Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

Sega console exclusive

Several video games based on the 1988 Michael Jackson film Moonwalker. U.S. Gold published various games for home computers, released in 1989, whilst Sega developed two similarly themed beat 'em up video games in 1990; one released for arcades and another released for the Mega Drive/Genesis and Master System.

Released: 24 August 1990
Platforms: Amiga Amstrad CPC Atari ST/STE Commodore C64/128/MAX MS-DOS MSX Master System Sega Genesis ZX Spectrum
Genres: Beat 'em up Maze Platformer
Developers: —
Publishers: —
Modes: Co-op Single-player
Perspective: Side view
Themes: Action Science fiction
Country: Japan
Languages: English
Composers: Michael Jackson

About

In 1990, several video games based on the 1988 Michael Jackson film Moonwalker, all named Michael Jackson's Moonwalker, were released. Sega developed two beat 'em ups, one released in arcades and another released for the Sega Genesis and Master System consoles. S. Gold also published various games for home computers.

Each of the games' plots loosely follows the "Smooth Criminal" segment of the film, in which Jackson rescues kidnapped children from the evil Mr. Big, and incorporates synthesized versions of some of the musician's songs. Following Moonwalker, Jackson collaborated with Sega on several other video games.

›Story

"Michael!" Katy's voice rings out - you've found her! But more children are still lost! Can you stop the psycho mastermind Mr.

Big and his goon squad before they kidnap all the kids? You can, if you're Michael Jackson! Moonwalk on muggers, lean on meanies, and pop the punks! Outfight, outjump, outdance!

Move like only Michael can, to the beat of Smooth Criminal, Beat it, Billie Jean, and Bad! No bad guy can last through Michael's Star Magic! Punch down gangsters in Club 30. Rumble in the streets.

Swing, spin, and kick past graveyard ghouls. Chill in the caverns, then sizzle 'em with ultra-tech weapons in Mr. Big's hideout. Experience the baddest video game ever.

Defy physics with Michael's dancing! You never lose your cool. See it and be it - Michael Jackson's Moonwalker!

Keywords

mech
magic
robots
space
brawler
side-scrolling
based on - movie
dancing
black protagonist
boss fight
explosion
music and rhythm

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Reception

MegaTech said that the Mega Drive version was an addictive platform game that had "excellent graphics". Mega magazine placed the game at number 91 in their list of the best Mega Drive games of all time, saying it was average. In 2004, the Genesis version of Moonwalker was inducted into GameSpot's list of the greatest games of all time.

Your Sinclair compared the ZX Spectrum version of the game to Gauntlet and Operation Wolf, saying it was well animated and "a surprising amount of fun".

Legacy

Jackson later would go on to have a cameo role in Sega's Space Channel 5 and Space Channel 5: Part 2 music/rhythm games for the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2. Jackson's cameo did not return in the VR version of the first game. Jackson also appeared as a secret character in Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2.

Releases by platformdates and regions as published

Platform	Released	Regions
MSX	24 July 1990	Worldwide
Commodore C64/128/MAX	24 July 1990	Worldwide
MS-DOS	24 July 1990	Worldwide
Amstrad CPC	24 July 1990	Worldwide
Atari ST/STE	24 July 1990	Worldwide
ZX Spectrum	24 July 1990	Worldwide
Amiga	24 July 1990	Worldwide
Sega Genesis	24 August 1990	North America · Japan 25 August 1990 · Europe 25 January 1991 · Brazil 31 January 1991