Michael Jackson’s Appearance in Video Games

King of Pop died today, so I guess the best way to say goodbye is to write an article about him. Some of you maybe don’t know that Michael Jackson was huge fan of video games. Moreover, he appeared in couple of video games, sometimes as a hero, sometimes used as a cameo.
Some of us even played those games.

Here they are, sorted chronologically.

Moonwalker

Following the Moonwalker motion picture release, this video game with the same name appeared in 1990 on a variety of platforms. Players had to rescue children who had been kidnapped by a gangster, playing MJ himself.


Space Channel 5 Part 1 & 2

MJ’s next role was in the rhythm game, called “Space Channel 5″ and its sequel, relesed 1999 in Japan and 2000 in US. In Space Channel 5 games, Michael played a character called Space Michael, an interstellar pop star who battled evil robots with his singing and dancing.


Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2

In this game released in 2000 for Sega and various other platforms, Michael Jackson swapped dancefloor for a boxing ring. Introduced together with other celebrities such as Shaquille O’ Neal, Bill and Hillary Clinton, MJ fought his opponents beating them with his RUMBLE combo.


Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust

MJ did a sort of cameo appearance in this game, because players could receive a Michael Jackson-styled costume during part of the game.


Plants vs. Zombies

His latest appearance, or to be precise of his zombie equivalent (I know this sounds bad at the moment), was in PopCap’s ultra popular puzzle game Plants vs. Zombies. This game includes a Michael Jackson-styled zombie summoning his minion zombies, while dancing in the style of his classic song - Thriller.


Many generations have grown up listening to Michael Jackson music, and many of us played these games.
Despite his bizarre life and choices, this is indeed a sad day for all who respect music and art in general.

RIP MJ.