User blog comment:JAlbor/Wikia at E3 2012/@comment-178.101.79.22-20120523065731/@comment-1818887-20120523135631

I reckon it's about user choice. When AC II came out, you had all these extra weapons and gadgets, but I stuck with the Hidden Blades and Sword, because that's what I felt more comfortable with. As a player, you choose what weapon you prefer, they're just really emphasising the Tomahawk, Bow and Pistols for now because they're new, just like they focused on the Hidden Gun and Double Blades for AC II. I believe the Hidden Blade will have the same availability as previous installments, but it's not being advertised because we all know it so well.

I actually found it hilarious that some people thought they'd ditched the Hidden Blade... in Assassin's Creed...