Building comparison
head to head
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick ObscuravsFront Mission 1st: Remake
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.
Front Mission 1st: Remake
Optimization · Pure Optimization
Engineering optimal Wanzer configurations and skill allocations to dominate scripted mech skirmishes.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Front Mission 1st: Remake leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick ObscuraFront Mission 1st: Remake
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
Front Mission 1st: Remake
Turn-based; no twitch; Wanzer part targeting is planning-based
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
Front Mission 1st: Remake
Enemy AI is scripted per mission type
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
Front Mission 1st: Remake
Hit rates and shield proc randomness create meaningful combat variance
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
Front Mission 1st: Remake
Wanzer part builds, weapon loadouts, and pilot skill allocation are the game
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.
Related comparisons
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