head to head
vs
As Dusk FallsvsDownfall
As Dusk Falls leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); Downfall leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
As Dusk FallsDownfall
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance3 vs 4
Downfall leans harder on variance: Branching horrors are hidden until choices reveal them
Optimization5 vs 6
Downfall leans harder on optimization: Puzzle chains and ending routes have fixed solutions
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.