A simple idea that came to mind:
The ability to "dash" forward, making you jump a certain distance forward and either dealing stun or minor damage to any enemy that you hit on your path.
How I see it more worked out:
- Some shields would enable you to use this ability. It would come similarly as e.g. a +1 Health add-on.
- How to use: While using your shield, you would charge the dash similarly as charging your weapon but in this case by holding your shield key. Releasing the charge would have to be done by pressing attack while still holding the shield button at that time. Releasing your shield during the dash is allowed since it's no longer needed.
- Shields that have this ability would have a lower defense power than other similarly-starred shields. This means that while charging your dash, your shield can "break" from attacks more easily, making the dash ability not quite abusable if this is well-balanced.
What do you think of it?
Nice.
I'd say that the ability shouldn't be shield specific, but that any shield can do it. So, instead of "defend" as your only shield command, you have
Defend,
Prep for charge (lowered defense)
Charge (attack with shield)
You could have normal shields, spiked shields (piercing), jelly shields (too soft to inflict much damage), etc.