User blog comment:Hidden Scorpius XI/Kneejerk reaction to "Raven Branwen"/@comment-10380701-20150825003158/@comment-25857155-20150827060155

Oh, yeah, don't get me started on the Unique Skill system in SAO, which is one of the worst ideas ever implimented in even a nonexistant MMORPG I've ever heard of - right up there with permadeath being a thing (that last part is a joke).

Seriously - Heathcliff's shield ability? Anyone who knows even the smallest bit about actual sword-and-shield combat knows that a shield is as much a weapon as it is a tool for defense. Also, anyone can dual wield - using a dagger in the off hand was not such an uncommon thing back when sword-to-sword duels were an accepted form of settling an argument, after all. Perhaps using two full-size swords would be a bit odd, but with a high enough strength stat and sword skill, one could see where it should be an option for any player (at the cost of sacrificing a significant amount of defense, which Kirito obviously did not suffer from).

They also made no mention (that I recall) of other unique abilities in SAO throughout the series, despite having numerous potential opportunities to do so. Why impliment such a mechanic only to disregard it so? What, only the gamemaker and the gamebreaker are good enough to have it?

Oh, let's not forget-  the "Beaters" published a freaking guide to help beginners out, but were still hated. Then, there was Diabel's pointless 'sacrifice,' when Kirito could have saved him. Hell, why not just force him to drink the damn potion? And wait, why was there a delay for death? 0.o

So many issues. If it's going to be the first awesome VRMMORPG, why have so many shitty major game mechanic flaws? ._.