Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (1990). Play online

Summary

Michael Jackson & Moonwalker hit the Sega Genesis and Master System as a side‑scroll beat ’em up that feels more like an evolved home‑computer version than the arcade counterpart. Its control scheme mirrors classic action titles such as Shinobi, letting you guide MJ through a series of platform stages while landing a signature high kick that shoots blue sparks for extra reach.

Holding the attack button while stepping backward makes MJ execute his famed Moonwalk, a nifty cosmetic flair that doesn’t affect combat. A second, dedicated special button adds depth: a quick tap spins MJ and flings his iconic hat, instantly vanishing any foe in its path. Holding the same button longer forces every on‑screen enemy into a brief dance routine; once the choreography ends they’re all damaged or defeated. These powerful moves drain a chunk of MJ’s health, costing up to half his life bar at full charge, so timing and resource management become part of the challenge.

Storyline

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (often just called Moonwalker) puts you in the King of Pop’s shoes as he hunts down the kidnapped kids. The children all look like Katie from the movie and are hidden throughout each stage—behind doors, in clubs, on the streets, even in a graveyard cavern. When you rescue a child, Bubbles hops onto Michael’s shoulders and points toward the level’s final showdown with the villain Mr. Big, who taunts you before sending endless waves of enemies.

The game’s soundtrack pulls directly from the film and Jackson’s Bad and Thriller albums, letting you fight to the beat of “Smooth Criminal,” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Bad.” Enemies can be defeated by forcing them to dance, and after rescuing a special child you can grab a falling comet and transform Michael into a robot for extra firepower.

Each level ends in Mr. Big’s hideout, where you must clear the goon squad and rescue the remaining kids before the mastermind escapes.