In my opinion Dodge Strike is a really powerfull and cool skill. With the perfect timing this skill is like a Perfect Guard with an immense damage. Sadly it doesnt have any protection against enemys which leap forwards like our best friend Mr. Boar.
But I have 2 suggestion that could fix it.
1. With a perfect timing like doing a Perfect Guard your character should be granted some invincible frames. That way you could use it on every enemy. If you dodge a projectile with this skill you will just slash trough it, without taking damage. Good timing will be rewarded, bad timing will be punished.
2. After a perfect Dodge Strike you will recover your mana and be able to use another full charged skill. Example: perfect Dodge Strike without slashing forward by holding down the button and pressing another skill like Earth Spike. Now your charge of the Dodge Strike will be transfered to the Earth Spike. BOOM Earth Spike Silver/Gold.
There is a great possibility. Dodging Strike + Piercing Dash / Blade Flurry / Earth Spike / Fire Ball..... Of course the damage should be increased or you could just use your normal perfect guard with the shield.
(edit: sadly you cant use Dodging Strike with a 2h weapon
)
This way even mage character could have a use for this skill.
Mana should only recover by doing a perfect Dodging Strike, now you ask why? The mana consum would be far too high if you combine them all or it wouldnt be possible.
+ Maybe an after image after a Perfect Dodging Strike? Just for style.
Some other solutions?
Sorry for my engrisch