Moonwalker

Moonwalker is an action game based on Michael Jackson's 1988 film of the same name. The story follows Michael on a quest to save kidnapped children from the evil Mr. Big. The home computer version features four distinct levels: the first is a top-down maze set in a film studio where Michael must avoid fans and collect costume items to escape on a motorcycle; the second continues the top-down view as Michael rides through the streets collecting orbs; the third is a side-scrolling shoot-'em-up set in Club 30's nightclub; the final level transforms Michael into a robot armed with lasers to battle Mr. Big's forces in an arena. The soundtrack includes synthesized versions of Jackson's hits including "Smooth Criminal" and "Bad".

Amstrad CPC

Released in 1989 by U.S. Gold and developed by Emerald Software . The Amstrad CPC version was programmed by Damien Scattergood with graphics by Mark Cushen . Critics praised the faithful recreation of the film's atmosphere, including a well-animated introduction sequence showing Michael Jackson's feet performing a dance move . The game features multi-directional scrolling for the first two levels and side-scrolling action for the Club 30 level. Michael Jackson personally supervised development, requesting three minor modifications including the dominant warehouse color . According to project manager Mike Wilding, Jackson understood the CPC's sound limitations and approved the final result. The soundtrack is managed via interrupt, playing music throughout without slowing animation . The fourth level however is criticized as nearly unplayable by some players . An English-language magazine gave the game 50% across graphics, sound, animation, and richness categories, calling it forgettable despite the Jackson connection .