Michael Jackson's Moonwalker - First Impressions

[Darran@Retro Gamer]

For me it was initially increduality; after all, this was you controlling Michael Jackson. A few plays however revealed a fun enjoyable game that still manages to raise a smile.

[Roo]

First impression: why in the hell have they made a game about Michael Jackson?!?

[thl]

I didn't expect a superstar to have its own video game and I was amazed that you get to control him for the first time. The gameplay was quite interesting that it became very entertaining and those BGMs were incredibly catchy too. Otherwise it's what Michael likes doing best and that is to adapt to the moonwalk.

[STranger81]

For me it was the animation. So smooth and fluid. I remember first playing it seeing that the attack moves were his real dance moves, and being a massive fan of Moonwalker when I was young made it even sweeter.

[filtermadg]

Very good! though its a pity you lose energy when using the special moves, so its quite limiting having to use that kick most of the time.

[MattyC64c]

Hmmmm not sure about this one, I like the graphics and the animation, he dances instead of fighting enemies, what exactly is it thats knocking the bad guys down?

Funnily enough I'd never played this game untill now (Fusion Mega Drive emulator), although I remember a SEGA advert for it back in the day. I remember it like it was yesterday I was watching CITV (I was 11 coming 12 in 1990) on my little portable TV in my bedroom dunking biscuits into a cup of tea at the time lol!

[The Master]

I just showed it to a non-gaming friend who knew nothing of it before, and they were totally gobsmacked at the thought of a computer game featuring Michael Jackson going around collecting children - but then I guess life was so much more innocent back in 1990

(the fact that, apparently, the sprite animation makes it look suspiciously like the freshly-found kids are giving MJ a BJ doesn't help matters either )

[Joey]

I have only ever played the megadrive version, once in a local toyshop when it was released. I always thought it was isometric but i must have seen another verison of it?

So ive just had a go now and as my megadrive memories consist mainly of platformers and side scrolling beat em ups im glad it plays suprisingly well. The whole idea of seeking out kids in the boots of cars and in sewers is slightly crazy but makes the game what it is.

I love all the little in game touches such as sliding down the stair rails in the club and the piano keys playing as you walk across it. Not forgetting being able to moonwalk across the levels.

[stulec52]

The next time I see this game will be the first time I see it.
And I had no interest in it when it came out, and perhaps have even less now.

Sorry, poor choice if you ask me, driven by some ill placed sentimentality.

although I could be wrong. It has happened before...

Stu

[rolan]

I actually really love this game, I'm not particurlarly good at it but I like making people giggle by whipping out my big black .... nomad and then hooking it up with Moonwalker, the look of amused shock on people's faces that someone released a game where Michael is saving kids always amuses me. If I didn't leave my copy of it at my parents house I would permanently leave it plugged into the tv as the ultimate game to play while hammered!

[Darran@Retro Gamer]

Had another blast on this again and it's just ridiculolusly nutty. Bubbles the chimp, dance offs, dancing dogs. It's utterly insane and even now makes me laugh like a loon.

[Spooky]

My first impression was that Michael Jackson was really cool (in my defense, I was about 7!) because he could coax his enemies into dancing with him... I mean: there were some thugs, wanting nothing more than to hurt poor Michael, and just like that, he convinced them to dance along! Now that, in my book, is cool!
And don't get me started on the killer hat!!!

[dwitefry]

First impression:

"Michael Jackson...ug"

First impression after actually playing it:

"This is actually quite good...but Michael Jackson...ug"

MeX

[NonShinyGoose]

When do you MJ's magic spin, and all the enemies start dancing, you can't help but to smile.