Semi-Limited
This card has hopped all over the banlist due to its effect to summon copies of itself from the deck.
Destiny HERO - Malicious
This Fusion monster holds 3 powerful effects, but didn't really see play until Verte Anaconda allowed easy access to its Fusion Spell.
Rainbow Neos
This handtrap is a staple in virtually any deck for stopping plays related to the Deck.
Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring
These Spellcaster cards do virtually nothing until you get them all.
Exodia
This floodgate Fusion Monster was killed in her previous life to Sophia, Goddess of Rebirth due to mere proximity.
El Shaddoll Winda
Due to interactions with cards like Gold Sarcophagus and Inferno Tempest, this card was semi-limited for periods of time in fear of FTK decks.
Necroface
This Rank 4 monster can shuffle up to 2 cards your opponent controls into the Deck. Too bad it's non-generic.
Madolche Queen Tiaramisu
This monster used to enable the ability to summon multiple copies of itself before it was limited. It still sees frequent play as a one card starter.
Zoodiac Ratpier
This card sees play in Mystic Mine decks thanks to its low investment and realistic win condition.
Final Countdown
This wandering outlaw would go on to fight in Freed's army alongside Marauding Captain only to be abducted to the Different Dimension. After returning from the Different Dimension, she took on this new name.
D.D. Warrior Lady
This staple search spell previously moved around the banlist until Nekroz abused it at unlimited. This card has been cemented at limited to this very day.
Reinforcement of the Army
This old Link-3 warrior monster was played in order to out cards that required a non-targeting send. It still sees niche play in Sky Striker though.
Ningirsu the World Chalice Warrior
This Cyberse staple saw frequent play in Playmaker's deck as it could Special Summon itself from the GY and from being banished once per Duel.
Dotscaper
Excluding Exodia, this card is the only alternative win condition to receive direct support towards achieving its condition.
Destiny Board
After being corrupted by Hypnosister and Tracefamiliar, this magician returned to his original form thanks to the Unwavering Bond with his sister.
Risebell the Summoner
This problem card saw large amounts of play for reasons other than its actual effect. It floated between limited and semi-limited for periods of time until a crucial policy document change (not errata).
Mind Crush
This card from 2007 was actually limited for a time due to its utility to bounce back monsters during the Battle Phase.
Neo-Spacian Grandmole
This monster, once summoned to your opponent's field, can completely lock your opponent out of Special Summoning when paired with an Extra Link.
Knightmare Corruptor Iblee
This level 4 monster has a convuluted win condition that ends with dealing battle damage by direct attack.
Flying Elephant
This archetype has strong ties with the Qli archetype. Each monster corresponds with another Qliphort monster that it was sealed within.
Infernoid
This card was semi-limited for exactly one banlist out of fear of an OTK involving Makyura the Destructor.
Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow.
This Pendulum-based synchro monster has the ability to spin back any card on the board at the cost of destroying a Pendulum Monster on the field.
Ignister Prominence, the Blasting Dracoslayer
This monster, under the right circumstances, can search ANY monster in the game.
Omni Dragon Brotaur
This Xyz Monster has an alternative win condition during your End Phase.
Number C88: Gimmick Puppet Disaster Leo
These 7 archetypes are related to World Legacy.
World Chalice, Guardragon, Krawler, Mekk-Knight, Knightmare, Crusadia, Orcust