head to head
vs
Anno 1503vsPlants vs. Zombies
Anno 1503 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Plants vs. Zombies leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Anno 1503Plants vs. Zombies
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 0
Anno 1503 leans harder on reads: Scripted AI neighbours and pirates never model you.
Variance3 vs 3
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization9 vs 8
Anno 1503 leans harder on optimization: Deep production chains and tier economics dominate skill.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.