Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

From Sega Retro

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Moonwalker Title.png

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker
System(s): Sega System 18, Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: Action

















Release Date RRP Code

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Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (マイケルジャクソンズ ムーンウォーカー) is the name of two video game tie-ins made by Sega based on the 1988 film, Moonwalker. A third (sometimes subtitled as The Computer Game) was released by U.S. Gold for home computers, but had no involvement from Sega. As the name suggests it is endorsed by pop sensation Michael Jackson, who would go on to have a long history working with Sega.

Moonwalker is made up of a number of short films and does not tell a coherent story from beginning to end. As a result, all versions of Michael Jackson's Moonwalker are based on one segment of the film, Smooth Criminal, which sees Jackson using various music and dance related abilities on a quest to save kidnapped children from the hands of the evil "Mr. Big" and various American gangsters.

History

The game was originally released for the Sega System 18 arcade platform in 1990. This version is played from an isometric perspective and behaves similarly to a beat-'em-up game. Moonwalker was then retooled and re-released as a 2D side-scroller for the Sega Mega Drive and Sega Master System. Though the two games vary considerably, both have the same goals and incorporated synthesized versions of the musician's hits, such as "Beat It" and "Smooth Criminal".

In the early days of the Mega Drive, Moonwalker was often used as a flagship product of Sega's system (particularly in North America), with Jackson's persona being used along with many other celebrities in an effort to put a dent in sales of Nintendo products.

Even though both versions of the game have a stage takes place in a graveyard and have the "Thriller dance" which can be performed, the theme of Thriller does not feature in either game (being replaced with Another Part of Me). It is suspected that the reason for this was that Michael did not write the song (Rod Temperton wrote Thriller for Michael). However, in the first revision (REV 00), excerpts of Thriller are used for the dance attacks in the Round 3 stages.

The Sega versions of Moonwalker have now achieved cult status and are remembered for being a memorable point in Jackson's career, marking a change in stage personas between the albums "Thriller" and "Bad". Jackson would work with Sega on several future products - he would be responsible for much of the music in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (though remains uncredited) and features in both Space Channel 5 and Space Channel 5: Part 2.

In North America, the Master System version was released alongside the redesigned Master System II console.

A sequel was planned but later dropped due to child molestation accusations to Michael Jackson in 1993.

Gameplay

Arcade Version

The arcade Moonwalker is played from a top-down isometric perspective. Players assume the role of Michael Jackson and are armed with a basic melee attack. All enemies on-screen can also be forced to "dance", which will cause damage in the process. Something which is never explained is how up to three Michael Jacksons, all sporting different attire, can play at once.

If players find Jackson's chimp, Bubbles, they will turn into a robot and have the ability to fire projectiles.

Sadly the arcade version is known to be plagued with a "suicide battery" - a battery which, after it stops working, makes the arcade board completely unusable. This makes a working arcade Moonwalker a rare sight in the modern age. Some boards however are capable of being revived through chip replacement which in some cases changes the "(C) 1990 Sega" copyright in the title to "(C) 1990 RESS" which refers to a resurrected board.

Console Version

Console versions of Moonwalker play similarly to their arcade counterpart, but are played from a 2D perspective. As with the arcade version the objective is to go around destroying enemies while finding the missing children. C/1 jumps, B/pressing 2 kicks, and A/holding 2 spins/shoots your hat at enemies. Music is shortened in this version.

This version is notable for having several pointless features which do not appear to have much effect on gameplay (for example, B + Left/Right moonwalks and it is also possible to do crotch grabs). Up opens doors and sewer lids. Once all the children in a level are saved, Bubbles the Monkey will appear and will point you in the direction of Mr. Big, and once you get to the right spot you will have to fight a barrage of his cronies to complete the stage. The Master System version cuts the Bubbles scene and goes right to the boss barrage.

If a meteor falls out of the sky, catch it to turn into a giant mech that shoots lasers and is invincible for a short period of time. You cannot rescue children while invincible.

Production Credits

Arcade Version

BGM

  • Round 1 -Cavern-
    • Bad
  • Round 2 -Amusement Quarter-
    • Smooth Criminal
  • Round 3 -Night Street-
    • Beat It
  • Round 4 -Graveyard-
    • Another Part of Me
  • Round 5 -Evil Fortress-
    • Bad ~Reprise~
  • Ending
    • Billie Jean

All Songs Written and Composed by: Michael Jackson

  • Available on CD, Tapes and Records

Game Concept & Design by: Michael Jackson

Mega Drive Version

Planner: Koi
Planner Assistant: Captain Elf
Designer: Doydoy, Chie Sama, Jiyna
Programmer: Ekas, Mt. Book, 610
Programmer Assistant: Nas Atagan
Sound Composer: Jimita
Sound Assistant: Middle Village, Iagan
Sound Adviser: Bo
Special Thanks: Al Nilsen
Game Concept and Design by: Michael Jackson

Master System Version

Designers: Udi, Sadou, Fudou
Planners: Tomozou, Asohy, Pata
Sound Programmer: T N
Programmers: Minepy, Kidopyu, Mochaponpon, Kozaoyaji
Presented by: Sega

Promotional Material

  • System 18 JP flyer

  • System 18 EU flyer

  • FR TV advert (shorter version)

  • SegaEuropesNo1 SMS MD UK PrintAd.jpg

    Mega Drive UK print advert

  • MoonwalkerBundle MD UK PrintAd.jpg

    Mega Drive UK print advert

  • Moonwalker ES PrintAdvert.jpg

    Mega Drive ES print advert

  • Moonwalker Ghostbusters MD JP PrintAdvert.jpg

    Mega Drive JP print advert

  • Mega Drive JP TV advert 2

  • SegaDoMeAFavour SMS UK PrintAd 1991-02.jpg

    Master System UK print advert

  • MWDTCoI SMS UK PrintAd.jpg

    Master System UK print advert

  • GoldenAxeMoonwalker SMS UK PrintAd.jpg

    Master System UK print advert

Physical Scans

System 18 Version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
90 №106, p68[1]
90 №1990-09, p43
Arcade
 90
Based on
2 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Arcade
 N/A
Based on
0 reviews

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

System 18, US
System 18, JP


Mega-Tech Version

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

Mega Drive Version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
61 №38, p89[2]
88 №4, p32[3]
81 №0, p44-46
88 №108, p80-81[4]
91
78
87 №9, p88[5]
64 №5, p93
78 №9, p21
85 №1, p79[6]
72 №18, p93
81 №4, p36[7]
96 №4, p24-25[8]
59
87 №2, p42-43[9]
90 №17, p10-11
80 №23, p54
84 №4, p19[10]
84 №18, p66
91 №14, p130-131
Sega Mega Drive
 81
Based on
20 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
40
[11]
ACE (UK)
62
[2]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
78
[12]
Buzz! Computers (UK)
83
[13]
Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)
88
[3]
The Complete Guide to Sega (UK)
85
[14]
Console XS (UK) PAL
86
[15]
Cool Gamer (RU)
40
[16]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
88
[4]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
70
[17]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
71
[18]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
65
[19]
The Games Machine (IT)
91
[20]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
69
[21]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
78
[22]
Joystick (FR)
87
[5]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
64
[23]
Mega Drive Fan (JP) NTSC-J
81
[24]
Mega (UK) PAL
78
[25]
Mega Play (US) NTSC-U
73
[26]
MegaTech (UK)
85
[6]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
72
[27]
Mean Machines (UK)
81
[28]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
85
[29]
Player One (FR)
96
[8]
Power Play (DE)
59
[30]
Raze (UK) NTSC
87
[9]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
90
[31]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
75
[32]
Sega Pro (UK)
84
[10]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
84
[33]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
71
[34]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
68
[35]
Zero (UK)
91
[36]
Sega Mega Drive
 77
Based on
34 reviews

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

Mega Drive, US
Moonwalker MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
Moonwalker md us manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US (Misprint)
Moonwalker MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker MD US Cart Misprint.jpg
Cart
Moonwalker md us manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
<div style="margin:auto; max-width:Expression error: Unexpected < operator.px"> 320x120px
Cover
Moonwalker MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
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, AU

Mega Drive, BR (cardboard)
Moonwalker MD BR Box Cardboard.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, BR (clamshell)
Moonwalker MD BR Box.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker MD BR Cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, CA

Master System Version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
80 №1, p22[37]
80 №0, p44-45
70 №112, p78[38]
90 №16, p146[39]
80 №4, p34-35[40]
91 №9, p20-21[41]
55
83 №17, p18-19
60 №23, p58
81 №4, p19[10]
Sega Master System
 77
Based on
10 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
The Complete Guide to Sega (UK) PAL
80
[37]
Console XS (UK) PAL
85
[42]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
70
[43]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
71
[44]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
64
[45]
Joystick (FR) PAL
90
[39]
Mega Play (US) NTSC-U
68
[46]
Mean Machines (UK)
80
[28]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
80
[47]
Player One (FR)
91
[41]
Power Play (DE)
55
[48]
Score (CZ)
58
[49]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
83
[50]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
50
[51]
Sega Pro (UK)
81
[10]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
85
[52]
Tilt (FR)
40
[53]
Video Games (DE)
59
[54]
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
MichaelJacksonsMoonwalkerSMSEUManual6L.pdf
Manual
Master System, EU (8 languages)
Moonwalker SMS EU Box.jpg
Cover
Master System, BR (cardboard)
Moonwalker SMS BR cover.jpg
Cover
Moonwalker SMS BR Cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR (clamshell)
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
  1. ↑ File:CVG UK 106.pdf, page 68
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 File:ACE UK 38.pdf, page 89 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:ACE UK 38.pdf_p89" defined multiple times with different content
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 File:CGtC UK 04.pdf, page 32 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CGtC UK 04.pdf_p32" defined multiple times with different content
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 File:CVG UK 108.pdf, page 80 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CVG UK 108.pdf_p80" defined multiple times with different content
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 File:Joystick FR 009.pdf, page 88 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Joystick FR 009.pdf_p88" defined multiple times with different content
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 File:MegaTech UK 01.pdf, page 79 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MegaTech UK 01.pdf_p79" defined multiple times with different content
  7. ↑ File:MeanMachines UK 04.pdf, page 36
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 File:PlayerOne FR 004.pdf, page 24 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:PlayerOne FR 004.pdf_p24" defined multiple times with different content
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 File:Raze UK 02.pdf, page 42 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Raze UK 02.pdf_p42" defined multiple times with different content
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 File:SegaPro UK 04.pdf, page 19 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 04.pdf_p19" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 04.pdf_p19" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 04.pdf_p19" defined multiple times with different content
  11. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 134
  12. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "September 1990" (JP; 1990-08-XX), page 25
  13. ↑ Buzz! Computers (UK) (+0:00)
  14. ↑ The Complete Guide to Sega, "" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 48
  15. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 132
  16. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 127
  17. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "September 1990" (US; 1990-xx-xx), page 18
  18. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 72
  19. ↑ Famitsu, "" (JP; 1990-xx-xx), page 1
  20. ↑ The Games Machine, "Dicembre 1990" (IT; 1990-1x-xx), page 36
  21. ↑ Game Informer, "July 2001" (US; 2001-0x-xx), page 106
  22. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Febrero 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 79
  23. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 93
  24. ↑ Mega Drive Fan, "November 1990" (JP; 1990-10-08), page 63
  25. ↑ Mega, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 21
  26. ↑ Mega Play, "November/December 1990" (US; 1990-xx-xx), page 29
  27. ↑ MegaTech, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 93
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Mean Machines, "January 1991" (UK; 1991-01-03), page 44
  29. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 140
  30. ↑ Power Play, "11/90" (DE; 1990-10-12), page 140
  31. ↑ Sega Power, "April 1991" (UK; 1991-03-07), page 10
  32. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 54
  33. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 66
  34. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 86
  35. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 114
  36. ↑ Zero, "December 1990" (UK; 1990-1x-xx), page 130
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 File:TheCompleteGuideToSega UK.pdf, page 22 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:TheCompleteGuideToSega UK.pdf_p22" defined multiple times with different content
  38. ↑ File:CVG UK 112.pdf, page 78
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 File:Joystick FR 016.pdf, page 146 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Joystick FR 016.pdf_p146" defined multiple times with different content
  40. ↑ File:MeanMachines UK 04.pdf, page 34
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 File:PlayerOne FR 009.pdf, page 20 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:PlayerOne FR 009.pdf_p20" defined multiple times with different content
  42. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 142
  43. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "March 1991" (UK; 1991-02-16), page 94
  44. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 146
  45. ↑ GamePro, "March 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 82
  46. ↑ Mega Play, "March/April 1991" (US; 1991-04-xx), page 45
  47. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 135
  48. ↑ Power Play, "7/91" (DE; 1991-06-12), page 137
  49. ↑ Score, "Srpen 1994" (CZ; 1994-08-01), page 57
  50. ↑ Sega Power, "April 1991" (UK; 1991-03-07), page 18
  51. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 58
  52. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 71
  53. ↑ Tilt, "Juin 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 80
  54. ↑ Video Games, "2/91" (DE; 1991-06-07), page 78
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