arcade

Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker is an arcade video game programmed by SEGA with graphics made by Triumph International, with the help of Jackson which was released on the Sega System 18 hardware. The arcade has distinctively different gameplay from its computer and console counterparts, focusing more on beat ’em up gameplay elements rather than platform gameplay, drawn using isometric video game graphics. Jackson attacks with magic powers instead of physical contact, and has the ability to shoot short-ranged magic power at enemies. The magic power can be charged by holding the attack button to increase the range and damage of the magic power while moonwalking. If up close to enemies, Jackson executes a spinning melee attack using magic power.

Jackson’s special attack is termed “Dance Magic”. There are three different dance routines that may be performed, namely the dance routines from Smooth Criminal, Beat It and Billie Jean. The player starts with one to three of these attacks per credit (depending on how the machine is set up). Bubbles, Michael’s real-life pet chimpanzee, appears in each level. Once collected or rescued, Bubbles transforms Michael into a robotic version, with the ability to shoot laser bursts and missiles and absorb significantly more damage.

In 1988, Michael Jackson contacted Sega about developing a video game that would capture his persona. Sega and Jackson then began working on an arcade video game based on his Moonwalker film and “Smooth Criminal” music video released that year. A prototype unit was demonstrated at Mexico’s American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) exhibition in early July 1990. Jackson assisted Sega’s game designers on the development of the game.