head to head
vs
Age of Wonders 3vsPillars of Eternity
Age of Wonders 3 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Pillars of Eternity leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Age of Wonders 3Pillars of Eternity
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads2 vs 1
Age of Wonders 3 leans harder on reads: AI leaders use scripted doctrines without genuine player modelling
Variance5 vs 4
Age of Wonders 3 leans harder on variance: Random map layouts and hidden dungeon contents create real unknowns
Optimization9 vs 9
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.