I didn’t learn how to type until late in college. Back in school, keyboarding wasn’t a priority, and even as a writer, I preferred pen and paper. Eventually, I picked it up, and while I’m not a master, I can hit around 70 words per minute. Oddly enough, I owe a lot of that skill to typing games. Titles like Typing of the Dead and Pokémon: Typing Adventure helped me sharpen my speed and accuracy. Enter Keys of Fury, a retro-inspired beat ’em up where victory depends on your keyboard, not your controller. We were given a demo build from developer Elecorn, and after playing through the first stage and boss, I have a lot to say. Will it turn you into a keyboard warrior, or should you stick to pen and paper? Let’s find out in my review of Keys of Fury!

Gameplay

Keys of Fury is exactly what it sounds like: a 2D beat ’em up controlled by typing. You play as a martial artist fighting through waves of enemies by typing words that appear above them. Every keystroke is a strike, and every mistake costs you health.

The game constantly mixes things up. Some enemies act as damage sponges with long words serving as their health bars. Others vanish quickly, forcing you to type their words before they disappear. Accuracy is everything—missed letters drain your hearts, but clearing a round rewards you with helpful bonuses like restored health, extra time, or additional hearts. A fury meter also builds as you defeat foes, letting you negate damage from a mistyped word when activated.

Boss fights raise the stakes with sentence-long typing challenges. Even as a competent typist, I found them tough but fair. Professional typists might breeze through, but the game throws in clever curveballs to keep you on edge. The demo also includes a Next Fest Challenge mode, which strips away fury and rewards for a pure survival test. Scores are ranked globally, with the possibility of prizes for top players. My best attempt capped at 48 words per minute—tougher than it sounds when some words are obscure and uncommon!

Graphics

If you’ve ever played Kung Fu on the NES, you’ll instantly recognize Keys of Fury’s retro-inspired visuals. The game blends nostalgic 8-bit charm with smoother, modern touches. Character sprites are expressive, environments pop with color, and everything feels like an homage to classic arcade brawlers. It won’t wow fans of high-end graphics, but for retro gamers, it nails the aesthetic perfectly.

Sound

The soundtrack sticks to chiptune melodies, reminiscent of classics like Paperboy. While charming, the tunes may not appeal to everyone. Most of the time, though, the music takes a back seat to the constant rhythm of your keyboard clicks, punches, and kicks. It’s simple but effective, matching the game’s retro design philosophy.

Story

The demo offers a minimal story: you’re a lone fighter battling through mean city streets. It’s barebones, but it provides just enough context to set up the gameplay loop. The final release may expand on the narrative, but for now, the focus is clearly on mechanics.

Overall Impression

Keys of Fury is a creative blend of retro beat ’em up and typing trainer. It captures nostalgic arcade vibes while offering something unique. Not everyone will click with it, but fans of typing games and retro-inspired indies will find plenty to love. The gameplay loop shines in short sessions, and while it’s not packed with content (at least in the demo), it nails what it sets out to do.

Conclusion

Keys of Fury is exactly the kind of indie gem I love discovering. It doesn’t try to be a blockbuster—it focuses on blending typing skills with arcade combat in a fun, nostalgic package. If you dislike typing or prefer traditional controllers, it may not be for you. But if you’re a fan of Typing of the Dead, retro NES-era games, or quirky indie experiments, Keys of Fury is worth keeping on your radar. Even in demo form, it delivers on its promise, and I’m confident the final game will keep that momentum.

—Aaron