To reiterate what MrDDT said in the above post about the need to reward players for successful parries in the correct direction - see the M&B tutorial at time=5:23
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9jHc...ailpage#t=323s. This video breaks it down perfectly:
Spam attacks:
-No matter the weapon speed difference
-No matter how much you spin your mouse
-No matter where you are standing...
If the other person swings back after a block/parry
immediately, you
must block or you will be hit!
This is exactly the type of advantage we need in Xsyon for a successful parry or block. I think the simplest way to do this is by giving the defender a fully charged adrenaline bar right after a successful parry that lasts 1 to 2 seconds. Then adjust the animations so that the rules listed above holds true.
This will require a short cooldown animation added to the person who had his/her attack parried. The animation can show the weapon kicking back as shown at t=5:37
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9jHc...ailpage#t=337s
Adding this feature would not only reward skilled players for well timed blocks and parries but also make for a more engaging melee combat system.