I know this is not needed. But i always thought blocking with a staff, visually always looked pretty lame in game. I get it if you block an arrow with a shield or a sword. But i would have loved to see something more visually nicer blocking with a staff.

But a suggestion for an alternative would be it should be based on the weapons. Dual wield does a good animation, in regards to crossing weapons and that should definitely be like that. But perhaps make the weapons gleam or something; and the same for the 2-handers. Give them a shiny gleam or some other effect. It seems kind of lazy on Zenimax’s to do that same, hideous ethereal shield for everyone, no matter what. Make it different visual effects for each one, and make some variation in how each type of weapon does it. Have it be like a contact lens looking opaque bubble in front of the character that is the same size as the current ethereal shield image. And for people who prefer not having ANY shield visuals, just add the option to turn them off in the Options Panel.