Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker from 1990 brought to arcade machines the character of the then-immensely popular pop star Michael Jackson, in a role he also played in the 1988 film Moonwalker. Sega puts players in the shoes of the singer trying to rescue kidnapped children from the villainous gangster Mr. Big and his henchmen, moving through several themed levels full of enemies, from city streets to factories and nightclubs full of dancers and shady characters.

Combat takes the form of a simple beat-'em-up – Michael attacks with kicks, special dance moves, and a magical ability to summon lightning that sweeps all enemies off the screen at once, giving the player a moment's respite. Between levels there are also dance sequences and musical interludes featuring well-known songs, which sets the game apart from typical action titles of its time and makes it an unusual combination of a musical experience and an action beat-'em-up.

The combination of licensed music, striking visual style, and accessible gameplay made Moonwalker a favorite title among fans of the pop star as well as casual players who otherwise didn't seek out beat-'em-ups but were drawn into the arcade precisely by the name on the cabinet. The game later received home console versions that carried over the same principle of music-driven action and expanded it with additional elements, levels, and songs from the artist's repertoire.

Why play it: The combination of dance, Michael Jackson's music, and a simple action beat-'em-up creates a unique experience no other arcade game offers.