Typing of the Dead is a rail-based first-person shooter developed by Smilebit and published by Sega for the Sega Dreamcast, released in the United States on February 29, 2000. The game is a unique hybrid that combines traditional shooter mechanics with typing-based combat, where players defeat approaching zombies by quickly typing letters and words that appear above their heads. Set in the fictional Curien Mansion during a zombie outbreak, the game follows an original storyline that serves as an alternate retelling within the House of the Dead universe, featuring cameo appearances from characters like Roger Gripp and Hisako Masaki.
Rather than using a light gun or standard controller for aiming and shooting, players must use a keyboard to type out phrases to attack enemies, making speed and accuracy essential for survival. Each successful typed word or phrase damages or destroys the targeted zombie, with more complex combinations yielding greater damage. The game includes various modes, including Story Mode, Challenge Mode, and a Versus Mode that supports multiplayer competition via split screen.
The title was added to iOctavio.com on November 18, 2002, and has since been recognized for its innovative gameplay that merges the thrill of classic arcade-style shooters with educational typing mechanics. While often categorized under the broader shooter genre due to its visual style and structure, it stands apart as a typing game at its core, appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers looking for a fun and unconventional way to improve their typing skills while surviving a zombie apocalypse.