Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Dreamcast, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2
- Developers: WOW Entertainment
- Publishers: Sega
The Typing of the Dead: A Typing Horror Classic
Released in 1999, The Typing of the Dead is a unique and innovative arcade game that combines the classic light gun shooter gameplay of The House of the Dead 2 with the challenge of typing. Players take on the role of a secret agent tasked with eliminating a zombie outbreak in Venice, Italy. Instead of using a gun, players must quickly type letters, words, and phrases to kill the advancing hordes of undead.
The Typing of the Dead was developed by WOW Entertainment and published by Sega for the NAOMI arcade hardware. The game was ported to the Sega Dreamcast in 2001 by Smilebit, and a Windows version was released in 2000. A PlayStation 2 port followed in 2004.
The Typing of the Dead was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its campy horror atmosphere, and its challenge. It has since become a cult classic among fans of both typing games and horror games.
Gameplay
The Typing of the Dead is played from a first-person perspective. The player controls a secret agent who must navigate through a series of zombie-infested levels. The player’s only weapon is a computer keyboard, which they must use to type letters, words, and phrases to kill the zombies.
The zombies in The Typing of the Dead come in a variety of types, each with their own unique abilities. Some zombies are slow and easy to kill, while others are fast and agile. Some zombies can even spit acid or explode, so players must be careful not to get too close.
To kill a zombie, the player must type the correct letters, words, or phrases that appear on the screen. The faster the player types, the more damage they will do to the zombie. If the player makes a mistake, the zombie will take less damage and will continue to advance.
The Typing of the Dead is a fast-paced and challenging game that requires both quick reflexes and accurate typing skills. Players must be able to type quickly and accurately under pressure, or they will quickly be overwhelmed by the zombie hordes.
Setting and Story
The Typing of the Dead is set in Venice, Italy, during a zombie outbreak. The player takes on the role of a secret agent who has been sent to investigate the outbreak and eliminate the threat.
The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes that are interspersed between the action sequences. The cutscenes reveal that the zombie outbreak was caused by a virus that was accidentally released from a secret government laboratory. The virus has turned the citizens of Venice into flesh-eating zombies, and it is up to the player to stop the outbreak before it spreads to the rest of the world.
Characters
The player character in The Typing of the Dead is a secret agent who is never given a name. The agent is a skilled typist and a crack shot, and they are more than capable of handling the zombie outbreak.
The game also features a supporting cast of characters, including:
- Dr. Curien: A scientist who is responsible for creating the virus that caused the zombie outbreak.
- Agent G: A fellow secret agent who helps the player character to fight the zombies.
- Mia: A young woman who is trapped in Venice during the outbreak.
Development
The Typing of the Dead was developed by WOW Entertainment, a Japanese video game developer. The game was originally conceived as a joke, but it was eventually greenlit by Sega after the developers showed a playable prototype at a trade show.
The game was developed on the NAOMI arcade hardware, which was also used for other Sega arcade games such as Crazy Taxi and Daytona USA. The game’s graphics were created using a combination of 2D and 3D elements.
The Typing of the Dead was released in Japanese arcades in 1999. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it was soon ported to the Sega Dreamcast in 2001. A Windows version was released in 2000, and a PlayStation 2 port followed in 2004.
Reception
The Typing of the Dead was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its campy horror atmosphere, and its challenge. It has since become a cult classic among fans of both typing games and horror games.
The game has been praised for its unique and innovative gameplay. The combination of typing and shooting is a lot of fun, and it creates a unique challenge that is not found in other games. The game’s campy horror atmosphere is also a lot of fun, and it helps to create a sense of tension and excitement.
The game has also been criticized for its difficulty. The game can be very challenging, especially on the higher difficulty levels. However, this difficulty is part of what makes the game so rewarding. Players who are able to overcome the challenge of the game will feel a great sense of accomplishment.
Overall, The Typing of the Dead is a great game that is a lot of fun to play. The game’s innovative gameplay, campy horror atmosphere, and challenge make it a must-play for fans of both typing games and horror games.
Legacy
The Typing of the Dead has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay has inspired other games, such as Typing of the Dead: Overkill and Typing Adventure. The game has also been featured in numerous articles and retrospectives on the history of video games.
The Typing of the Dead is a classic game that is still enjoyed by many people today. The game’s unique gameplay, campy horror atmosphere, and challenge make it a must-play for fans of both typing games and horror games.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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