Dreamcast

The Typing of the Dead

Is the underlying game really much different from House of the Dead 2? Well the violence is a bit turned down; the zombies carry plungers instead of axes. The heroes run around with keyboards and Dreamcasts strapped to them, which looks hilarious. But the level designs look the same to me, so don't expect many surprises if you've already played through House of the Dead 2. I should also mention that this game seems to appeal to women - even my wife likes it.

Imagine how much fun school would have been if all typing classes feature ravenous zombies, axe-wielding freaks, and characters so dull that they actually make your teachers seem cool. Typing of the Dead is undoubtedly one of the strangest games to crawl out of Sega's workshop, but it's also one of the greatest.

Frankly, you won't have more fun typing out sentences, period. There is a lot of replay due to the random words, and the game really is a lot of fun just to challenge yourself. I will admit that I loathe the official Dreamcast keyboard (and wish I could use my ergonomic keyboard), but can surprise myself each and every time I play. The game is far too short, but it's fun no matter what age you are. A class act!

Typing of the Dead, with all of its wacky, strange and niche prospects, does it all and comes out smelling like an undead rose. While it definitely won't be the game that pleases all of the gamers all of the time, anyone who finds the idea intriguing (or who wants to get their data-entry girlfriends, boyfriends or moms in on some action) will have a field day. If you haven't already got a keyboard, go buy one. This game is just one more good reason why you won't regret it.

As I finish typing this review, I realize that my typing speed and accuracy has improved...and I have zombies to thank for it. The more I played the game, the more I came to like it. Still, a wholehearted recommendation is hard to give. It's the same game footage as HOD2, plus two keyboards and the game itself is a lot to pay. But without a doubt, this is the most fun you can have while increasing your typing speed. Zombies make good teachers.