About this game
The Typing of the Dead (2000) is one of gaming's most audacious concept games: a complete reimagining of House of the Dead 2 where every zombie is defeated not by shooting but by typing words and phrases correctly on a Dreamcast keyboard. The player characters are depicted with Dreamcast consoles strapped to their backs and keyboards hung from their necks. Absurd in premise, brilliant in execution — and genuinely effective as a typing trainer — it became the Dreamcast's most legendary peripheral showcase.
Key Features
House of the Dead 2's complete content, fully reskinned for keyboard input: zombies display words, phrases, or questions above them that must be typed correctly to defeat them. Typing speed and accuracy determine survival. Two-player co-op works with two keyboards simultaneously. In Japan, the game was used in schools as an educational typing tool. The absurdist visual of characters running through zombie hordes with keyboards and backpack Dreamcasts is one of gaming's most iconic design gags.
The Story Behind
The Dreamcast was the first home console to include an optional keyboard peripheral in the mainstream market. Sega designed the keyboard primarily for internet browsing via the console, but Typing of the Dead exploited it in a way no one had anticipated. Released in 2000 as the Dreamcast's commercial future was already uncertain, it became emblematic of the console's spirit: experimental, irreverent, technically confident. The game was genuinely adopted as an educational tool in some Japanese schools and offices.
Tricks & Tales
The Japanese version includes typing exercises specifically designed for learning Japanese kana and vocabulary — making it a legitimately useful educational product beyond its game value. The visual of the backpack-mounted Dreamcast with keyboard became an iconic piece of gaming absurdism that has been referenced and parodied countless times. A PC version was later released, but the Dreamcast version with the original hardware setup is considered the authentic experience.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Japan and North America only. Requires Dreamcast keyboard peripheral, which must be sourced separately if not included. Not released in Europe on Dreamcast.
Maintenance Tips
Standard GD-ROM disc care. The Dreamcast keyboard connects via the controller port — check the cable and connector if input is not registering. Keyboard membrane switches can degrade, causing missed key inputs.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
Unexpected Discoveries
Games you weren't looking for — but might be glad you found.
Memories from around the world
This is a young museum, and this page is still waiting for its first voices. The memories people send reach Taisei personally, and the ones that move him find a home here over time — always with the writer's blessing. Yours could be the very first for this game.
Share your memory ↑