Machine Guides

Game History

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker arcade game was developed by Sega with Jackson's direct involvement and released in 1990. The game originated from Jackson contacting Sega in 1988 about developing a video game that would capture his persona, leading to a collaboration based on his Moonwalker film and "Smooth Criminal" music video.

The arcade version ran on Sega's System 18 hardware and was released in 1990. The game featured an isometric beat 'em up style where players controlled Michael Jackson using magic powers and dance moves to defeat enemies and rescue kidnapped children from the villainous Mr. Big.

Moonwalker supported three-player cooperative gameplay, with each player controlling a different-colored version of Jackson's signature white suit (white, red, and black). The game incorporated Jackson's music including "Bad," "Smooth Criminal," "Beat It," and "Another Part of Me," and featured  gameplay elements like a dance attack that would freeze enemies and make them perform synchronized routines before being defeated.

Despite mixed critical reception at the time, with Game Informer naming it one of the "Top 10 Worst Licensed Game Ideas" while GameSpot inducted it into their list of greatest games, Moonwalker has achieved cult status and is remembered as one of the most unique celebrity-endorsed arcade games of the early 1990s.

How to Play

Objective

The main goal of Michael Jackson's Moonwalker is to rescue children who have been kidnapped by the villainous Mr. Big. You must progress through various levels by defeating enemies using Michael's dance moves and magical abilities. The game supports up to three players working together to complete the mission. The ultimate objective is to defeat Mr. Big and save all the children.

Controls

• Joystick: Use the joystick to move Michael in any direction
• Dance Button: Press to perform Michael's signature dance moves that defeat enemies
• Magic Button: Press to execute magical attacks that transform enemies into friendly dancers
• Jump Button: Press to jump over obstacles and enemies

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your rescue mission.

• Character Selection: In multiplayer mode, each player controls a different-colored version of Michael Jackson (white, red, or black).

• Level Progression: Navigate through various levels, each filled with enemies and obstacles. You must defeat enemies to progress.

• Combat Mechanics: Defeat enemies using your dance moves and magical attacks. Different attacks work better against different enemy types.

• Rescue Mechanics: Locate and rescue the kidnapped children scattered throughout each level. Some children are hidden and must be found.

• Power-Up Collection: Collect special items that enhance your abilities and provide temporary advantages.

• Multiplayer Coordination: In multiplayer mode, work together with other players to clear levels more efficiently and rescue all children.

• Boss Battles: At the end of certain levels, face powerful boss enemies that require special strategies to defeat.

• Game Completion: Successfully complete all levels and defeat the final boss to rescue all children and complete the game.