The concept of Michael Jackson having his own platform adventure is considered a joke to both gaming critics and gamers. But history has proven that never stopped either from dropping rolls of quarters at the arcades. And once ported to the Sega Genesis, MJ’s adventure would attract the attention of console owners, becoming one of the more noteworthy titles on the 16-bit generation.
Sega set it off at local laundromats and candy shops. Suited in all white, the King of Pop must go around saving little children from the sinister Mr. Big. Yea, not much of a storyline is present, but that was easily overlooked the moment you stepped onto the streets and took on the baddies. This isometric beat’em up produced a great multiplayer mode (featuring up to three MJ’s on screen, suited in different colors) and quality gameplay that was unparallel to any game on the market.
On the Genesis, MJ’s adventure was just as lengthy as its arcade predecessor, but the game’s execution was just as spot-on as the moonwalk. Following the same premise, MJ would go on a rescue mission saving little children from Joe Pesci (Mr. Big). More of an actual platformer, this version of Moonwalker stood out for its quality 16-bit graphics and MJ trademarks, such as shouting “Wooo” every time you attacked an enemy.
Splicing Jackson’s biggest hits, which coincided with the atmosphere of each level, was one of the game’s biggest attractions. The incorporation of “dance magic” was an ingenious feature—putting gangsters, robots and zombies in a trance to dance by Michael’s side, performing famous dance moves from the music icon, having them fall to their deaths right after.
From his music videos to his great performances, we were blessed with such fond memories of the King of Pop. And just like the film, Moonwalker was a guilty pleasure for gaming aficionados. Besides, knowing Sega found a way to incorporate Bubbles into both games made turning on the power button or dropping a quarter into the machine worth wild. A legend remembered on all levels of artistry, Michael Jackson, you’ll be missed. R.I.P.
