head to head
vs
ATOM RPGvsPillars of Eternity
ATOM RPG leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Pillars of Eternity leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
ATOM RPGPillars of Eternity
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 1
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance5 vs 4
ATOM RPG leans harder on variance: Hidden loot locations, faction event triggers and random encounters add unknowns
Optimization8 vs 9
Pillars of Eternity leans harder on optimization: Per-encounter ability management and passive stacking define trial-of-iron mastery
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.