The Hidden Blade Assassin's Creed in Depth

Every single story assassination in this game has taken away player agency. They are glorified cut scenes with a boss battle. You build your character for stealth and non-detection, then either get a cut scene with a single button event to progress, or end up in an epic battle with no option to approach the target your own way. This works sometimes, sure. But every damn time?

I had no actual combat abilities unlocked for the final boss of act 1. Not a single active ability (been rocking the talisman that gives extra damage for unused abilities and I avoid combat). All that for nothing.