Building comparison
head to head
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick ObscuravsLoop Hero
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is execution, and it is a single point.
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.
Loop Hero
Optimization · Pure Optimization
An auto-battling deckbuilder about building a loop to defeat the Lich.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Loop Hero leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick ObscuraLoop Hero
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 1
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura leans a little harder on execution, though the gap is small.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Real-time mode is optional; turn-based eliminates all twitch
Loop Hero
Autobattler, almost no inputs.
Reads1 vs 0
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura leans a little harder on reads, though the gap is small.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
All NPCs and factions follow scripted dialogue and combat routines
Loop Hero
Enemies follow scripts.
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
Loop Hero
Card draws and loot drops randomize.
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
Loop Hero
Deck and tile placement reward deep optimization.
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.