I remember it as first there was Wolfenstein 3D, and people went crazy not believing their eyes. Then they learn about the technology, and go "ok, well that's cool, but can't do real 3D".

Then that cycle repeats for Doom.

And then Quake, except this time it really was 3D. Quake didn't even really have load times!

Ok, so these people can be inspirations. But probably should not be used as an example that should be expected to be followable.