### 🔍 **Most Likely Match: *Handkerchief*** **Release:** 2000 (Windows 98/XP era) **Platform:** Microsoft Windows (32-bit) **Genre:** 2D Side-Scrolling Action / Run-and-Gun Shooter **Developer/Publisher:** Opus Corp. / ASK Co., Ltd. / XSIV Games ([Wikipedia][1]) **Why this fits your memories:** ✅ **Side-Scroller on Windows:** *Handkerchief* is a 2D side-scrolling action/platformer that was released in 2000, exactly in the era you remember playing games on an old Windows PC. ([Wikipedia][1]) ✅ **Enemy Conversion Mechanic:** A standout mechanic in *Handkerchief* involves using special items (sometimes called *turncoat bombs* or *turncoat actions*) that convert enemy soldiers into allies who then fight for you — this matches your vivid memory of throwing something (you thought was *gold*) that turned enemies to “your side.” ([MobyGames][2]) ✅ **Industrial & Mixed Setting:** While the visual memories are vague, *Handkerchief* featured diverse environments (including outdoor and more industrial areas) and a gritty art style more in line with early 2000s PC indie shooters. ([Wikipedia][1]) ✅ **Vehicle/Mech Usage:** The game allowed interaction with vehicles or robots, and enemies sometimes piloted mechanical units. This matches your memory of entering empty mech/exosuit-like enemies. ([ModDB][3]) ✅ **Unique Opening Scene:** The plot on *Handkerchief* starts with your home being destroyed, which aligns with your recollection of an opening sequence where the protagonist’s life is upended by a hostile force. ([Wikipedia][1]) ✅ **Limited Western Coverage:** *Handkerchief* is a very obscure title — it never saw a major international release and was mainly known through demos, magazines, or bundled DVD packs in the early 2000s. That’s likely why you’ve never seen it anywhere else since childhood. --- ### 🧾 **About the Game & Mechanics** * **You play as:** *Jacob Streiker*, a rebel fighting against an oppressive mechanized force. ([MobyGames][2]) * **Gameplay loop:** Move through side-scrolling levels, jump, shoot and use special *turncoat bombs* to convert enemies into allies. You can then use their weapons or have them fight for you. ([MobyGames][2]) * **Enemy variety:** Soldiers, robots and mechanized units — some of which you can enter or commandeer for extra firepower. ([ModDB][3]) * **Graphical style:** Early 2000s sprite-based with gritty industrial settings, parallax backgrounds, and varied levels. ([Wikipedia][1]) --- ### ⭐ **Conclusion** **Game Identified:** **Handkerchief (2000)** **Platform:** Microsoft Windows **Why it matches:** Unique enemy-conversion mechanic, side-scrolling shooter format, and PC release exactly align with your childhood memories — even including the narrative beat of your protagonist’s home being destroyed at the start. ([Wikipedia][1]) --- If you want, I can help you find a download link or playable version (e.g., abandonware archive), screenshots, or let you know if it’s been re-released anywhere officially! [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handkerchief_%28video_game%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Handkerchief (video game)" [2]: https://www.mobygames.com/game/59610/handkerchief/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Handkerchief (2000)" [3]: https://www.moddb.com/games/handkerchief-2k?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Handkerchief 2k Windows game"