10 Overlooked Game Mechanics That Deserve a Revival
10 Overlooked Game Mechanics That Deserve a Revival
Introduction
The video‑game industry constantly chases the next big thing, but many of the most engaging systems are actually forgotten classics. From iconic reload mechanics to dynamic AI companions, these features once defined memorable experiences yet rarely appear in modern titles. Below is a curated look at ten mechanics that have fallen out of the spotlight—and why developers should consider bringing them back.
10. Active Reload – Gears of War
The active reload system is arguably one of the most recognizable mechanics in gaming. When a player initiates a reload, a timing meter appears. Hitting the button within the “sweet spot” instantly reloads the weapon; missing the window causes a jam and a longer reload time. A perfect execution not only speeds up the reload but also grants a damage boost for the next shot.
While the basic timed‑reload concept has been adopted by titles such as Dead Space Extraction, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars Battlefront, and the Sniper Elite series, most omit the damage‑boost element that makes the original system compelling. Replicating the full depth of Gears’ active reload would add risk‑reward tension to any shooter without sacrificing balance.
9. Nemesis System – Middle‑earth: Shadow of Mordor & Shadow of War
The Nemesis system dynamically generates enemy officers with unique traits, memories, and evolving personalities. These orc captains can survive encounters, gain new abilities, and even return for revenge, creating a personalized, emergent narrative.
Despite its potential, the system has seen little expansion beyond the Shadow franchise, partly due to a patent that lasts until 2035 and the considerable development overhead required to manage the intricate web of enemy relationships. A few games—Mercenaries and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey—have flirted with rudimentary versions, but a true, unrestricted implementation remains rare.
8. Memory Shards – Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Traditional in‑game maps offer only vague outlines and limited markers, often leaving players scrambling to recall where a crucial puzzle or platforming challenge was encountered. The Lost Crown introduces Memory Shards, a lightweight feature that lets players capture an in‑game screenshot which is automatically pinned to the map at the exact location.
This eliminates the need for external note‑taking and mirrors natural human memory: you can glance at the map, see the thumbnail, and instantly recall the context of the checkpoint. With every modern controller already supporting a screenshot button, integrating this mechanic is both feasible and highly user‑friendly.
7. Dynamic Weight & Muscles – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
San Andreas let players gain weight or build muscle through diet and exercise, affecting movement speed, stamina, and even NPC dialogue. Overeating could render the protagonist too slow for certain missions, while a fit character could sprint farther and unlock alternative interactions.
Technically simple—merely a set of variables tied to character models—the system was dropped in later GTA entries, likely because it offered limited gameplay impact relative to development cost. Nonetheless, a modern implementation could add a subtle layer of role‑playing depth to open‑world games without breaking immersion.
6. Harvesting Enemy Parts – Horizon Zero Dawn
One of the most satisfying moments in Horizon Zero Dawn is blasting weapon parts off mechanical beasts and immediately using them. This mechanic turns a defeated enemy into a temporary arsenal, rewarding player skill with both narrative flavor and tactical advantage.
While games like Monster Hunter allow players to collect monster parts, they rarely enable on‑the‑fly weapon creation. A streamlined version—where players can disassemble foes and equip the harvested gear instantly—could refresh combat loops in action‑RPGs and shooters alike.
5. Pawn System – Dragon’s Dogma Series
Dragon’s Dogma introduced Pawns, AI companions generated from other players’ data. Pawns learn from their “owner’s” playstyle, carry over equipment, and provide contextual dialogue, creating a sense of camaraderie without requiring a human co‑op partner.
Because Pawns blend procedural generation with player‑driven evolution, they are difficult to copy without feeling like a shallow imitation. However, a refined version—perhaps leveraging modern machine‑learning techniques—could give single‑player games a richer, semi‑personalized ally system.
4. Squad Command – Freedom Fighters
Many shooters offer rudimentary squad orders, but Freedom Fighters (2003) delivered a streamlined, intuitive command interface that let players direct a small unit with simple button presses. The game emphasized strategic positioning and timing over raw firepower, making the player feel like a true commander.
Only a handful of titles, such as the original Kane & Lynch series, have approached this level of elegance. An updated squad‑command system could thrive in modern tactical or open‑world shooters, especially if combined with non‑linear mission objectives that react to player decisions.
3. Dimension Machine – Fantasian
Fantasian features a Dimension Machine that queues random battles as the player explores the world. Instead of forcing an immediate encounter, the machine stacks battles, allowing players to tackle them in rapid succession later. This offers two benefits:
- Convenient avoidance of unwanted fights during exploration.
- Efficient grinding when the player chooses to clear the backlog.
While most contemporary RPGs have moved away from random encounters, the concept could be revived in titles that retain encounter‑based combat, providing a modern solution to the classic “battle fatigue” problem.
2. One‑Button Quick Save – Shadow Tactics
Controller‑first players often struggle with quick‑save functions that require navigating menus. Shadow Tactics solves this by mapping a dedicated quick‑save button to the controller, enabling instant saves without pausing the action.
Few modern games adopt this approach, even though many genres—especially tactical or high‑difficulty titles—benefit from frequent saving. Implementing a one‑press save slot would enhance accessibility and reduce friction for controller users.
1. Bonfire Aesthetics – Dark Souls II
Dark Souls II introduced Bonfire Aesthetics, consumable items that transform the area surrounding a bonfire into a localized “New Game Plus” mode. Activating one permanently raises enemy difficulty, respawns bosses, and refreshes loot in that zone.
Unlike the series‑wide NG+ system, this mechanic lets players re‑challenge specific sections without restarting the entire game, offering targeted difficulty spikes and farming opportunities. Its permanent nature adds strategic weight: players must decide whether to risk a tougher area for better rewards.
Bonus: Randomizer Mode – Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Randomizers have surged in popularity, yet few developers ship official support. Bloodstained includes a Randomizer Mode that shuffles item locations, providing fresh runs without external mods. Official randomizer modes can dramatically increase replay value, especially for titles with strong community modding cultures.
Conclusion
From active reloads that reward precision to localized New Game Plus experiences, these ten mechanics demonstrate that innovation often lies in revisiting and refining past ideas. By embracing these overlooked systems, developers can enrich gameplay depth, increase replayability, and offer players fresh yet familiar experiences. The industry would do well to dig into its own history, adapt these concepts, and give gamers the engaging mechanics they deserve.