s world, making choices and guiding him through his adventure. Whether it’s navigating dangerous alleys or helping Moka discover the meaning of home, players will find themselves deeply involved in his journey. Let’s take a look at the story through its key moments, where you—the player—will become part of Moka’s tale.

Opening Image

In a dark grimy alley we find the stray cat Bati. This location starkly contrasts with the brightly cozy room where the main character—Moka—sleeps on a comfortable (if slightly battered) couch. Here, we set a nostalgic tone with an aesthetic reminiscent of the cartoons from our childhood.

Theme Stated

“Appreciate and value what you have; life out there is dangerous.”  That’s what Trasto, the wheelchair dog, tries to tell Moka as he grabs him by the scruff to stop his escape. This moment sets the stage for the game’s exploration of the pros and cons of life on the streets, a journey the players will experience firsthand as they guide Moka through the challenges ahead.

Set-Up

Moka is a cat living his dream life. He has everything a feline could ask for: a bowl full of food, a family that adores him, and a loyal friend. But… something’s missing. He’s bored out of his mind and starts daydreaming about venturing out into the streets. Sometimes, he even makes up stories in his head (like the vacuum cleaner monster) to fight off the monotony and the boredom. Here, Moka pulls off a classic Save the Cat! moment when he hands over a teddy bear to his friend Trasto.

Catalyst

The classic call to adventure. It all started on a regular day, but wait….Who’s that scrappy yet oddly captivating street cat strolling through the garden?

Debate

Trasto is busy barking at the intruder, giving Moka the perfect chance to slip away and live the adventure he’s always dreamed of (or so he thought). For a brief moment, he wonders if he should take the leap and escape. Sure, there could be dangers out there, but there could also be thrilling adventures!

Break into Two

This phase lasts as long as it takes to cross the garden. The coveted freedom is just around the corner. Moka leaves behind the old world and steps into one that feels unfamiliar.

B Story

The love story between Bati and Moka. At first, Bati has better things in mind, like feeding her kitten, and is wary of Moka. But after they are forced to team up to keep moving forward, their relationship begins to grow. Moka will have to learn a lot from her if he wants to survive on the street, like how to open door handles—a skill that will ultimately help him defeat the dogcatcher, Ursus.

Fun and Games

This is the moment where the promise of the premise is fulfilled—the very reason we chose to play Stars in the Trash. We’re a cat with a giant city to explore and plenty of chaos to unleash. From escaping the dogcatcher to climbing a massive tower, the adventure is packed with excitement. Moka is a fish out of water trying to apply his old logic to this new world—with little success. Just to give a quick example: when he tries to get some food by rolling over his back to show his belly… he almost ends up chopped in two!

Midpoint

The rooftop scene between Bati and Moka. For once, Bati looks at Moka with new eyes and ponders a life alongside her friend. It’s a bittersweet moment, a false victory and the closest Moka will ever get to achieving what he truly wants. Now, the real trouble begins!

Bad Guys Close In

Ursus raises the stakes as he unveils his heavy artillery. We learn about his secret alliance with the rats, whom he controls using a slimy, goo-like substance called “glucorat.” It turns out that the true culprits behind the city’s filth aren’t the stray animals but the rats. As dogcatcher, Ursus has the perfect excuse to capture any animals he targets!

All Is Lost

Ursus has been tracking Trasto all along and finally discovers his location, along with Bati’s. A fierce battle erupts against the rats, but tragedy strikes: Bati passes away in a true whiff of death moment.

Dark Night of the Soul

Moka slips through a gap in the wall and finds Bati’s lifeless body. He’s devastated. To make matters worse, he finds out that Ursus has captured Trasto. Now Moka is truly alone in this harsh world.

Break into Three

Determined, Moka sprints after the truck which carries Trasto, managing to latch onto it briefly before being thrown off on a sharp turn. With nothing left to lose, he resolves to reach the dog pound and rescue his friend; he’s the only thing that matters now.

Finale

Moka infiltrates the pound and manages to free Trasto. Along the way, we discover Ursus’s greed and cruelty: a blackboard filled with a sinister tally of captured animals.

The climax? After a frantic chase, an accident leaves Ursus covered in glucorat. Drawing on the skills Bati taught him (like unlocking doors), Moka frees the rats, who gleefully turn on Ursus and devour him in revenge.

Final Image

We return to the house. Time has passed, and everything looks the same—or close enough. The family has grown: Bati’s child has been adopted by Moka and Trasto’s family. The kitten, now named Kimchi, dreams of escape, just as Moka once did.

But Moka stops him in his tracks, just as Trasto had done to Moka at the start of the adventure. Moka has learned his lesson, and the cycle begins anew.

As the camera pans to the sky, we’re reminded of Bati and her sacrifice.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER: Save on Stars in the Trash on Steam now!