Exploring the Legacy of John Romero in “Doom Guy: Life in First Person”

John Romero is a name that resonates with video game enthusiasts, particularly those who have played iconic titles such as Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3D. His contributions to the industry, especially the first-person shooter genre, are immeasurable. “Doom Guy: Life in First Person” is a captivating book that offers a deep dive into the life of a rockstar programmer during the exhilarating days of the medium’s rapid evolution. It not only delves into Romero’s journey, filled with triumphs and challenges, but also provides valuable insights gained from hindsight.

Unveiling the Untold Story

While David Kushner’s book, “Masters of Doom,” provided a remarkable look into the world of id Software, the video game empire co-founded by Romero, it always felt like there was more to the story. “Doom Guy: Life in First Person” satisfies the curiosity about Romero’s experiences over the past two decades. Moreover, it offers a more intimate account of his early life, which had only been briefly touched upon in previous works. This time, Romero steps forward as the storyteller, bringing a unique advantage to the narrative.

From the outset, Romero discloses that he possesses a condition called Hyperthymesia, allowing him to recall vivid details from his past, particularly memories that triggered strong emotions—both positive and negative. This unique ability lends authenticity and richness to the stories he shares, painting a better picture of his perspective. Occasionally, he concedes to gaps in his recollection and references “Masters of Doom” to provide clarity. It’s understandable that, even after such a prolific career, Romero might choose to keep a few secrets tucked away.

A Journey through Darkness

The book delves into Romero’s troubled childhood and how those experiences shaped his chosen career path. However, this exploration necessitates a discussion of the darker aspects of his early life. Readers seeking a lighthearted gaming-focused read may find some of the themes harsh. Romero bravely opens up about his family’s struggles with alcoholism, drug abuse, prostitution, abandonment, and child abuse. Yet, within these challenging stories are fascinating details about the environments he grew up in and the cultures that strongly influenced him.

A Multifaceted Talent

Beyond video game programming, Romero explores his interests in comics, music, and other passions. His adaptability suggests that he could have succeeded in multiple fields. However, his true mastery lay in coding and level design. While luck and prior experiences opened doors for him in the industry, his success was built on countless hours of hard work.

Reflections and Lessons

It’s important to remember that much of Romero’s story, along with that of John Carmack and their fellow id Software members, unfolded during their twenties. Considering their young age helps contextualize some of the negative events and poor decisions that transpired. Throughout the book, Romero maintains a simple and straightforward tone, unafraid to acknowledge his mistakes and admit that they could have been handled differently. For instance, he discloses that one team member was fired partially due to their exclusion from the Dungeons & Dragons group. The latter half of Romero’s career showcases how he coped with failure, found contentment beyond the limelight, and reveals the extent to which he and Carmack relied on each other.

The book also highlights the technological advancements, company blunders, and other game releases that influenced the trajectory of id Software. Romero offers a matter-of-fact perspective on how the industry was evolving, even amidst events like the Columbine High School massacre. Despite the widespread popularity of their games, Romero and his colleagues remained focused on coding the next project, striving to be the eye of the storm.

A Personal Touch

Romero narrates the audio version of his book, which was my chosen method of consumption. Having previously listened to Wil Wheaton’s excellent narration of “Masters of Doom,” I couldn’t help but ponder whether this was the best choice. Some of Romero’s line deliveries felt slightly off, and his pronunciation of words like ‘roof’ caused me to pause. Although the delivery lacked a certain spark, it’s worth noting that these words and their intonation emanated directly from the man who lived it all. Moreover, there are moments of passionate storytelling that truly capture the essence of Romero’s memories—I only wished there were more of them.

A Fascinating Journey

“Doom Guy: Life in First Person” not only provided me with a deeper understanding of John Romero himself but also offered valuable insights into level designs and what makes them captivating. Despite being familiar with much of Romero’s story through “Masters of Doom,” I found this book to be a rewarding read. It takes its time, filling in gaps and expanding on his youth and recent years. While Doom fans will undoubtedly appreciate this book, I believe it has something to offer to a broader audience. Even armed with prior knowledge, I never grew bored while immersing myself in this captivating history.