I'm Too Young To Die: Bitmap Books' Definitive Guide to Classic FPS Games Shines on Nintendo Switch Era

Bitmap Books’ I’m Too Young To Die: The Ultimate Guide to First-Person Shooters 1992–2002 has rapidly become an indispensable resource for both veteran players and newcomers eager to explore the roots of the FPS genre—a genre that’s seen a significant resurgence on modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch.

Authored by industry expert Stuart Maine and published by the celebrated Bitmap Books, the guide meticulously chronicles the evolution of first-person shooters from 1992 to 2002, a period that saw iconic titles such as DOOM, Wolfenstein 3D, and Metroid Prime make their mark on gaming history. Classic FPS titles have experienced renewed popularity, not least because of comprehensive remasters and re-releases from developers like Nightdive Studios.

Nightdive’s commitment to preserving and revitalizing gems like DOOM and Star Wars: Dark Forces has brought a treasure trove of influential shooters to platforms including the Nintendo Switch eShop, introducing these foundational games to fresh audiences.

The guide also highlights the important roles that New Blood Interactive and revered composer Andrew Hulshult have played in the continued revival and modernization of the "boomer shooter" genre. The appeal of I’m Too Young To Die extends beyond simple nostalgia.

Maine’s interviews and behind-the-scenes insights offer a window into the technical and creative breakthroughs that shaped beloved classics.

According to Maine’s commentary in the book, each section offers not just historical context but interviews with the developers and designers responsible for defining the genre.

Notably, contributions from industry pioneers like John Romero provide readers with unprecedented access to the creative minds behind legendary franchises. I’m Too Young To Die is structured by year, pairing each milestone FPS release with details about the engines, hardware, and evolving technology that influenced development.

The guide covers a sweeping variety of culturally impactful titles, with content ranging from post-mortem analyses of games like Metroid Prime and System Shock 2 to spotlights on lesser-known projects that contributed to the genre’s growth.

The book also recognizes the contributions of Nintendo, dedicating space to essential FPS experiences like GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark—two games integral to Nintendo’s legacy and both available on Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online service. Bitmap Books has established a reputation for producing high-quality, visually stunning works.

I'm Too Young To Die upholds this legacy, featuring vibrant imagery, durable binding, and thoughtful design elements such as crosshair motifs and compelling dust jacket art.

Beyond aesthetics, the book serves as an educational reference, illuminating little-known facts—such as id Software’s original name, “Ideas from the Deep”—while providing readers with a newfound appreciation of the genre’s innovations and occasional missteps. Despite its nearly comprehensive approach, the guide’s introduction has received some constructive criticism for feeling too much like an online article.

However, subsequent sections deliver an engaging, book-worthy narrative that sustains the reader’s interest.

While the variability in detail for each game reflects the uneven availability of archival material, the overall quality and breadth make this an essential addition to any gaming library. For Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 owners, this guide highlights the genre’s rich intersection with Nintendo’s own history, spotlighting first-person shooters that have shaped the platform’s identity.

For those exploring the eShop or revisiting classics like DOOM and GoldenEye 007 on modern hardware, I’m Too Young To Die serves as both a reference and a vibrant record of how these storied titles came to be. Thanks to Bitmap Books’ I’m Too Young To Die and the ongoing work of Nightdive Studios, New Blood Interactive, and visionaries like Andrew Hulshult, the golden era of classic FPS is more accessible than ever—making it an ideal time for both new fans and seasoned players to dive into the genre’s storied past.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X|S I retro gaming Bitmap Books Stuart Maine Nintendo Switch 2 Nightdive Studios New Blood Interactive Andrew Hulshult GoldenEye 007 Metroid Prime DOOM DOOM II Heretic Wolfenstein 3D Perfect Dark Crime Crackers