worn cedar
Modes were bad in dsrpg2.
But, with some tweaks, they could be pretty nice to have.
First, a limit. If you go into your mode at low health, there should be a timing for it, like you can't get to low and just walk around for a sec, you have to use it in the heat of battle. If you stop fighting, the mode stops too and goes on that loooong cool down.
Second, pretty much another limit. When in a mode, you should NOT be able to regen, it is your last resort for a reason.
Lastly, a slight buff/option. If you go into a mode and use it successfully (it activates and doesn't stop from you exiting combat or dying), you regen a small chunk of health all at once.
These 3 things combined could make modes worth using, and also not just some flashy way to scare unknowing players. Another simple solution is not adding them in the first place if it doesn't fit with the current combat system. Modes were added late into dsrpg2 and they are laughable at best, so unless we get a crazy high risk high reward system like I mentioned, it might be best to not have em at all.