User blog comment:Willbachbakal/Singleplayer Plasmids/@comment-1330314-20100729054523

Replying to this, two months later... (0_0)

Cosmetically, plasmids will definitely be visible on the player's hand. Not only that, but they'd evolve depnding on how you upgrade them. Their animations will change and they'll also produce a different sound.

For example, Electro-Bolt 1 would look like a normal Electro-Bolt, with electricty running along the player's hand. When you pull it out, it makes the typical electric "zit" sound. Now, if you buy the Chain Lightning upgrade, the electric effect becomes more intense and, for this upgrade, electricity jumps between the player's fingers. The electric sound effect also changes. If you take the Lightning Storm upgrade, you'll have a miniature rain cloud around your hand and an even more intense electric effect covering your entire arm. When you pul the plasmid out this time it makes the same sound as a thunderclap. So, in summary, each upgrade gives your plasmid a new cosmetic and sound effect.