The Evolution of Splicers in Rapture: A Look into Burial at Sea

In the world of BioShock, Splicers are a staple enemy that players encounter throughout their journey. In Burial at Sea, the latest installment in the series, Splicers take on a new form, with characteristics that both differ and remain consistent with those found in previous games. This article will delve into the various types of Splicers encountered in Burial at Sea, their distinct features, and the impact of ADAM shortages on their behavior.

Physical Appearance

Splicers in Burial at Sea may seem similar to their predecessors, the Leadhead and Thuggish Splicers, due to their armament and personality. However, when it comes to attack strategy, they are more akin to the enemy combatants found in Columbia from BioShock Infinite. Some female Splicers cover their faces with heavy makeup or masks that resemble domino-like or facial prosthetic patches. Male Splicers, on the other hand, wear makeshift masks fashioned from wooden crates or crudely cut-out poster images of brands like Hop-Up Soda and Meal-Time Frozen Dinners.

Behavioral Changes

The most striking difference between Burial at Sea Splicers and those in earlier games is their lack of distinctive masquerade masks. Due to being cut off from the rest of Rapture before the 1958 New Year's party, these Splicers have resorted to creating their own impromptu masks using available materials. This change reflects their growing derangement as a result of being disconnected from Rapture's ADAM supply.

Types of Splicers

Burial at Sea introduces several new types of Splicers, each with unique characteristics. Some are firearm-wielding enemies, while others wield melee weapons. The most intriguing addition is the Frosty Splicer, a newly seen type that has yet to be fully understood. These changes in behavior and appearance demonstrate the significant impact of ADAM shortages on Rapture's inhabitants.

The Origins of Derangement

Before the war, many citizens used Plasmids and Tonic enhancements for extended periods without showing visible signs of genetic or mental damage. However, under the surface of Rapture's upper-class areas, dangerous Splicers already existed. Some examples include a waiter at Le Temps Perdu and a man attracting attention with his spliced aesthetics in Market Street and High Street.

The Root Cause

The degenerative effects of long-term ADAM use led to the mental and physical instability of Splicers even before the ADAM shortages during the Rapture Civil War. This phenomenon was exacerbated by the scarcity of ADAM, causing a rapid decline in the well-being of Rapture's inhabitants.

In conclusion, Burial at Sea offers a fresh take on the classic Splicer character, with unique features and behaviors that reflect their connection to Rapture's ADAM supply. Through their appearance and actions, players gain insight into the devastating consequences of ADAM shortages on Rapture's inhabitants, making for a thought-provoking and engaging experience.

Splicer bioshock