Difference between revisions of "Michael Jackson's Moonwalker"

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| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| developer={{company|[[Sega R&D 2]]|system=MD}}
 
| developer={{company|[[Sega R&D 2]]|system=MD}}
−
{{company|[[Arc]]|system=SMS}}
+
{{company|[[Arc]], [[Sega R&D 2]]|system=SMS}}
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Master System]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Master System]]
 
| sounddriver={{MD}} [[SMPS 68000]]
 
| sounddriver={{MD}} [[SMPS 68000]]
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| md_rrp_jp=6,000
 
| md_rrp_jp=6,000
 
| md_code_jp=G-4028
 
| md_code_jp=G-4028
−
| md_date_us=1990-08{{magref|egm|14|18}}
+
| md_date_us=1990-09{{ref|https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/0_oOwBPdcV0/m/kL2cZZd6ZyUJ}}<!--1990-08{{magref|egm|14|18}}-->
 +
| md_code_us=1013<!--{{magref|sv|8|60}}-->
 
| md_date_eu=1991-02{{magref|megatech|18|93}}
 
| md_date_eu=1991-02{{magref|megatech|18|93}}
 +
| md_code_eu=1013<!--{{magref|SegaFromVirginJuly1991 DE Trade Price List.pdf|page=5}}-->
 
| md_date_uk=1991-02{{magref|megatech|18|93}}
 
| md_date_uk=1991-02{{magref|megatech|18|93}}
 +
| md_code_uk=1013<!--{{magref|SegaFromVirginJuly1991 DE Trade Price List.pdf|page=5}}-->
 
| md_rrp_uk=34.99{{magref|raze|11|76}}{{magref|segapower|17|11}}
 
| md_rrp_uk=34.99{{magref|raze|11|76}}{{magref|segapower|17|11}}
 
| md_date_br=199x
 
| md_date_br=199x
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}}
 
}}
 
{{releasesSMS
 
{{releasesSMS
−
| sms_date_us=1990
+
| sms_date_us=1991-05{{magref|megaplay|3|32}}
 
| sms_rrp_us=29.95{{magref|gamepro|20|83}}
 
| sms_rrp_us=29.95{{magref|gamepro|20|83}}
 
| sms_code_us=7052
 
| sms_code_us=7052
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}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (マイケルジャクソンズ ムーンウォーカー) is an action platform game starring music artist [[Michael Jackson]]. Developed by [[Sega AM7]] and released for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] in late 1990, the game was ported to the [[Sega Master System]] in early 1991 by developer [[Arc System Works|Arc]], and is based on the 1988 film ''[[wikipedia:Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker|Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker]]''.
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (マイケルジャクソンズ ムーンウォーカー) is a [[Sega Mega Drive]] action platform game developed by [[Sega CS]] and published by [[Sega]]. Based on the titular 1988 film ''[[wikipedia:Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker|Michael Jackson's Moonwalker]]'' and starring world-famous pop music artist [[Michael Jackson]], it was first released in August 1990 as one of the system's earliest big-name titles. It later received a relatively faithful [[Sega Master System]] port early the following year by developer [[Arc System Works|Arc]].
  
−
The game, along with its arcade counterpart ''[[Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (System 18)]]'', is notable for being one of the earliest uses of direct celebrity endorsement in video game production.
+
''Moonwalker'', alongside its [[Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (System 18)|arcade counterpart of the same name]], is notable for being one of the earliest uses of direct celebrity endorsement in video game production, and marks the very beginning of Jackson's long and storied collaboration with Sega.{{fileref|BangorDailyNews US 1990-01-17; Page 19.png}}{{fileref|DetroitFreePress US 1990-12-13; Page 36 (3C).png}}
  
−
==Plot==
+
==Story==
−
The game is based on the ''Smooth Criminal'' segment of ''[[wikipedia:Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker|Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker]]'', following Jackson in suit and fedora through stages based on his different music videos as he rescues children from the drug dealer Mr. Big.{{ref|http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/michael-jacksons-moonwalker-genesissms}}
+
The game is based on the ''Smooth Criminal'' segment of the film ''[[wikipedia:Michael Jackson's Moonwalker|Michael Jackson's Moonwalker]]'', following Michael Jackson in suit and fedora through stages based on his different music videos as he rescues children from the drug dealer Mr. Big.{{ref|http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/michael-jacksons-moonwalker-genesissms}}
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker is an action platform game which emphasises exploration, and plays similiarly to the developer’s previous game [[Shinobi]]. Jackson has attacks based on his dance moves, such as throwing his fedora, and a significant jumping ability. Jackson also has the ability to both crotch grab and moonwalk, although neither have any ability on gameplay and exist for purely aesthetic reasons.
+
===Mega Drive version===
 +
{{ScreenThumb2|Moonwalker MD, Shooting Star.png|Moonwalker MD, Mecha Jackson.png|width=200|Shooting star}}
 +
''Michael Jackson's Moonwalker'' is an action platform game which emphasises exploration. It plays similarly to the developer's previous game ''[[Shinobi]]''. Michael has attacks based on his dance moves and a significant jumping ability. Each round contains three levels, the objective of which is to find and rescue all of the children. Upon doing so, Michael's pet chimpanzee Bubbles arrives and directs him to the boss area, where Mr. Big taunts Michael and dispatches a wave of goons (which includes gangsters and animals) to battle him.
 +
 
 +
Michael walks with {{left}} and {{right}} and crouches with {{down}}. He can moonwalk by holding {{B}} and then {{left}} or {{right}} (though this has no gameplay benefit). He jumps with {{C}} and jumps off platforms with {{down}}+{{C}}. He climbs stairs with {{upleft}} or {{upright}} and descends them with {{downleft}} or {{downright}}. While on a staircase, he can slide down the banister with {{A}}, which knocks out enemies in the way. He can look in doors, windows, car trunks, bushes, and other background elements with {{up}}. These areas often contain missing children or enemies. He can also enter elevators or caves or activate teleporters in some levels with {{up}}.
 +
 
 +
Michael has a Star Power gauge that indicates his health and also the strength of his attacks. His Star Power is depleted as he is harmed by enemies; rescuing children restores a portion of his Star Power (and his Star Power is fully restored after rescuing the last child in a level). Michael attacks by punching or kicking with {{B}}. He can attack while crouching with {{down}}+{{B}} or attack upward with {{up}}+{{B}}. He can also attack while jumping. His attacks are accompanied by magic sparkles that extend their range, and the power of his attacks and the size of the sparkles is dependent on his Star Power. When his Star Power is high, the gauge is blue and his attacks are strongest. When it gets lower, the gauge turns yellow and his attacks are weaker and his sparkles lose distance. When he is low on Star Power, the gauge turns red and his attacks no longer have sparkles. Attacks can shove some objects, such as chairs and rocks, which hurt enemies in their way.
 +
 
 +
Michael can use Star Magic by holding {{A}}, which performs special attacks but also drains Star Power (and therefore health). He initially spins, attacking nearby enemies. If the button is held for longer, Michael also throws his fedora at enemies, which can be directed with {{left}} and {{right}}. If the button is held for even longer, Michael performs the Dance Attack, a special ability where enemies are compelled to dance to short beats from "[[wikipedia:Bad (Michael Michael song)|Bad]]," "[[wikipedia:Thriller (song)|Thriller]]," and "[[wikipedia:Another Part of Me|Another Part of Me]]" before being defeated as a result.{{ref|http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/michael-jacksons-moonwalker-genesissms}} Star Magic can also interact with the environment in some ways, such as dropping a staircase in the first round or opening a manhole cover in the second round. If Michael does not have enough Star Power to use Star Magic, pressing {{A}} causes him to grab his crotch but does not attack enemies. Michael loses a life if he loses all of his Star Power. The game ends if Michael runs out of lives, but it can be continued a limited number of times.
 +
 
 +
In certain levels, rescuing a certain child first triggers a shooting star to fall from the sky that can be grabbed, briefly transforming Michael into the giant robot from the movie. In this form, he can fly with {{C}}, shoot eye lasers with {{B}} (which can be directed downward by holding {{down}} while firing), and shoot homing missiles with {{A}} (which cost Star Power). The form lasts for about thirty seconds, during which Michael is invulnerable to most attacks from enemies (but can still be harmed by the laser guns that some of them wield) and can see hiding children. Michael automatically changes into this form for the penultimate showdown with Mr. Big's henchmen. Michael additionally transforms into a spaceship for the final battle, which consists of a flight simulator-like minigame.
 +
 
 +
The game has three selectable difficulty levels (Easy, Normal, and Hard). There is a two-player mode where players take turns playing.
 +
 
 +
====Rounds====
 +
Each round (besides the final round) has three levels.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Club 30
 +
| screenshot=Moonwalker MD, Stage 1-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Moonwalker MD, Stage 1-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Moonwalker MD, Stage 1-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The music for this round is "Smooth Criminal."
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Street
 +
| screenshot=Moonwalker MD, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Moonwalker MD, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Moonwalker MD, Stage 2-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The music for this round is "Beat It." Michael can spray water from the fire hydrants by standing on them and pressing {{A}}. He can enter elevators with {{up}} when standing in front of them.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Woods
 +
| screenshot=Moonwalker MD, Stage 3-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Moonwalker MD, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Moonwalker MD, Stage 3-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The music for this round is "Another Part of Me." The music was "Thriller" in the prototype version, but it was changed in the final version, likely because that song was written by Rod Temperton and not Michael Jackson.{{ref|https://tcrf.net/Proto:Michael_Jackson%27s_Moonwalker_(Genesis)}} Michael can grab the tree branches in this round with {{up}}+{{C}} when in front of them.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Cavern
 +
| screenshot=Moonwalker MD, Stage 4-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Moonwalker MD, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Moonwalker MD, Stage 4-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The music for this round is "Billie Jean." Michael can enter the caverns in this round with {{up}} when standing in front of them. Some of the caverns are behind spiders or, in the last level, a waterfall.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=The Enemy Hideout
 +
| screenshot=Moonwalker MD, Stage 5-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Moonwalker MD, Stage 5-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Moonwalker MD, Stage 5-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The music for this round is "Bad." Michael can activate the teleporters in this round with {{up}} when standing on top of them.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Michael's Battle Plane
 +
| screenshot=Moonwalker MD, Stage 6.png
 +
| desc=Michael's spaceship moves with the D-Pad and attacks with {{A}}, {{B}}, or {{C}} (which can be held for rapid-fire). The radar in the bottom-right of the HUD shows the location of Mr. Big's spaceship as a blue dot.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
In certain levels, rescuing a certain child first triggers a comet to fall from the sky that can be grabbed, briefly transforming Michael into the giant robot from the movie and giving him the abilities of flight, eye lasers, and homing missiles. Jackson also automatically changes into this form for the penultimate showdown with Mr. Big's henchmen. In the [[Sega Mega Drive]] version, Jackson additionally transforms into a spaceship for the final battle, which consists of a flight simulator-like minigame.{{ref|http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/michael-jacksons-moonwalker-genesissms}}
+
===Master System version===
 +
The game is an action platformer played as Michael Jackson, who must rescue all of the children in each level. After finding the last child, Michael is taken to a room where he fights waves of Mr. Big's thugs. The player can see how many children remain missing by pausing the game with {{Pause}}.
  
−
All incarnations of the game feature Dance Magic, a special ability where enemies are compelled to dance to short beats from [[wikipedia:Bad (Michael Jackson song)|Bad]], [[wikipedia:Thriller (song)|Thriller]], and [[wikipedia:Another Part of Me|Another Part of Me]] before being defeated as a result.{{ref|http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/michael-jacksons-moonwalker-genesissms}}
+
Michael moves with {{left}} and {{right}}. He moonwalks by holding {{1}} while moving. He jumps with {{2}} and jumps off platforms with {{down}}+{{2}}. He attacks enemies by punching or kicking with {{1}}, which can also be done while crouching or jumping. He climbs stairs with {{upleft}} or {{upright}} and descends them with {{downleft}} or {{downright}}. He can open doors, windows, car trunks, and other background elements with {{up}}, which can help him find lost children or bonus items (but also sometimes contain enemies or bombs). He can also enter elevators or caves or activate teleporters in some levels with {{up}}.
  
−
===Rounds===
+
Michael has a Star Magic gauge. He loses Star Magic when he takes damage from an enemy or hazard. Michael can perform a dance attack by holding {{1}}, which defeats all enemies on the screen but costs three segments of the Star Magic gauge. The dance attack cannot be performed if Michael does not have more than three segments on his Star Magic gauge. Michael loses a life if he loses all of his Star Magic, and the game ends if Michael runs out of lives, but it can be continued an unlimited number of times.
−
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=200|
+
 
 +
====Items====
 +
The following items can be found inside doors and other hidden spots.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Child
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Moonwalker SMS, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=12 | crop_height=24 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Michael must find all of the children to complete each level.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Yellow Suit
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Moonwalker SMS, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=12 | crop_height=24 | crop_x=12 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Restores three segments of Michael's Star Magic gauge.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Orange Suit
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Moonwalker SMS, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=12 | crop_height=24 | crop_x=24 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Gives Michael the ability to throw his fedora at enemies as a ranged attack with {{1}}.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Bomb
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Moonwalker SMS, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=12 | crop_height=12 | crop_x=36 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Explodes and harms Michael if he is too close.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
====Rounds====
 +
Each round (besides the final round) has three levels.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=256|
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=Club 30
 
| title=Club 30
−
| screenshot=Moonwalker MD Club30.png
+
| screenshot=Moonwalker SMS, Stage 1.png
 +
| map=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage11.png
 +
| map2=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage12.png
 +
| map3=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage13.png
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
−
| title=Street
+
| title=Parking Lot
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Moonwalker SMS, Stage 2.png
 +
| map=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage21.png
 +
| map2=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage22.png
 +
| map3=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage23.png
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=Woods
 
| title=Woods
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Moonwalker SMS, Stage 3.png
 +
| map=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage31.png
 +
| map2=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage32.png
 +
| map3=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage33.png
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=Cavern
 
| title=Cavern
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Moonwalker SMS, Stage 4.png
 +
| map=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage41.png
 +
| map2=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage42.png
 +
| map3=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage43.png
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=The Enemy Hideout
 
| title=The Enemy Hideout
−
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
+
| screenshot=Moonwalker SMS, Stage 5.png
 +
| map=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage51.png
 +
| map2=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage52.png
 +
| map3=Moonwalker-SMS-Stage53.png
 
| desc=
 
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Final Round
 +
| screenshot=Moonwalker SMS, Stage 6-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Moonwalker SMS, Stage 6-2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The final two levels are played like a shooting gallery game. Michael's robot or spaceship can be moved side to side with {{left}} and {{right}} and shoot with {{1}} or {{2}}.
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Production credits}}
 
===Mega Drive version===
 
===Mega Drive version===
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
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*'''Designer:''' [[Doydoy]], [[Chie Yoshida|Chie Sama]], [[Jina Ishiwatari|Jiyna]]
 
*'''Designer:''' [[Doydoy]], [[Chie Yoshida|Chie Sama]], [[Jina Ishiwatari|Jiyna]]
 
*'''Programmer:''' [[Ekas]], [[Mt. Book]], [[610]]
 
*'''Programmer:''' [[Ekas]], [[Mt. Book]], [[610]]
−
*'''Programmer Assistant:''' [[Nas Atagan]]
+
*'''Programmer Assistant:''' [[Koichi Nagata|Nas Atagan]]
 
*'''Sound Composer:''' [[Hiroshi Kubota|Jimita]]
 
*'''Sound Composer:''' [[Hiroshi Kubota|Jimita]]
 
*'''Sound Assistant:''' [[Takayuki Nakamura|Middle Village]], [[Kazuhiko Nagai|Iagan]]
 
*'''Sound Assistant:''' [[Takayuki Nakamura|Middle Village]], [[Kazuhiko Nagai|Iagan]]
Line 108: Line 225:
 
*'''Special Thanks:''' [[Al Nilsen]]
 
*'''Special Thanks:''' [[Al Nilsen]]
 
*'''Game Concept and Design by:''' [[Michael Jackson]]
 
*'''Game Concept and Design by:''' [[Michael Jackson]]
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Moonwalker MD credits.pdf
 
| console=MD
 
| console=MD
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
Wikipedia.jp lists the director by the name 小泉 治, due to an edit made by the arcade version's planner [[Roppyaku Tsurumi]]. Documents for the game and the unreleased [[Mega-CD]] game ''[[Michael Jackson's Dangerous]]'', shown by Roppyaku Tsurumi on social media, credit both console Michael Jackson games to [[Tadashi Koizumi]].{{ref|https://archive.ph/9gwQz}}
  
 
===Master System version===
 
===Master System version===
 
{{creditstable|
 
{{creditstable|
−
*'''Designers:''' [[Udi]], [[Sadou]], [[Fudou]]
+
*'''Designers:''' [[Udi]], [[Sadou]], [[Ryo Kudou|Fudou]]
−
*'''Planners:''' [[Tomozou Endo|Tomozou]], [[Hiroshi Aso|Asohy]], [[Pata]]
+
*'''Planners:''' [[Tomozou Endo|Tomozou]], [[Hiroshi Aso|Asohy]], [[Yasushi Takeuchi|Pata]]
 
*'''Sound Programmer:''' [[Takayuki Nakamura|T N]]
 
*'''Sound Programmer:''' [[Takayuki Nakamura|T N]]
−
*'''Programmers:''' [[Minepy]], [[Kidopyu]], [[Mochaponpon]], [[Kozaoyaji]]
+
*'''Programmers:''' [[Minepy]], [[Minoru Kidooka|Kidopyu]], [[Mochaponpon]], [[Junya Kozakai|Kozaoyaji]]
 
*'''Presented by:''' [[Sega]]
 
*'''Presented by:''' [[Sega]]
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Moonwalker SMS credits.pdf
 
| console=SMS
 
| console=SMS
 
}}
 
}}
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| region=BX
 
| region=BX
 
| cover=Moonwalker SMS BX cover.jpg
 
| cover=Moonwalker SMS BX cover.jpg
−
| manual=MichaelJacksonsMoonwalkerSMSEUManual6L.pdf
+
| manual=Moonwalker SMS BX Manual.jpg
−
| item1=Moonwalker SMS BX Manual.jpg
 
−
| item1name=Manual (BX)
 
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
Line 281: Line 401:
  
 
==Technical information==
 
==Technical information==
−
===ROM dump status===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
−
{{romtable|
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=8960bac2027cdeadb07e535a77597fb783e1433b|md5=7baf9fb775ee130bd7a4a779cb3bb612|crc32=6a70791b|size=512kB|date=1990-07|source=Cartridge|comments=v00|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=70d9b760c87196af364492512104fa18c9d69cce|md5=73b63cac3f15bfe4a7bad170654878a9|crc32=11ce1f9e|size=512kB|date=1990-07|source=Cartridge|comments=v01|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=|md5=|crc32=|size=|date=1990-04-24|source=|comments=|quality=|prototype=yes}}
 
−
{{rom|SMS|sha1=939416CEBB381458D28FF628AFB3D1F80293AFA9|md5=AA3BC8467E80A6AAAB02051818ECB035|crc32=56CC906B|size=256kB|date= |source=Cartridge (EU/US)|comments=|quality=|prototype=}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 00:04, 30 April 2024

For the Sega System 18 arcade game, see Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (System 18).

n/a

  • Mega Drive
  • Master System

Moonwalker MD title.png

Moonwalker SMS Title.png

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Sound driver:
Sega Mega Drive
SMPS 68000
Genre: Action[1][2][3], Arcade[4]

















Number of players:
Sega Mega Drive
1-2
Sega Master System
1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥6,0006,000 G-4028
Sega Mega Drive
US 		1013
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		1013
Sega Mega Drive
PT 		MDJ1013
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£34.9934.99[7][8] 1013
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Sega Mega Drive
CA
Sega Mega Drive
BR
Sega Master System
US 		$29.9529.95[10] 7052
Sega Master System
EU 		7052
Sega Master System
BX
Sega Master System
PT 		MSJ7052
Sega Master System
UK 		£29.9929.99[7][12] 7052
Sega Master System
UK
(VHS bundle)
Sega Master System
AU
Sega Master System
BR 		026070
Sega Master System
KR 		GB2004JG
Arcade (Mega-Tech System)
UK		 £? ?

























Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (マイケルジャクソンズ ムーンウォーカー) is a Sega Mega Drive action platform game developed by Sega CS and published by Sega. Based on the titular 1988 film Michael Jackson's Moonwalker and starring world-famous pop music artist Michael Jackson, it was first released in August 1990 as one of the system's earliest big-name titles. It later received a relatively faithful Sega Master System port early the following year by developer Arc.

Moonwalker, alongside its arcade counterpart of the same name, is notable for being one of the earliest uses of direct celebrity endorsement in video game production, and marks the very beginning of Jackson's long and storied collaboration with Sega.[14][15]

Story

The game is based on the Smooth Criminal segment of the film Michael Jackson's Moonwalker, following Michael Jackson in suit and fedora through stages based on his different music videos as he rescues children from the drug dealer Mr. Big.[16]

Gameplay

Mega Drive version

Moonwalker MD, Shooting Star.png

Moonwalker MD, Mecha Jackson.png

Shooting star

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker is an action platform game which emphasises exploration. It plays similarly to the developer's previous game Shinobi. Michael has attacks based on his dance moves and a significant jumping ability. Each round contains three levels, the objective of which is to find and rescue all of the children. Upon doing so, Michael's pet chimpanzee Bubbles arrives and directs him to the boss area, where Mr. Big taunts Michael and dispatches a wave of goons (which includes gangsters and animals) to battle him.

Michael walks with Left and Right and crouches with Down. He can moonwalk by holding B and then Left or Right (though this has no gameplay benefit). He jumps with C and jumps off platforms with Down+C. He climbs stairs with Up-left or Up-right and descends them with Down-left or Down-right. While on a staircase, he can slide down the banister with A, which knocks out enemies in the way. He can look in doors, windows, car trunks, bushes, and other background elements with Up. These areas often contain missing children or enemies. He can also enter elevators or caves or activate teleporters in some levels with Up.

Michael has a Star Power gauge that indicates his health and also the strength of his attacks. His Star Power is depleted as he is harmed by enemies; rescuing children restores a portion of his Star Power (and his Star Power is fully restored after rescuing the last child in a level). Michael attacks by punching or kicking with B. He can attack while crouching with Down+B or attack upward with Up+B. He can also attack while jumping. His attacks are accompanied by magic sparkles that extend their range, and the power of his attacks and the size of the sparkles is dependent on his Star Power. When his Star Power is high, the gauge is blue and his attacks are strongest. When it gets lower, the gauge turns yellow and his attacks are weaker and his sparkles lose distance. When he is low on Star Power, the gauge turns red and his attacks no longer have sparkles. Attacks can shove some objects, such as chairs and rocks, which hurt enemies in their way.

Michael can use Star Magic by holding A, which performs special attacks but also drains Star Power (and therefore health). He initially spins, attacking nearby enemies. If the button is held for longer, Michael also throws his fedora at enemies, which can be directed with Left and Right. If the button is held for even longer, Michael performs the Dance Attack, a special ability where enemies are compelled to dance to short beats from "Bad," "Thriller," and "Another Part of Me" before being defeated as a result.[16] Star Magic can also interact with the environment in some ways, such as dropping a staircase in the first round or opening a manhole cover in the second round. If Michael does not have enough Star Power to use Star Magic, pressing A causes him to grab his crotch but does not attack enemies. Michael loses a life if he loses all of his Star Power. The game ends if Michael runs out of lives, but it can be continued a limited number of times.

In certain levels, rescuing a certain child first triggers a shooting star to fall from the sky that can be grabbed, briefly transforming Michael into the giant robot from the movie. In this form, he can fly with C, shoot eye lasers with B (which can be directed downward by holding Down while firing), and shoot homing missiles with A (which cost Star Power). The form lasts for about thirty seconds, during which Michael is invulnerable to most attacks from enemies (but can still be harmed by the laser guns that some of them wield) and can see hiding children. Michael automatically changes into this form for the penultimate showdown with Mr. Big's henchmen. Michael additionally transforms into a spaceship for the final battle, which consists of a flight simulator-like minigame.

The game has three selectable difficulty levels (Easy, Normal, and Hard). There is a two-player mode where players take turns playing.

Rounds

Each round (besides the final round) has three levels.

Moonwalker MD, Stage 1-1.png

Moonwalker MD, Stage 1-2.png

Moonwalker MD, Stage 1-3.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 1-1.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 1-2.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 1-3.png

Club 30
The music for this round is "Smooth Criminal."

Moonwalker MD, Stage 2-1.png

Moonwalker MD, Stage 2-2.png

Moonwalker MD, Stage 2-3.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 2-1.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 2-2.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 2-3.png

Street
The music for this round is "Beat It." Michael can spray water from the fire hydrants by standing on them and pressing A. He can enter elevators with Up when standing in front of them.

Moonwalker MD, Stage 3-1.png

Moonwalker MD, Stage 3-2.png

Moonwalker MD, Stage 3-3.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 3-1.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 3-2.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 3-3.png

Woods
The music for this round is "Another Part of Me." The music was "Thriller" in the prototype version, but it was changed in the final version, likely because that song was written by Rod Temperton and not Michael Jackson.[17] Michael can grab the tree branches in this round with Up+C when in front of them.

Moonwalker MD, Stage 4-1.png

Moonwalker MD, Stage 4-2.png

Moonwalker MD, Stage 4-3.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 4-1.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 4-2.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 4-3.png

Cavern
The music for this round is "Billie Jean." Michael can enter the caverns in this round with Up when standing in front of them. Some of the caverns are behind spiders or, in the last level, a waterfall.

Moonwalker MD, Stage 5-1.png

Moonwalker MD, Stage 5-2.png

Moonwalker MD, Stage 5-3.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 5-1.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 5-2.png

  • Moonwalker MD, Stage 5-3.png

The Enemy Hideout
The music for this round is "Bad." Michael can activate the teleporters in this round with Up when standing on top of them.

Moonwalker MD, Stage 6.png

Michael's Battle Plane
Michael's spaceship moves with the D-Pad and attacks with A, B, or C (which can be held for rapid-fire). The radar in the bottom-right of the HUD shows the location of Mr. Big's spaceship as a blue dot.

Master System version

The game is an action platformer played as Michael Jackson, who must rescue all of the children in each level. After finding the last child, Michael is taken to a room where he fights waves of Mr. Big's thugs. The player can see how many children remain missing by pausing the game with  PAUSE .

Michael moves with Left and Right. He moonwalks by holding 1 while moving. He jumps with 2 and jumps off platforms with Down+2. He attacks enemies by punching or kicking with 1, which can also be done while crouching or jumping. He climbs stairs with Up-left or Up-right and descends them with Down-left or Down-right. He can open doors, windows, car trunks, and other background elements with Up, which can help him find lost children or bonus items (but also sometimes contain enemies or bombs). He can also enter elevators or caves or activate teleporters in some levels with Up.

Michael has a Star Magic gauge. He loses Star Magic when he takes damage from an enemy or hazard. Michael can perform a dance attack by holding 1, which defeats all enemies on the screen but costs three segments of the Star Magic gauge. The dance attack cannot be performed if Michael does not have more than three segments on his Star Magic gauge. Michael loses a life if he loses all of his Star Magic, and the game ends if Michael runs out of lives, but it can be continued an unlimited number of times.

Items

The following items can be found inside doors and other hidden spots.

Moonwalker SMS, Items.png
 Child
Michael must find all of the children to complete each level.
Moonwalker SMS, Items.png
 Yellow Suit
Restores three segments of Michael's Star Magic gauge.
Moonwalker SMS, Items.png
 Orange Suit
Gives Michael the ability to throw his fedora at enemies as a ranged attack with 1.
Moonwalker SMS, Items.png
 Bomb
Explodes and harms Michael if he is too close.

Rounds

Each round (besides the final round) has three levels.

Moonwalker SMS, Stage 1.png

Club 30
Maps: 1️⃣ | 2️⃣ | 3️⃣ 

Moonwalker SMS, Stage 2.png

Parking Lot
Maps: 1️⃣ | 2️⃣ | 3️⃣ 

Moonwalker SMS, Stage 3.png

Woods
Maps: 1️⃣ | 2️⃣ | 3️⃣ 

Moonwalker SMS, Stage 4.png

Cavern
Maps: 1️⃣ | 2️⃣ | 3️⃣ 

Moonwalker SMS, Stage 5.png

The Enemy Hideout
Maps: 1️⃣ | 2️⃣ | 3️⃣ 

Moonwalker SMS, Stage 6-1.png

Moonwalker SMS, Stage 6-2.png

  • Moonwalker SMS, Stage 6-1.png

  • Moonwalker SMS, Stage 6-2.png

Final Round
The final two levels are played like a shooting gallery game. Michael's robot or spaceship can be moved side to side with Left and Right and shoot with 1 or 2.

Production credits

Main article: Michael Jackson's Moonwalker/Production credits.

Mega Drive version

Source:
In-game credits
Moonwalker MD credits.pdf
[18]

Wikipedia.jp lists the director by the name 小泉 治, due to an edit made by the arcade version's planner Roppyaku Tsurumi. Documents for the game and the unreleased Mega-CD game Michael Jackson's Dangerous, shown by Roppyaku Tsurumi on social media, credit both console Michael Jackson games to Tadashi Koizumi.[19]

Master System version

Source:
In-game credits
Moonwalker SMS credits.pdf
[20]


Magazine articles

Main article: Michael Jackson's Moonwalker/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Michael Jackson's Moonwalker/Promotional material.

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
40
[21]
ACE (UK)
62
[22]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
78
[23]
Buzz! Computers (UK)
83
[24]
Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)
88
[25]
The Complete Guide to Sega (UK)
85
[26]
Console XS (UK) PAL
86
[27]
Cool Gamer (RU)
40
[28]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
88
[29]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
70
[30]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
71
[31]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
65
[32]
The Games Machine (IT)
91
[33]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
69
[34]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
78
[35]
Joystick (FR)
87
[36]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
64
[37]
Mega Drive Fan (JP) NTSC-J
81
[38]
Mega (UK) PAL
78
[39]
Mega Play (US) NTSC-U
73
[40]
MegaTech (UK)
85
[41]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
72
[6]
Mean Machines (UK)
81
[42]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
85
[43]
Player One (FR)
96
[44]
Power Play (DE)
59
[45]
Raze (UK) NTSC
87
[46]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
90
[47]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
75
[48]
Sega Pro (UK)
84
[49]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
84
[50]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
71
[51]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
68
[52]
Zero (UK)
91
[53]
Sega Mega Drive
 77
Based on
34 reviews

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

Mega Drive, JP
Moonwalker md jp cover.jpg
Cover
MJMoonwalker MD JP CartTop.jpg
Moonwalker MD JP Cart.jpg
Cart
Moonwalker md jp manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US
Moonwalker MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
Moonwalker md us manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US (cart misprint)
Moonwalker MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker MD US Cart Misprint.jpg
Cart
Moonwalker md us manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
Moonwalker MD EU BoxCover.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Moonwalker MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
Moonwalker MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, PT
Moonwalker MD PT cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, SE (Rental)

Mega Drive, AU

Mega Drive, BR (cardboard)
Moonwalker MD BR Box Cardboard.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, BR
Moonwalker MD BR Box.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker MD BR Cart.jpg
Cart
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker MD BR Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, CA
Moonwalker MD CA cover.jpg
Cover

Master System version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
The Complete Guide to Sega (UK) PAL
80
[54]
Console XS (UK) PAL
85
[55]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
70
[56]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
71
[57]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
64
[58]
Joystick (FR) PAL
90
[59]
Mega Play (US) NTSC-U
68
[60]
Mean Machines (UK)
80
[42]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
80
[61]
Player One (FR)
91
[62]
Power Play (DE)
55
[63]
Score (CZ)
58
[64]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
83
[65]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
50
[66]
Sega Pro (UK)
81
[49]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
85
[67]
Tilt (FR)
40
[68]
Video Games (DE)
59
[69]
Sega Master System
 72
Based on
18 reviews

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

Master System, US
Moonwalker SMS US cover.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker sms us manual.pdf
Manual
Master System, EU (6 languages)
Moonwalker SMS EU 6lang cover.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
MichaelJacksonsMoonwalkerSMSEUManual6L.pdf
Manual
Master System, EU (8 languages)
Moonwalker SMS EU Box.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
MichaelJacksonsMoonwalkerSMSEUManual6L.pdf
Manual
Master System, UK (VHS bundle)
Moonwalker SMS UK vhsbundle front.jpg
Cover
Master System, BX†
Moonwalker SMS BX cover.jpg
Cover
50x50px
Manual
Master System, PT
Moonwalker SMS PT cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, AU (Horizontal manual; Hotline/NIAL stickers)
Moonwalker SMS AU hotline cover.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker SMS AU cartback.jpgMoonwalker SMS AU cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, AU (Vertical manual; NIAL sticker)
Moonwalker SMS AU nial cover.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker SMS AU cartback.jpgMoonwalker SMS AU cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, AU (Not for rental sticker)
Moonwalker SMS AU norental cover.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker SMS AU cartback.jpgMoonwalker SMS AU cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR (cardboard)
Moonwalker SMS BR cover.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker SMS BR Cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR
MJMoonwalker SMS BR Box(code bar).jpg
Cover
Master System, KR
Moonwalker SMS KR Alt backcover.jpgNospine.pngMoonwalker SMS KR Alt cover.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker SMS KR cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, KR (Alt)
Moonwalker SMS KR AltB cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, KR (Alt B)
Moonwalker SMS KR backcover.jpgNospine.pngMoonwalker SMS KR cover.jpg
Cover

Mega-Tech version

Mega-Tech,
Moonwalker MT cover.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker MT Cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

Main article: Michael Jackson's Moonwalker/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ File:Moonwalker md jp cover.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-20 09:51)
  3. ↑ File:Moonwalker SMS KR backcover.jpg
  4. ↑ File:Moonwalker SMS EU 6lang cover.jpg
  5. ↑ https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/0_oOwBPdcV0/m/kL2cZZd6ZyUJ
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 MegaTech, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 93
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Raze, "September 1991" (UK; 1991-07-25), page 76
  8. ↑ Sega Power, "April 1991" (UK; 1991-03-07), page 11
  9. ↑ Mega Play, "March/April 1991" (US; 1991-04-xx), page 32
  10. ↑ GamePro, "March 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 83
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Mean Machines, "January 1991" (UK; 1991-01-03), page 35
  12. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "February 1991" (UK; 1991-01-16), page 80
  13. ↑ Ação Games, "Maio 1991" (BR; 1991-05-21), page 08
  14. ↑ File:BangorDailyNews US 1990-01-17; Page 19.png
  15. ↑ File:DetroitFreePress US 1990-12-13; Page 36 (3C).png
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/michael-jacksons-moonwalker-genesissms
  17. ↑ The Cutting Room Floor: Proto:Michael Jackson%27s Moonwalker (Genesis)
  18. ↑ File:Moonwalker MD credits.pdf
  19. ↑ https://archive.ph/9gwQz
  20. ↑ File:Moonwalker SMS credits.pdf
  21. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 134
  22. ↑ ACE, "November 1990" (UK; 1990-10-xx), page 89
  23. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "September 1990" (JP; 1990-08-XX), page 25
  24. ↑ Buzz! Computers (UK) (+0:00)
  25. ↑ Complete Guide to Consoles, "Volume IV" (UK; 1990-11-xx), page 32
  26. ↑ The Complete Guide to Sega, "" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 48
  27. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 132
  28. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 127
  29. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "November 1990" (UK; 1990-10-16), page 80
  30. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "September 1990" (US; 1990-xx-xx), page 18
  31. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 72
  32. ↑ Famitsu, "" (JP; 1990-xx-xx), page 1
  33. ↑ The Games Machine, "Dicembre 1990" (IT; 1990-1x-xx), page 36
  34. ↑ Game Informer, "July 2001" (US; 2001-0x-xx), page 106
  35. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Febrero 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 79
  36. ↑ Joystick, "Octobre 1990" (FR; 1990-xx-xx), page 88
  37. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 93
  38. ↑ Mega Drive Fan, "November 1990" (JP; 1990-10-08), page 63
  39. ↑ Mega, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 21
  40. ↑ Mega Play, "November/December 1990" (US; 1990-xx-xx), page 29
  41. ↑ MegaTech, "Xmas 1991" (UK; 1991-12-06), page 79
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 Mean Machines, "January 1991" (UK; 1991-01-03), page 44
  43. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 140
  44. ↑ Player One, "Décembre 1990" (FR; 1990-xx-xx), page 24
  45. ↑ Power Play, "11/90" (DE; 1990-10-12), page 140
  46. ↑ Raze, "December 1990" (UK; 1990-10-25), page 42
  47. ↑ Sega Power, "April 1991" (UK; 1991-03-07), page 10
  48. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 54
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 Sega Pro, "February 1992" (UK; 1992-01-16), page 19
  50. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 66
  51. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 86
  52. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 114
  53. ↑ Zero, "December 1990" (UK; 1990-1x-xx), page 130
  54. ↑ The Complete Guide to Sega, "" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 22
  55. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 142
  56. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "March 1991" (UK; 1991-02-16), page 94
  57. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 146
  58. ↑ GamePro, "March 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 82
  59. ↑ Joystick, "Mai 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 146
  60. ↑ Mega Play, "March/April 1991" (US; 1991-04-xx), page 45
  61. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 135
  62. ↑ Player One, "Mai 1991" (FR; 1991-xx-xx), page 20
  63. ↑ Power Play, "7/91" (DE; 1991-06-12), page 137
  64. ↑ Score, "Srpen 1994" (CZ; 1994-08-01), page 57
  65. ↑ Sega Power, "April 1991" (UK; 1991-03-07), page 18
  66. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 58
  67. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 71
  68. ↑ Tilt, "Juin 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 80
  69. ↑ Video Games, "2/91" (DE; 1991-06-07), page 78


Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

Moonwalker MD title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Maps | History | Hidden content | Development | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Promotional material | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs


Sega Mega Drive
Prototypes: 1990-04-24
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