Researchers visualize how classic gaming characters could look today if they’d aged over time and it’s pretty cool. If you ever wondered what your favorite gaming characters might look like today if they’d aged since they were first released? New visuals from Comparethemarket.com reveal what they could look like in 2021 and I’m obsessed with them.

Comparethemarket.com has worked with Carol Holland, Professor in Ageing Research at Lancaster University, and a 3D artist to bring five of the nation’s best-loved gaming characters to life – brothers Mario and Luigi, Lara Croft, Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson, and Doctor Eggman.

Various factors were considered when visualizing the characters, including their original age, career, where they live, and how physically active they are. Check them out below.

• Dr Eggman

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  Dr Eggman is one of the most iconic video games villains, first appearing in 1991 in Sonic the Hedgehog which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. As he was already 50 when he appeared alongside his nemesis Sonic, Dr Eggman would now be an impressive 80 years old. Being involved in countless battles over the years could have taken its toll on Dr Eggman so he’s expected to be showing his age. Given his sedentary lifestyle, as well as not being in the best shape when he was younger, Dr Eggman might experience mobility issues later in life and loss of muscle mass.

• Dr Eggman

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  Dr Eggman is one of the most iconic video games villains, first appearing in 1991 in Sonic the Hedgehog which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. As he was already 50 when he appeared alongside his nemesis Sonic, Dr Eggman would now be an impressive 80 years old. Being involved in countless battles over the years could have taken its toll on Dr Eggman so he’s expected to be showing his age. Given his sedentary lifestyle, as well as not being in the best shape when he was younger, Dr Eggman might experience mobility issues later in life and loss of muscle mass.

• Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson

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  Whilst Grand Theft Auto (GTA) V is being released onto next-gen consoles this year, it’s Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson, the main character from GTA: San Andreas, who is often regarded as being one of the best characters in video game history. Born in 1968, CJ was 36 at the time of the game’s release back in 2004, making him 53 this year. Fans of the GTA series may be surprised to see an older-looking CJ, who might be starting to go grey and there could be some long-term impacts from injuries sustained throughout his life and choice of career.
• Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson

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  Whilst Grand Theft Auto (GTA) V is being released onto next-gen consoles this year, it’s Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson, the main character from GTA: San Andreas, who is often regarded as being one of the best characters in video game history. Born in 1968, CJ was 36 at the time of the game’s release back in 2004, making him 53 this year. Fans of the GTA series may be surprised to see an older-looking CJ, who might be starting to go grey and there could be some long-term impacts from injuries sustained throughout his life and choice of career.

• Lara Croft

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  With Lara Croft first appearing in 1996, avid gamers will know that 2021 is Tomb Raider’s 25th anniversary, about to be celebrated with the release of the new arcade game Tomb Raider Reloaded. What they may not know is that the athletic archaeologist would be 46 this year. Thanks to her adventures, Lara would still be in great shape and have her famous hourglass figure. Her defined facial features may have smoothed and she could also have grey hairs, though generous application of suncream has meant Lara has kept her skin healthy while travelling in exotic places.

• Lara Croft

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  With Lara Croft first appearing in 1996, avid gamers will know that 2021 is Tomb Raider’s 25th anniversary, about to be celebrated with the release of the new arcade game Tomb Raider Reloaded. What they may not know is that the athletic archaeologist would be 46 this year. Thanks to her adventures, Lara would still be in great shape and have her famous hourglass figure. Her defined facial features may have smoothed and she could also have grey hairs, though generous application of suncream has meant Lara has kept her skin healthy while travelling in exotic places.
• Luigi

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  Of course, we can’t forget about Mario’s younger brother Luigi who first appeared alongside his famous sibling two years later in 1983 when he was 25 years old, making him 63 this year. Like Mario, Luigi will have aged well thanks to his active nature and diet full of antioxidants. However, all the jumping over the years might have caused some knee issues, affecting his mobility on stairs and slopes.

• Luigi

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  Of course, we can’t forget about Mario’s younger brother Luigi who first appeared alongside his famous sibling two years later in 1983 when he was 25 years old, making him 63 this year. Like Mario, Luigi will have aged well thanks to his active nature and diet full of antioxidants. However, all the jumping over the years might have caused some knee issues, affecting his mobility on stairs and slopes.

• Mario

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  Everyone’s favourite Italian plumber was said to be 25 years old when he made his first appearance in 1981. While Mario still looks just as young in the upcoming 2021 release of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, he’s actually 65 this year. After four decades of embarking on quests to save his beloved Princess Peach, thanks to his rigorous exercise, Mario would likely have aged well, although he might tire out more easily. As an Italian man, his healthy Mediterranean diet would also help him age well, though he would likely have some grey hairs.
• Mario

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  Everyone’s favourite Italian plumber was said to be 25 years old when he made his first appearance in 1981. While Mario still looks just as young in the upcoming 2021 release of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, he’s actually 65 this year. After four decades of embarking on quests to save his beloved Princess Peach, thanks to his rigorous exercise, Mario would likely have aged well, although he might tire out more easily. As an Italian man, his healthy Mediterranean diet would also help him age well, though he would likely have some grey hairs.

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