ZType is a fun, free typing game, released as a browser game in 2011 and re-released for the iPhone and Android phones this week. The type-’em-up game sets you against waves of hostile spacecraft, where you’ll direct your ship’s plasma cannon fire by typing words that appear on screen.
It’s a simple concept, but the game is nicely done, with an atmospheric score, flashy effects and a forgiving difficulty curve. I particularly like the fact that the bigger ships shoot back, offloading pulses of single letter missiles that you’ll have to shoot through to survive.
Pro tip: If you get into a tricky spot, you can also release an EMP to destroy all ships on screen. I didn’t realise this for a while, and it definitely helps when things get crazy!
The game’s custom keyboard on mobile is also impressive, replacing Apple’s option with one that makes progression easier thanks to enlarged touch areas and some other interesting development tricks. Of course, you could also use a Bluetooth keyboard for the ultimate edge.
The game is free everywhere, so it’s definitely worth trying. Let me know what score you can achieve in the comments below!
If you’re in the mood for more typing action, then I’d recommend two further titles (both for PCs): Typing of the Dead: Overkill (available on Steam) and TypeRacer (a free web game). If you just want to see how fast you can type, Typing Speed Test is my favourite online option.