Summary

  • OG Modes in games like Call of Duty and Overwatch could bring back nostalgia in a chaotic, less competitive setting.
  • Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel lacks a permanent mode for old school formats, providing variety and less competitive play.
  • Pokemon TCG Live and Team Fortress 2 would also benefit from OG modes, offering simpler gameplay and a return to basics.

Whether you're on PC or console, OG Modes and classic modes are a great way to bring back a crowd to a game that has been around for years. After all, some of the longest franchises will inevitably change for better or for worse as they try to capture a more mainstream audience.

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Whatever the reason, there is always a desire to bring back the old-school gameplay. This can mean increasing the difficulty of a game back to what it used to be or stripping apart all the changes made during the game's lifetime. While some tease their fans with a temporary return of nostalgia, some games that have a more permanent way to access the past. After all, if Fortnite can do it and succeed, there is hope yet.

8 Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6

A Much Needed Return To Basics

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

FPS 4.0/5 14 5.8/10 Released October 25, 2024 ESRB Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Suggestive Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs Developer(s) Treyarch, Raven Software Publisher(s) Activision Platform(s) PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

Call of Duty has evolved since the original days of the game. With microtransactions, finishing moves, and specialist classes, this isn’t the game you remember if you fell asleep during the Ghosts era and just woke up from a long nap.

Call of Duty would benefit from a less Esports-oriented gameplay where weapons don’t require as much of a grind to unlock, and it’s a chaotic time killer. The same goes for Call of Duty Zombies, which has had major changes, including point values, a more complex perk system, and the addition of mantling over obstacles.While Call of Duty often offers somewhat more barebones experiences, nothing matches the old-school days.

7 Overwatch 2

When A Limited Time Event Should Be Permanent

Overwatch 2

Shooter 9.0/10 Released August 10, 2023 ESRB T For Teen // Blood, Mild Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence Developer(s) Blizzard Publisher(s) Blizzard Platform(s) PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

Overwatch Classic captures the spirit of the original game. The only problem is that it cycles through different eras, giving players only a brief moment to breathe in the nostalgia. In 2016, none of the characters played fair, leading to some of the most exhilarating gameplay ever recorded.

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This is the chaotic era where every hero felt broken and balance was completely thrown out the window. This is also the chaotic energy that brought forth the original Play of the Game meme. Day one Overwatch was fun because it didn’t try to make the game fair for an Esports setting, but rather allowed players to have fun with the abilities. If every character is broken, does it mean that no one is?

6 Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

Release The Formats Of Old

Yu-Gi-Oh: Master Duel

Digital Card Game Released January 19, 2022 ESRB T For Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity Developer(s) Konami Publisher(s) Konami Platform(s) Android, iOS, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand Collapse

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is one of the greatest online clients for a trading card game. It allows you to learn to play a game that many consider complex due to the long card text and combos that can be performed.

While Master Duel occasionally has special events that force players to use cards from a different era, there is no permanent mode where players can experience old school Yu-Gi-Oh! on a consistent basis other than private games. With so many formats to choose from, anything from Goat Format to Edison Format can be considered OG. This is also a great way to put less competitive cards back in action more often.

5 Pokemon TCG Live

Another Card Game With Rich History

Pokémon Trading Card Game Live

Digital Card Game Released October 9, 2024 ESRB E for Everyone Developer(s) The Pokemon Company Publisher(s) The Pokemon Company Platform(s) Android, iOS, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

Pokemon TCG Live has the benefit of a massive card roster for players to collect. However, while Pokemon TCG Live focuses on whatever the current meta is, there is a perfect opportunity to return back to basics with the online client.

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The Pokemon TCG is known for valuing the original cards that were released in the good old days of the card game. This includes unforgettable hitters like Hitmonchan and time stallers like Chansey. Of course, the meta game has evolved plenty since then with new Pokemon types and Trainer cards, so it would be good to give players a taste of that original card game feel that takes players back to the 90s.

4 Counter-Strike 2

Remembering Global Offensive

Counter-Strike 2

FPS Released September 27, 2023 ESRB m Developer(s) Valve Publisher(s) Valve Platform(s) PC Powered by Expand Collapse

After over ten years of Counter-Strike Global Offensive, Counter-Strike 2 took its place. What made this transition from one game to the next so different, is the fact that Counter-Strike 2 wasn’t just a sequel, but a title that completely removed its predecessor from being playable.

While Counter-Strike 2 introduced new physics, updated graphics, and gun mechanics that enhanced the competitive aspect of the game, it’s hard not to long for the original days of Global Offensive. This is a game where tiny little tweaks make a major difference to those who frequently play. One example of an iconic detail that is missing is the weapon wheel, which was replaced by a standard menu.

3 Resident Evil 2 Remake

Going Back Further Than Ever Before

Resident Evil 2

Horror Released January 25, 2019 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Intense Violence Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Capcom Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand Collapse

Resident Evil is a very different game now than what it started out as. In fact, some would even say the original games were more difficult with tank controls, a fixed camera, and limited saves. Since then, the games delve into first-person horror as well as rocking the third-person camera made popular by the fourth installment.

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Resident Evil 2 and 3 both have remakes that modernize the experience of the survival horror genre. So what if players were allowed to experience the same game with the original cameras and control barriers? Resident Evil Village is capable of running in third person using Mods and the franchise itself has been known to introduce new ways to play their old games, such as VR. So, it would not be unusual to see an OG mode introduced.

2 Pokemon Scarlet And Violet

Pokemon’s Fading Identity

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

RPG 2.0/5 10.0/10 Released November 18, 2022 ESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Game Freak Publisher(s) Nintendo, The Pokemon Company Platform(s) Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is a massive leap in a different direction for old school fans of Pokemon. However, it also leaves behind many of the staples that made the series memorable, such as Trainers that challenge you, random encounters, and XP that is earned individually.

While not everything can be solved with an OG Mode, there has always been a demand for seeing Pokemon return to its roots and the choice to make the game more difficult for experienced players. This includes tweaking the XP to force players out of XP share, making every Pokemon encounter a surprise, and making Trainer battling essential for progression rather than easily skippable.

1 Team Fortress 2

A Casual Way To Experience TF2

Team Fortress 2

Shooter 10.0/10 Released October 10, 2007 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence Developer(s) Valve Publisher(s) Valve Platform(s) PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Linux, macOS Powered by Expand Collapse

Team Fortress 2 has seen its fair share of content over the years from new weapon sets, items, and most importantly, hats. While this might not seem game changing at first glance, the right set of items can make a player incredibly powerful. Of course, this also means that players with their own unique set of items often have an advantage.

While the OG game could theoretically still be played using the Xbox 360’s version of The Orange Box, having a way to go back to basics without resorting to private lobbies or mods could be an interesting experiment, even if temporary. There is still a charm that comes with the default weapons and casual barebones gameplay.

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