How many of you started on the Master Assassin? It's really hard, I like it. One hit, you are likely dead.
It's the mode you unlock by completing the game the first time, I think.

Only played once so far so I only just unlocked it. Is it still only about how much damage you take or something more?

I'm not sure. But they hit you one time, you are dead and that is just the ordinary guards. Blocking is harder too.

But you could also try use less abilities and gadgets, see how that turns out!

Edit:
Much better idea is to try the Master Assassin with killing everyone, that is harder.

I decided to try it for a more brutal playthrough and is sure is tough! My advice: don't get into any fights with the butchers on MA difficulty.

I like it though, it encourages you to think carefully and plan ahead.

Master Assassin is no joke when you want everyone dead.
Want to see http://youtu.be/gT_rEqSIlEg by playing only with sword and no supernatural abilities or other gadgets?
Haha, so awful!
But fun to try, kill everyone in your way, no supernatural abilities or other weapons, simple sword and that's it. Block, run, fight, throw glass, whatever you can pick up and throw is cool tho.

I can't even contemplate trying to take on the butchers using only my sword.

guard killed me with one hit of his sword, thats too hard. im settled with veteran.

I have a serious problem when I can't use any supernatural abilities.
Hm, I thought I had it good but, well .. http://youtu.be/at2oLzRVDB4 Not sure how I will come thru that wall without anything than a knife.

Haha, I wouldn't recommend picking a fight with them on ANY difficulty, I don't know how people deal with them once they're spotted - I could only eliminate them froma hiding place.

My new playthrough is on MA but it's going to be a non-lethal one so I'm probably not gonna feel it a lot unless I fall. Unless the enemies have better perception as part of the difficulty level, can't remember if that was the case.

Blink behind them, then stab them.

just started my 2nd run on master assassin.. played on veteran before. since i missed on buyin potions in the beginning i think i have to switch up. If u get caught u r pretty much a onehit. so everytimte i fight i have to use at least 1 pot to not die.

i think its really hard.. for me, to be successful i seriously need bend time lvl2 and a lot of mana pots. since u r only able to get 6 or 7 runes ( u need 8 for lvl2) that wont be the case in the first mission. additionally i think im not the best combat guy, so i think i might switch to hard or back to veteran, which i think is hard enough to play with fun.

I'm doing okey with using only knife and no healing potions or supernatural abilities.
Masterting the block and hit and when to run away and pick up bottle throw in face get chance to stab is fun.
Throwing bodies on them work too.