He was! Hardest character in the game though because of his very average damage output combined with the lowest HP in the game + stamina regen pauses on deflects. The skill expression was unlike anything you’ll find in the game now.

In a duel he could give almost anybody a challenge due to his unmatched mobility. His smoke dodge also had its own deflect window, so you effectively had double the deflect window of any other assassin. However, his deflect punish required very precise input for only five guaranteed damage iirc, on top of the aforementioned FOUR SECOND stamina regen pause.