Building comparison
head to head
AliensvsSuper Mario World
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.
Aliens
Execution · Pure Mechanics
Arcade reflexes against memorisable alien swarm patterns built to eat quarters.
Super Mario World
Execution · Pure Mechanics
Precise jump execution across fixed levels with secrets to memorise.
Aliens leans Execution (Pure Mechanics); Super Mario World leans Execution (Pure Mechanics).
AliensSuper Mario World
Axis by axis
Execution7 vs 7
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Aliens
Arcade dodging and shooting under swarm pressure is the test
Super Mario World
Perfect inputs trivialise every jump, spin and cape flight
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Aliens
Xenomorph waves follow scripted arcade patterns
Super Mario World
Scripted Koopas adapt to nothing
Variance1 vs 1
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Aliens
Stage layouts and spawns are fixed
Super Mario World
Levels are fixed; nothing hidden survives one playthrough
Optimization4 vs 4
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Aliens
Learning spawn points and weapon pickups carries credit-saving runs
Super Mario World
Secret exits and route knowledge add a modest solvable layer
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.