Genetically Mutated Characters: Side Effects Include...

While genetic mutation/augmentation is not by any means a new theme in video games, it's becoming more of a prevalent element in the back stories of recent heroes (and villains depending on what side of the fence you're on). Common side effects of genetic alterations include change of eye color, electrical ability, shape-shifting, rapid aging and more. We take a look at a few video game characters who have experienced some degree of genetic alteration, and explore the side effects on their character.

Jack (BioShock)

Cause of mutation: After crash landing near a lighthouse that led to the unforgettable, underwater metropolis we know as Rapture, Jack is instructed by a mysterious man named Atlas to collect Adam and inject himself with Plasmids to survive against the mutated atrocities this society has produced. Adam comes from a species of sea slugs that have the ability to rewrite the human genome. Use of this substance can also lead to dangerous addiction. Adam provides the ability to use Plasmids that offer users, including Jack, super-human abilities.

Effects/Abilities: Can use Plasmids that send bolts of electricity, freeze enemies, independently move objects, summon bee swarms, etc. Tonics allow Jack to enhance traits and abilities as well.

Uses these abilities for...GOOD or EVIL. Depends on your feelings toward little girls.

Master Chief (Halo Series)

Cause of mutation: Six-year-old John is one of 150 children that possess the genetic markers needed to qualify for the SPARTAN-II program, an experiment that creates super-soldiers for the UNSC. The gifted children are kidnapped by the Office of Naval Intelligence at which point John becomes John-117 as Spartan training begins. The trainees undergo a series of surgical enhancements, which turn them into super-soldiers, and are equipped with powerful MJOLNIR armor that gives the wearer enhanced abilities. John-117 is one of the few survivors of this intense procedure and eventually goes on to become known as Master Chief.

Effects/Abilities: Enhanced strength, speed, agility, reflexes, durability, and regenerative health.

Uses these abilities for...GOOD

Albert Wesker (Resident Evil Series)

Cause of mutation: Wesker appears in the original Resident Evil as the commanding officer of S.T.A.R.S. and leader of the Alpha team, who you discover is a double agent also working for the Umbrella Corporation. He fakes his own death under the Tyrant. Wesker injects himself with an experimental virus that reanimates his body with the added bonus of super-human strength.

Effects/Abilities: Incredible strength, agility, regeneration, lost sense of humanity.

Uses these abilities for...EVIL

Cole MacGrath (InFamous)

Cause of mutation: Cole is a professional bike messenger who found himself at the wrong place at the wrong time, and was caught in the middle of an explosion that devastated Empire City. In lieu of straight up dying, Cole discovers new electricity-based powers, and uses them to restore some sort of order to the city (or contribute to the chaos depending on which side of the Karma spectrum you're on) while trying to uncover the truth behind the situation.

Effects/Abilities: Shock enemies, throw vehicles (and civilians), restore power, drain energy from select sources, etc.

Uses these abilities for...GOOD or EVIL. Your call, and remember, Karma can be a [expletive].

Nathan Hale (Resistance Series)

Cause of mutation: Sgt. Nathan Hale is tasked with 12,000 other U.S. Army Rangers to retrieve a top-secret weapon effective against the Chimera. A Chimeran spire attack wipes out the entire force leaving one survivor – Hale. He appears to be infected with the Chimeran virus as evidenced by the golden glow in his eyes (plus with that face [see above] it's safe to say something is just not right).
Effects/Abilities: Increased metabolism, strength and limited regeneration.

Uses these abilities for...GOOD

Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)

Cause of mutation: Sephiroth is a member of SOLDIER, the go-to muscle of Shinra made up of super-human beings used for special missions that require the most force. Sephiroth is the product of the Jenova Project after fusing cells of Jenova and Mako energy that make him an advanced being from birth. His potential was recognized by Shinra, sparking the production of more advanced soldiers by exposing warriors to Mako, thus causing their eyes to have an eerie glow.

Effects/Abilities: Masterful use of Masamune sword, incredibly agile, strong, long healthy hair. History of pyromania.

Uses these abilities for...EVIL

Miranda Lawson (Mass Effect 2)

Cause of mutation: Miranda was genetically engineered from her father's DNA for superior intelligence and physical traits, therefore she was not traditionally born, but rather a science project of sorts. Her father simply wanted someone to carry on his legacy. By creating Miranda from his own genetic code as a means of creating the perfect being, this just means her father is very, very full of himself.

Effects/Abilities: Exceptional intellect, remarkable physical and biotic traits, hottie.

Uses these abilities for...GOOD

Blanka (Street Fighter Series)

Cause of mutation: Once known simply as Jimmy, Blanka experienced severe trauma when he was in a plane crash as a child that separated him from his mother and enabled him to survive in the wild. Some sources say he obtained his signature electrical abilities from an electrical storm that caused the plane crash. Others say he learned the ability from electric eels. Whatever the case, he's pretty rad.

Effects/Abilities: Turns green after he overdoses on chlorophyll, savage fighting style, roll attacks, electricity moves.

Uses these abilities for...KICKING A**

Alex Mercer (Prototype)

Cause of mutation: Mercer wakes up in the basement of a genetic engineering company based in Manhattan and manages to escape. However, he has no recollection of his past. He soon discovers he is equipped with powerful abilities and uses them on his journey find out what went down.

Effects/Abilities: Shape-shifting, super-human strength, speed, agility, durability, consumption of people's memories, thermal vision, transforming body parts into blades, claws, armor, etc. Whew!

Uses these abilities for...GOOD

"The Snakes" (Metal Gear Series)

Cause of mutation: The government wanted to create a clone of the greatest soldier of all time, Big Boss, kick-starting the Les Enfants Terribles project, which made use of Big Boss' genes. Three models were created: Solid Snake, Liquid Snake and eventually, Solidus Snake, with the latter being the best balance of all three.

Effects/Abilities: Sneakiness, box hiding, become really old, really fast.

Uses these abilities for...PLOT TWISTS

This is just a small sampling of characters afflicted by genetic alterations. Have anyone else in mind? Chime in below in the comments section!