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Michael Jackson's Moonwalker is the name of several video games created by U.S. Gold and Sega in 1989 and 1990 that incorporate the personage of and were co-developed by Michael Jackson. The arcade version, home video games and home computer versions all differ in terms of gameplay, but the story and concept remain constant. The story, which is taken from the Moonwalker film, follows Michael, using various music and dance related abilities, on a quest to save kidnapped children from the hands of the evil "Mr. Big". The games incorporated synthesized versions of the musician's hits, such as "Beat It" and "Smooth Criminal". The games have now achieved cult status and are remembered for being a memorable point in Jackson's change to a different stage persona from "Thriller", to "Bad".
Contents |
| Michael Jackson's Moonwalker | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Emerald
Software Keypunch Software |
| Publisher(s) | U.S. Gold |
| Platform(s) | Amiga Amstrad CPC Atari ST Commodore 64 MS-DOS MSX ZX Spectrum |
| Release date(s) | 1989 |
| Genre(s) | Maze game/Beat 'em up/Platformer/Shooter game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: N/A |
| Media | Cassette, Cartridge, Floppy disk |
| Input methods | Keyboard, Joystick |
Versions of the game were released for the popular 8-bit and 16-bit home computers of the time. They were developed by two small softhouses, Irish Emerald Software Ltd and American Keypunch Software, and published by British company U.S. Gold; all of these have since gone out of business[1]. The home computer versions are the only games to make reference to the early portions of the film.
The games featured four different levels. The first was a top-down maze-style level based on the 'Speed Demon' short, involving wandering the studio to collect various items and costume pieces, with the final piece being the motorcycle, all whilst trying to avoid the crazed fans. Stealth elements were used, with an onscreen map similar to that used in Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. The next level had similar gameplay, riding the motorcycle collecting tokens, upon which turning into a car in order to jump a barrier to the next part.
The third level was a sort of side-scrolling level based on the "Smooth Criminal" clip, collecting ammunition and shooting at gangsters in openings above you.
The final level involved morphing into a robot and shooting at soldiers in openings, with the player controlling a crosshair. The four songs used were "Bad", "Speed Demon", "Smooth Criminal" and "The Way You Make Me Feel".
Since all three games were made in isolation, and all hardware had different sound and memory capabilities, they all included a different selection of songs. The levels on which each song was used is summarized below.
| Song | Computer | Arcade | Console |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Another Part of Me" | 4. Graveyard (level) | 3. Woods (level) also the
dance attack music in the REV01 version for 3-1 and 3-2 5. The enemy hideout (dance attack in 5-3 in the REV01 version) |
|
| "Bad" | 1. Studio | 1. Cavern
5. Evil Fortress |
4. Cavern (dance attack)
5. The enemy hideout (level) Ending credits |
| "Beat It" | 3. Night Street | 2. Street
5. The enemy hideout (dance attack in 5-2) |
|
| "Billie Jean" | Ending credits | 3. Woods (dance attack in 3-3 in the REV01 version)
4. Cavern (level) |
|
| "Smooth Criminal" | 3. Club 30s | 2. Amusement Quarter | 1. Club 30s
5. The enemy hideout (dance attack in 5-1) |
| "Speed Demon" | 2. Motorcycle race | ||
| "Thriller" | 3. Woods (dance attack in the REV00 version)
5. The enemy hideout (dance attack in 5-3 in the REV00 version) |
||
| "The Way You Make Me Feel" | 4. The enemy hideout |
| Michael Jackson's Moonwalker | |
|---|---|
 European arcade flyer of Michael Jackson's Moonwalker. |
|
| Developer(s) | Triumph/Sega |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Designer(s) | Michael Jackson |
| Platform(s) | Arcade |
| Release date(s) |  1990 August
25, 1990 |
| Genre(s) | Beat 'em up/Run and gun |
| Mode(s) | One to three players simultaneously |
| Input methods | 8-way joystick, two buttons |
| Cabinet | Upright |
| Arcade system | Sega System 18 |
With completely different gameplay to the home computer versions, Moonwalker was developed into an arcade video game by Sega (programming) and Triumph International (audiovisuals), with the help of Jackson which was released on the Sega System 18 hardware. This game suffered from Sega's suicide battery[2] on its arcade board (a battery that, accidentally or otherwise, renders the game unplayable at the end of its lifespan). The arcade has distinctively different gameplay from its computer and console counterparts, focusing more on beat 'em up gameplay elements rather than platform.
The game is essentially a beat-em-up, although Jackson attacks with magic powers instead of physical contact, and has the ability to shoot magic power at enemies instead of getting close enough for a melee attack. A map of the stage is shown before it begins, and after which, Jackson must get from the start to the end without losing all his health, rescuing all the children and defeating all the enemies along the way.
The game can also be played multiplayer; if the cabinet supports it, up to three people can play simultaneously. All three players play as Jackson, dressed in his suit from the "Smooth Criminal" music video. The first player wears a white suit and hat, with a blue shirt; the second player's character dons a scarlet outfit with a white shirt; the third player's character is dressed in black, with a red shirt. The characters all have armbands: blue for white outfit, white for red outfit, and red for black outfit.
Dance Magic: Arguably the most memorable
feature, Sega takes the concept of the "smart bomb" or "screen
zapper" and changes it to the form of dancing, in a special attack
termed "Dance Magic". Remaining stocks of this are displayed
onscreen as the MJJ logo, 
, which had recently debuted in the film.
Once activated, a heavenly spotlight shines on the player, and the
player starts to dance several of the high-energy moves that have
become Jackson's hallmarks. All of the standard enemies —
henchmen, gangsters, guards, robots — start dancing with the
player and are destroyed at the end of the dance routine
(ostensibly because they cannot keep up with Jackson's dance
moves). However, bosses do not
dance, but do take a significant amount of damage. Any captive
children on-screen at the time Dance Magic is activated are not
harmed. There are three different dance routines that may be
performed, and the player starts with one to three of these attacks
per credit (depending on how the machine is set up).
Bubbles: Part of the peculiarity of this game comes from this unusual power-up. Bubbles the chimpanzee, Michael's real-life pet, appears in each level. Once collected or rescued, the chimp transforms Michael into a robotic version of the pop singer that has the ability to shoot laser bursts and absorb significantly more damage.
"Billie Jean" plays over the credits.
| Michael Jackson's Moonwalker | |
|---|---|
 Front cover of the Japanese Mega Drive version. |
|
| Developer(s) | Sega |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Platform(s) | Mega
Drive/Genesis Master System Game Gear Virtual Console |
| Release date(s) | August
24, 1990 August
25, 1990 August
26, 1990 August
27, 1990 |
| Genre(s) | Beat 'em up/Platformer |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Rating(s) | PEGI: 12+ |
| Media | Cartridge |
| Input methods | Joystick |
Home versions of the game were released for Sega's Mega Drive/Genesis and Master System home video game systems, as well as the Sega Game Gear handheld system, though the gameplay was completely different from the arcade version. A version has also been rated by PEGI for an upcoming release on Virtual Console.[3], but no confirmation of which version. The home console versions of the game were actually based on an evolved version of the home computer version of the game (with gameplay somewhat similar to the Shinobi series), in contrast to the arcade version which was a three-quarters view shooter/fighter type game. The game involved the player controlling the pop star in a quest to save all the kids that had been kidnapped by Mr. Big. In the arcade version, Katie was one of three types of children who could be rescued, in the home version, all of the captive children are young blond girls termed "Katies", although Zeke appears in the end sequence.
The game's levels and music were borrowed from the film (though many of the music tracks were taken from Jackson's Thriller album as well) and the player had the ability to destroy enemies by making them dance. In the console game Michael could become a robot by rescuing a certain child first, and then grabbing a comet that fell from the sky. In the arcade version, Michael became a robot by rescuing his chimp pal Bubbles. The arcade version also had the novel feature of three simultaneous players (each controlling Jackson's character in a different-colored "Smooth Criminal" outfit).
The gameplay is focused on finding children, all of whom resemble Katie from the movie, which are scattered throughout the level, some behind certain objects such as doors. Most of the objects are empty or contain enemies. In contrast to the arcade version, Michael's moves more closely resemble his trademark dancing moves. For example, the standard attack is a stylized high kick that is commonly incorporated into his dance routines. The player has combination health/ability bar. One button will allow Michael to spin, being invulnerable in the process. However, this spin move will slowly lose health. If the spin is held for more than two seconds, Michael will throw his hat in a fashion of a boomerang which will destroy most enemies. The longer the spin move is held, the wider distance that the fedora will cover. If held down long enough, a dance magic scene similar to the arcade version would play, featuring dance moves taken from the film clips of whatever song is playing in the background. Michael can also use the magic to slide down banisters and eliminate multiple enemies in the process. Almost every stage has three levels, designated in Super Mario Bros. fashion as X-1, X-2, X-3. However, the final level of the Mega Drive/Sega Genesis version was a first person "flight sim" type battle between Michael (now transformed into a space ship) and Mr. Big's ship.
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 also appeared as a secret character in Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2.
The Jackson sprite is also an iconic part of web-culture, appearing in several Newgrounds animations and flash games, mostly the Mega Drive/Genesis version. The arcade version was used in one of VH1's I Love the '90s then-and-now commercials, showing the arcade Jackson sprite standing in front of the girl sprite, while she runs off screaming and a cage drops on Jackson and imprisons him.
In the June 2007 issue of Game Informer magazine, Michael Jackson's Moonwalker was number 8 on the "Top 10 Worst Licensed Game Ideas (ever)" in the Connect section but GameSpot added Moonwalker into the Hall of Greatest Games of all time.
Since Jackson's death, interest has grown in the game, and since the original ports of the game are so rare, brand-new sealed copies can run on auction websites as high as $13,999.99. The Sega Genesis runs on eBay as high as $72.50 new.[5]
A week after Jackson's death, game developer David Perry revealed that he was working with the singer on a console title but the developer and publisher are unknown until further announcements.[6]
Also, MJ Data Bank, on June 21 2009 four days before Jackson's death, posted an news article saying a new official Michael Jackson video game was in the works and would be released before Christmas 2009. It would be released for Playstation®2, Playstation®3, and Nintendo Wii and would feature Michael Jackson's music, dance, and videos. [7]
The game has a PEGI rating for the Wii's Virtual Console, hinting that the game will eventually be released by Sega Europe on the Virtual Console. This will be the very first time the game has ever been ported out of its original systems. No versions have been confirmed, however, according to supported systems, it could either be for the Genesis/Mega Drive, Master System/Game Gear, arcade version or more than one of them.
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Michael Jackson's Moonwalker |
Table of Contents | Walkthrough
| Michael Jackson's Moonwalker | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Developer(s) | Emerald Software, Keypunch Software |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Beat 'em up |
| System(s) | Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, MSX, ZX Spectrum |
| Mode(s) | Single player, Multiplayer for 3 players |
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker is a series of games released for the arcade, home computers and game consoles.
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker/Table of Contents
| Michael Jackson's Moonwalker | |
 |
|
| Developer(s) | Sega |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Designer(s) | Michael Jackson |
| Release date | Japan: 25th August 1990 USA: 1990 |
| Genre | Beat 'em up/Run and gun |
| Mode(s) | Single player Multiplayer |
| Age rating(s) | |
| Platform(s) | Sega Genesis, Arcade, Sega Master System |
| Input | Controller |
| Credits | Soundtrack | Codes | Walkthrough | |
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker is a game based on the Moonwalker video movie feature that was released in the arcades as well as for the Sega Genesis and Sega Master System. The home versions were especially well-noted for turning an entire music video into a workable videogame experience, featuring Michael Jackson's signature moves.
Michael has to rescue the children, kidnapped by Mr. BIG, using Bubbles the chimp and his moonwalking and dancing (smartbomb) skills. The game's soundtrack features hits such as "Bad", "Smooth Criminal" and "Beat It".
Arcade Version:
During each round, Michael must fight off each and every one of Mr. BIG's henchmen as well as the deadly enemy machines by shooting them with his magical energy or by using his Dance Magic. Some enemies take only one shot to defeat but some of them take several shots to destroy. The longer you hold down on the fire button, the greater the amount of energy Michael can shoot. If Michael uses his Dance Magic, all the enemies on the screen will dance along with him and then they will all be eliminated. However, you are usually only given two Dance Magics at a time.
When you begin each game, you get three lives and one Dance Magic. Everytime Michael is hurt, the energy meter drops. If Michael runs out of energy, a life is lost. If you run out of lives the game ends, but continuous play is available.
During each round, as Michael fight off the enemies, he will find some of the children who are held captive. He must touch each of them in order to free them. Some children give Michael special items such as a Dance Magic or some extra life-energy. Michael has to rescue all children in each and every round.
Later in each round, Michael's pet chimpanzee Bubbles will be seen moving about and if he touches Bubbles, he will turn into a powerful robot called Moonwalker. After Michael has become Moonwalker, he will be able to shoot lasers and fire missles. Michael must defeat every boss enemy at the end of each round in order to proceed to the next.
At the end of the fifth round, Michael must defeat Mr. BIG and his Death Machine. If Michael gets past this round, Mr. BIG's evil schemes will be crushed and he will be beaten. After that, Michael will turn himself into a spaceship and escape from the Evil Fortress as it explodes. Afterwards, the game ends.
Home Game Version:
The home game versions used a standard side-scrolling platform-jumping approach rather than the isometric 3D view used in the arcade version. Here Michael looks for the kids in five different locales: the Club 30, the street, the woods, the cavern, and the enemy hideout. He contends with various dangers such as thugs, dogs, bombs hidden in cars, and zombies. One common weapon that Michael uses are his kicks, but he can also throw his hat around and use it like a boomerang. When there are more enemies onscreen than he can handle, Michael can invoke his "dance attack" move to get rid of them. After the search for kids, Michael confronts Mr. Big by turning into a giant robot and then into a jet airplane.
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   | X-entertainment article on the videogames - X-E - Michael Jackson: The Video Game??! |
| | Detailed overview of arcade version - SydLexia.com - Michael Jackson's Moonwalker |
| | KLOV entry of ''Moonwalker'' - Michael Jackson's Moonwalker - Videogame by Sega (1990) - The International Arcade Museum and the KLOV |
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