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Learn About the Game Michael Jackson MoonWalker (Sega Genesis)
I still remember booting up Moonwalker and being blown away by how seamlessly Michael’s moves translated into gameplay. You guide him through city streets, rescue trapped kids, and send goons flying with a mix of dance-powered punches and that iconic “Shine” attack. It’s delightfully straightforward: find each lost kid on a level, keep an eye out for glowing hearts, and bust through waves of punks until you reach the boss. The levels themselves shift from gritty alleyways to neon-lit nightclubs, each bursting with detail that feels like stepping into one of Michael’s videos.
What really sells it, though, is the soundtrack—you can’t help but bob your head to “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” as you glide through the streets. There’s a rhythm to every punch and slide, and when MJ breaks into dance, it’s like hitting a power-up that wipes out enemies in a flurry of sequins and spotlights. I’ve replayed the opening level so many times just to watch him moonwalk across the screen; it never gets old.
There are a few surprises tucked into hidden rooms and secret pathways—like an ice cream truck that offers bonus points or a gold house where you pick up extra lives—making each run feel fresh. And while the controls are simple, nailing the timing on the dance moves gives you a real sense of flair. It’s charmingly retro in its challenge, demanding precise jumps and well-timed strikes, but it rewards you with animations and flourishes that feel straight out of a concert.
At its heart, Moonwalker is less about complicated mechanics and more about style. It captures Michael’s larger-than-life persona perfectly, from the gleaming glove to the dramatic poses. Even decades later, it stands out as a love letter to his showmanship—one you can actually play. Whenever I tell friends about it, they’re surprised by how much fun it still is, and honestly, so am I every time I dive back in.