User blog comment:Wassboss/Striking from the Shadows: Ninja vs Assassins (Assassins Creed)/@comment-4661256-20160207194650

El Alamein's Edges:

 Close Range: Tanto vs. Hidden Blade:  The tanto's blade is significantly shorter than the hidden blade, but I think this is offset by its greater range of motion. The hidden blade is excellent for assassinations and sneak attacks like that (and the Assassins are still quite skilled with them in straight-up combat) but it's still restricted somewhat by its sleeve-bound design. Ultimately, though, I think the longer blade length and the justifiable skill level of the Assassins with their signature weapon is enough to overcome a ninja using what is, in effect, a sidearm.

Edge: Assassins

 Mid Range: Ninjato vs. Syrian Sabre:  Well here's an interesting comparison. The ninjato's design lends itself well to thrusting attacks and parries, while the sabre is a more aerodynamic slashing weapon. The sabre's heavier weight and longer length gives it a reach and stopping power advantage, while the ninjato's lighter weight and shorter length make it faster on the strike and easier to use in close-ranged combat. That being said, the hidden blade is probably enough to deal with the ninjato at close range, while the ninja is hard-pressed at a distance to overcome the Assassin's greater reach and harder-hitting blows with the sabre.

Edge: Assassins

 Long Range: Shurikens vs. Throwing Knives:  Uh, yeah, easy win for the throwing knives. For one thing they have a much greater chance at landing a killing blow whereas the shurikens don't, and they can be used in melee combat if the situation dictates. When you're talking distances of under 10 meters range doesn't really matter so the throwing knife's range advantage is negligible, but that being said, it still takes the edge thanks to its superior killing surface.

Edge: Assassins

 Special Weapons: Kusarigama vs. War Hammer:  This is a fairly simple win for the ninja. In a fight where the warriors need to be fast and agile, a weapon like a war hammer will hit hard but be comparatively slow and short-ranged. It's heavier than most of the other weapons present and it's got no specific advantages to overcome that disadvantage. On the other hand, the kusarigama has not only a longer reach but better aerodynamics and an overall superior design that lends itself to this kind of fight. This is the only edge the ninja really has in this fight, but at least it's a pretty definitive edge in their favor.

Edge: Ninja

WINNER: ASSASSINS

So, yeah, the kusarigama curbstomps the war hammer but it won't carry the game for the ninjas. The Assassins carried the battle at every other range--their knives are far more effective than the shurikens and the hidden blade and sabre are much more versatile than the ninja's tanto and ninjato (which, to be honest, pretty much fulfill the same role--one's just longer). When you couple this with the Assassin's marginal agility edge you have a warrior who is able to outmaneuver their opponent and completely dominate the battle space. The Assassin's superior weaponry and better mastery of the environment are what get them the victory here.