Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker is a franchise for some 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”.

The game features 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”.