Building comparison
head to head
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick ObscuravsFallout 2
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A Victorian-era RPG where the magic-versus-tech split and schematic mastery reward deep system optimization.
Fallout 2
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A post-nuclear RPG expanded in scope where tagged builds and Gifted-trait optimization dominate.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Fallout 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick ObscuraFallout 2
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Real-time mode is optional; turn-based eliminates all twitch
Fallout 2
Turn-based AP system makes twitch entirely irrelevant
Reads1 vs 1
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
All NPCs and factions follow scripted dialogue and combat routines
Fallout 2
All tribal and Enclave enemies run fixed scripted combat routines
Variance5 vs 5
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Hidden technology diagrams and faction reaction thresholds create exploration unknowns
Fallout 2
Hidden special encounters and timed events create significant unknown-information space
Optimization9 vs 9
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Magic versus technology stat split and schematic discovery are deeply optimizable
Fallout 2
SPECIAL and skill tagging with Gifted trait produce well-known dominant build strategies
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.