Classic Arcade Game Blaster! Has Been Ported
The 1997 MS-DOS title is now available on modern PC platforms with official English-language support.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Gaming
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TopWare Interactive has released a PC port of the arcade game Blaster!, previously known as Katharsis, on Steam and GOG. The release marks the first time the 1997 title has received official English-language support.
Why it matters
The publisher aims to preserve the original arcade experience while ensuring the game is accessible to modern players. This release brings a title originally developed by Metropolis Software to a contemporary audience.
The game, priced at approximately $8, spans 20 levels split evenly between underwater and deep space settings. A deluxe edition includes four extra ship skins, four music tracks, bonus pickups, and four digital wallpapers.
The players
TopWare Interactive
This publisher is responsible for bringing the classic arcade game to modern digital storefronts.
Metropolis Software
The Polish developer originally created the game before being acquired by CD Projekt.
CD Projekt
This company acquired the original developer of the game in 2008.
The details
The port offers enhanced visual and audio options, allowing players to toggle between updated and original 1997 settings. Additional content includes two bonus levels and a unique skin for the Eagle spaceship.
Timeline
The original version of Blaster! was released for MS-DOS in 1997.
Metropolis Software was acquired by CD Projekt in 2008.
The development studio Metropolis Software shut down in 2009.
The new PC port launched on Steam and GOG on October 9, 2026.
Culture Shift
This release follows the trend of the digital preservation of abandoned MS-DOS software by updating legacy titles for modern storefront compatibility. It highlights how publishers are utilizing platforms like GOG to bridge the gap between 1990s PC gaming and current hardware.
Players can purchase the game for approximately $8 to experience the original 1997 gameplay on current hardware. The included toggles allow users to choose between updated visuals or the authentic look and feel of the original release.
The takeaway
Retro gaming fans now have a simplified way to access a title that was previously difficult to run on modern systems. The inclusion of original assets alongside enhanced options caters to both purists and new players interested in classic arcade experiences.
Further reading
For more on the current state of digital game restoration, visit the Gaming section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Game Rant.
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