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From pixels to polygons: 2D characters get three-dimensional

Years of Nazi torture will do that to your face.
Image Credit: Samir Torres/GamesBeat

With video game visuals looking more photo-realistic with each new generation, it’s hard to believe characters used to resemble flat, squared waffles not long ago.

Let’s travel back in time a few decades to see what your favorite heroes — plus an evil pig-man and a six-time NBA champion — looked like without their fancy 3D makeup on.

Click here for more pixels to polygons comparisons.


Zero Suit Samus


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Zero Suit Samus
Metroid: Zero Mission (2004)/Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS (2014)


Godzilla

Godzilla
Godzilla (1983)/Godzilla: Unleashed (2007)


Axl Low

Axl Low
Guilty Gear (1998)/Guilty Gear Xrd (2014)


Marth

Marth
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (1990)/Fire Emblem: Awakening (2013)


William "B.J." Blazkowicz

William “B.J.” Blazkowicz
Wolfenstein 3D (1992)/Wolfenstein: New Order (2014)