head to head
vs
Age of DecadencevsTorchlight
Age of Decadence leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Torchlight leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Age of DecadenceTorchlight
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 0
Age of Decadence leans harder on reads: All human and beast enemies use fixed behavioural scripts
Variance5 vs 5
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization9 vs 8
Age of Decadence leans harder on optimization: Stat-and-skill allocation and quest routing to avoid combat are systemically solvable
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.