but everyone can block, just hold up your shield all the time. i do not think that “deserves” a ripost.
but if u talk about perfect block just when the attack hits like in monster hunter, then i could really get behind that. even tho in games i know that do that, u do not get a ripost, but u would get an attack buff (could be with “perfect block” enchant affixes), or the enemy builds stagger/stun bar, and after a few perfect blocks (not just 1) u would get the same as with parries, a stagger and the chance to counter. that could work and improve combat variety imo.
we also have a discussion about counter attacks here: Counter Hit Mechanics Would Improve Combat
which basically is related, just that we do not talk about perfect block, rather than a perfect sword attack counter.
i could get behind all those ideas, because they do only add to variety and depth and hurt nobody. maybe even some of the “runes are riposts” people might actually enjoy their new options.