Looking for a PC game from the 2000s with a dark theme (prison and balloons)

[yoyo1999]

Hi everyone,

I’m desperately trying to find a PC game I played during my childhood, likely around the early 2000s. I haven’t been able to identify it yet, and I’m hoping this amazing community can help me solve this mystery.

Here’s what I remember about the game:

• Theme: It had a dark atmosphere, similar to a prison, with cages visible in the levels or background.
• Score menu: The score menu featured a prison scene in the background, including cages, which left a strong impression on me.
• Visuals: Colorful balloons would appear on the screen, probably as part of a celebration or after completing a certain objective.
• Release period: I believe the game was from the 2000s or perhaps earlier. I was born in 2000 and played it when I was very young.
• Platform: It was a PC game, likely running on Windows 95, Windows 98, or possibly through a DOS-based emulator.
• Language: I’m not sure if the game was in English or French.

I’ve already explored forums like Vogons and Reddit and received suggestions like Cool Spot, but that’s not the game. I also checked compilations like Game Pack CD: 40 Best VGA Games, but unfortunately, I didn’t find it there either.

If any of this sounds familiar to you, or if you have even the smallest hint or idea of where I could look (compilations, shareware, etc.), I’d be extremely grateful for your help.

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!

 

[Yousef]

Try asking here:

Can't remember the name of that game from your past?

This is our thread to help each other to get some relief from that mental agony of when you miss a game from the good old times, but can't remember its name!!! To organize it a bit, I think we can agree with some rules for asking and for answering. Asking: Describe the game as much as possible...

retrogametalk.com

 

[yoyo1999]

Try asking here:

Can't remember the name of that game from your past?

This is our thread to help each other to get some relief from that mental agony of when you miss a game from the good old times, but can't remember its name!!! To organize it a bit, I think we can agree with some rules for asking and for answering. Asking: Describe the game as much as possible...

retrogametalk.com

What do I do once I go to the link you gave me because I can't create a thread?

 

[DunkeyKong]

I could find 2 for now that are pretty similar

Prisoner

Alcatraz

 

[Yousef]

I can’t speak French so I can’t really explain some stuff for but if you can’t speak English then you may wanna wait for someone who speaks French to communicate with you

 

[yoyo1999]

I can’t speak French so I can’t really explain some stuff for but if you can’t speak English then you may wanna wait for someone who speaks French to communicate with you

Here is what you received my two photos

Post automatically merged: Mar 21, 2025

looks like this, there was a prison in the score menu and when you finished a level, balloons flew away with strings in a bodruche

 

[Graw]

Here is what you received my two photos

Post automatically merged: Mar 21, 2025

looks like this, there was a prison in the score menu and when you finished a level, balloons flew away with strings in a bodruche

Have you tried reverse image searching that image you posted?

 

[yoyo1999]

Have you tried reverse image searching that image you posted?

these to say

 

[McWiggles]

I don't know why it pops into my head specifically as it doesn't neatly fit your vague description, but it could have been Cryo's "The Devil Inside"

, which was kind of like a mix of horror, reality-show satire and "The Running Man".

 

[yoyo1999]

I don't know why it pops into my head specifically as it doesn't neatly fit your vague description, but it could have been Cryo's "The Devil Inside"

, which was kind of like a mix of horror, reality-show satire and "The Running Man".

OK this is not this game

 

[driftwood]

Here is what you received my two photos

Post automatically merged: Mar 21, 2025

looks like this, there was a prison in the score menu and when you finished a level, balloons flew away with strings in a bodruche

On your second attached picture, there is a word I cannot make out on the computer screen under the balloons. Is that related to the game title or a player or stage name?

 

[yoyo1999]

On your second attached picture, there is a word I cannot make out on the computer screen under the balloons. Is that related to the game title or a player or stage name?

these are to say

 

[AceOfAces]

Not to try and drive traffic away from the site, but I've had good luck with r/tipofmyjoystick, which helped me find Bioforge.

 

[yoyo1999]

Not to try and drive traffic away from the site, but I've had good luck with r/tipofmyjoystick, which helped me find Bioforge.

and can I find my game again?

 

[AceOfAces]

If someone recognises it from the description, hopefully.

 

[yoyo1999]

If someone recognises it from the description, hopefully.

I believe it

Post automatically merged: Mar 22, 2025

If someone recognises it from the description, hopefully.

Can you post the game description on tipofmyjoystick because I can't access it anymore, I was banned for a while.?

 

[AceOfAces]

What did you do to get banned from r/tipofmyjoystick

 

[yoyo1999]

What did you do to get banned from r/tipofmyjoystick

View attachment 46389

I don't know, maybe I posted too much.

 

[Pikachun]

I'm not sure if this is the game

 

[yoyo1999]

I'm not sure if this is the game

View attachment 46460View attachment 46461

No, it looks like the bars, but no, it was a Tetris puzzle game and the prison was in the scores menu.

Post automatically merged: Mar 22, 2025

I'm not sure if this is the game

View attachment 46460View attachment 46461

I've recalled another detail about the game:
- There were **prison offices** as part of the setting, which might indicate a darker, more intense atmosphere.