User blog comment:Appelmonkey/Kai Leng vs. Genji/@comment-68.11.130.102-20170413124456

Close Range- Genji gets this. He not only has versatility, but superior skill. Genji wields his blade as if it was part of his body and is frequently shown to be in tune with it in combat. Kai, on the other hand, wields less like a master and more like a wannabe copying stuff from a movie. He seems to possess basic knowledge, but even then he gets his ass kicked by a dying Thane (yes he did have a guns, but he dominated Kai in hand to hand before the weasel cheated) and even Shepard (who isn't mechanically modified). Frankly, Kai only seems “impressive” with it in comparison to others in his universe… since no one else really uses a sword. Kai does have some credibility in outside material, but all of those were with knives and guns, completely different from a sword. The blades themselves, however, are pretty one-sided if you actually take a look. Kai’s blade is shown to be both very sharp, but VERY flimsy (being easily broken by a normal human) while Genji’s blade has shown both sharpness and a decent amount of durability (unlike Kai, Genji blocks with his sword). And then there's  the Dragonblade, which is icing on the cake. Edge- Genji

“Long” Range- Okay, there are some misconceptions here. Kai’s blaster is not a “laser”, it’s more a charged energy shot. And, if you really look at it, it kind of sucks. Kai only ever manages to hit something with it at close range and even then only with the element of surprise (like invisibility), it doesn’t fire very fast, and it only seemed effective on unarmored targets. Plus aiming it is a pain at long distance if you think about (to use it he has to open his hand, which can obscure vision over long range) and the way it charges up if fairly noticable, so Genji can see it coming mile away unless Kai surprises him. Genji’s shurikens have both speed and quantity, and stay effective even if the element of surprise is gone. Plus they possess longer range thanks to modifications. That said, I just can’t hand them a complete edge here. Edge- Even

Abilities- This is actually even if you ACTUALLY LOOK at how Kai’s stuff works. His barrier is potent… if he has something distracting his opponent like backup or a gunship, and it doesn’t actually work of melee weapons (it’s meant for ranged weaponry, and even then Genji’s shurikens are probably “primitive” enough that the shield MIGHT not actually block them). Kai’s sword slash is somewhat telegraphed and easily can be easily dodged by Shephard, who isn’t near as agile as Genji. Genji’s deflect might not work on Kai’s ranged attacks, plus in a sword fight it will certainly knock Kai’s blade around, maybe even break it. And dash will almost certainly take Kai down a peg are two, especially since Kai frequently believes no one can match in a “fight” and won’t expect it at first, and his lack of skill means he will hardly be able to counter it. Kai has tricks that come from technology, Genji has actual skill backed by technology. Edge- Even

Armor/Cybernetics- Okay this one needs to be acknowledged. Kai cybernetics are more advanced and possess a decent shield, but it has flaws. Primarily, it relies almost completely on the shield to absorb damage and Kai himself can barely dodge attacks to any meaningful extent, and his shield is shit when it comes to melee attacks and this is a sword fight. Plus, his armor leaves his face wide open, whereas Genji has protection for his head and face. Kai’s one advantage in this department is the fact his cybernetics give him enhanced strength, surpassing Genji. Problem is, Genji’s speed and agility is good enough that it doesn’t really help out. Kai can run (away) and jump better than a human, but in actual confrontations he seldom does much other than charge forward or just stand there and fire his palm blaster. Heck, pound for pound the average phantom can take more punishment, difference is Kai can recharge his shield faster. Edge- Genji

X-Factors- A good portion of Kai’s “achievements” are of fairly ambiguous canonicity, but even then his background of training and experience seldom show up (easily outmatched by people he should have been capable of curb-stomping with his background), plus Kai never actually fights without some huge advantage, and almost immediately runs away or rage quits when he starts losing. Heck, the only success he has shown in game is stealing a data disc and running away (and he needed a gunship to help achieve even that). Genji may not has an extensive history full of worfing opponents cause of plot, be he has demonstrated competence in most of his appearances and legitimate skill, not just tricks and running away. Plus Genji is fully capable of maintaining a cool head, while Kai wastes time gloating and develops tunnel vision if even slightly insulted and rarely takes his opponent seriously until it’s too late.

Overall- Whoa that was a long vote. You know, I actually really hate Genji (can’t play as him and I always get killed by him) and came here to help him lose, but all the lack of information provided inspired me to actually look this stuff up and even analyze gameplay to make judgement calls. Anyway, Kai is completely outclassed here. Genji has the better blade (both of them), superior skill in swordsmanship, and he can actually back up his background of fighting. Kai is, more or less, a thug that is actually less dangerous then the generic Phantoms that help him out and only gets by thanks to cheating, the fact his shield recharges fast and is meant for ranged weaponry, and that fact he flees when his opponent proves tougher than expected. So unless Kai has a gunship or something, he doesn’t have a chance in hell.

Deadliest Warrior- Genji

NOTE: If any of you have issues with anything I have said, please let me know. I did as much research as I could on this stuff.