The Typing of the Dead

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The Typing of the Dead

Developer(s)	Smilebit
Publisher(s)	Sega
Release date(s)	March 30, 2000
Genre(s)	Action, Education
Mode(s)	Single player, multiplayer
Rating(s)	ESRB: Mature (M) ELSPA: 15+
Platform(s)	Sega Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows
Media	CD-ROM (Windows) GD-ROM (Dreamcast)
System requirements	Windows Version Windows 95/98/ME, Pentium II 233MHz CPU, 64MB RAM, 660MB hard disk, 8MB Direct 3D compatible video card, 8x CD-ROM Drive, DirectX-compatible sound card
Input	Keyboard

The Typing of the Dead is an arcade game (later ported to the Sega Dreamcast and Microsoft Windows), released in 2000 based on The House of the Dead 2. While the latter is a fairly standard light gun shooter, Typing replaces the gun (or mouse for home systems) with the keyboard.

The levels of the two games are close to identical, but instead of simply gunning down hordes of onrushing zombies the player has to type the word or short phrase in front of each enemy to kill it. A typing tutorial for beginners and several mini-game drills designed to improve typing skills are also included.

The Dreamcast version allows for a two-player mode with two keyboards. Players cooperate throughout the game levels, and then are graded at the end of each chapter as an added level of competition. The PC version allows for network multiplayer.

Despite the dark subject matter of the original, The Typing of the Dead is firmly tongue-in-cheek. The (progressively more difficult) things the player has to type are quite often weird and humorous, mêlée weapons have been replaced by things such as rubber hammers, the guns have been replaced by keyboards powered by Dreamcasts on the characters' backs. Some power-ups give new life, other turn the character into a zombie for a level or make everyone's heads swell. Given sufficient typing ability, the game is widely considered good, intensive, nonsensical fun and is something of a cult classic amongst Dreamcast owners. The PC and Dreamcast versions include a tutorial mode, designed to teach players how to type quickly and without looking at the keyboard.

A remake was released on December 22, 2004 for the PlayStation 2 in Japan, titled The Typing of the Dead: Zombie Panic.

[edit] Bosses

Judgment

Judgment (Type 28)

Judgment consists of two creatures - Kuarl (a 3-meter tall, headless zombie wearing plate armor and carrying a large, bloodstained axe) and Zeal (a tiny, red-skinned, imp-like creature that can fly at incredible speed). While the former of the two is virtually impervious to bullets, it is unintelligent, and requires Zeal's telepathic control to remain active. While they are defeated in their first meeting with the AMS agents, Goldman gives them a second chance and has them stall the arrival of the agents at his headquarters.

The Hierophant

The Hierophant (Type B 05)

An aquatic humanoid with scaly hide and scraggly patches of black hair on its head. This creature carries a large trident and has the ability to breathe underwater, as well as control certain forms of mutated sea life (such as mutant piranhas). The Hierophant possesses a gill-like vital organ in its chest, shielded by a ribcage that periodically opens and closes with each of its movements. This beast headed the assault on Venice's waterways and Central Plaza, and later resurfaced on the bridge in front of the Goldman building. Note: In Stage Two, Hierophant can be either fought on Sunset Bridge or on the Wharf

The Tower

The Tower (Type 8000)

Three giant, segmented, worm-like creatures with sharp teeth lining their gaping maws. The Tower is composed of a "Master Head" and two "Slave Heads," the former of which sports a crest of bone in its head, and the latter of which lacked this feature. It is unknown whether they share a hive mind or are independent in terms of intelligence, though the "Master Head" is seemingly able to thrive away from its counterparts. The Tower stalks the Venice sewer system during the undead siege, attacking innocent people that happen upon its lair. An incomplete duplicate of this creature is found in Goldman's laboratory. Note: The "Master Head" of Tower can either be fought in sand or in water

Strength

Strength (Type 205)

Strength is a tall, muscular zombie that is appointed by Goldman to kidnap Amy and Harry. It has axes lodged in its right shoulder and carries an enormous chainsaw with the word "Blame" etched on its surface. Strength is left as a "gift" to the AMS agents from Goldman in the colosseum, and chased James and Gary in a labyrinth. Note: Strength can be either fought in a Blackish-Blue colosseum or a tan colosseum

The Magician

The Magician (Type 0)

In 2000, Curien's masterpiece, the Magician, is revived by Goldman. This improved model sports heavier armor, increased speed, and devastating variations on its older pyrokinetic attacks. It is a loyal servant of the Emperor, and challenges James and Gary in the courtyard in front of the Goldman Building atop "Pandora's Box."

The Emperor

The Emperor (Type α)

The result of a top secret experiment by Goldman, the Emperor is designed to "rule, destroy, and hate mankind". As it is in a prototype stage, this creature is not nearly as strong as Goldman would have hoped, but is still powerful enough to fulfil its purpose. It can levitate, and its body is composed of a genetic compound known as the "Emperor Serum," which allows it to reshape its body at will. In turn, it is able to transform its arm into a lance, take the basic forms of other boss monsters, and become a being of pure energy.

[edit] Trivia

James, Gary, Harry, and Amy all wear keyboards with back-mounted Dreamcasts (PS2's in "Zombie Panic") instead of holding guns.
Tower has three snakes instead of five.
There are new funny endings to the game:

Goldman falls off the Goldman Building and hits the ground with a big explosion. This is followed with a scene of James staring down , completely silent and bewildered.
Goldman falls , only to be pulled back up by a bungie cord , and then belches.
Goldman flies into the sky , and out of sight , like Superman , James then looks up in silence.

Apparentally , a sequel was made in Japan known as The Typing of the Dead II , featuring The House of the Dead III as a basis. Little is known , however , about this game.