Building comparison
head to head
Azkend 2: The World BeneathvsStarbound
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is optimization, and it is a single point.
Azkend 2: The World Beneath
Optimization · Systems & Chaos
A match-three adventure testing chain planning against random board fills.
Starbound
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A 2D sandbox of procedurally generated planets driven by crafting progression.
Azkend 2: The World Beneath leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); Starbound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Azkend 2: The World BeneathStarbound
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 3
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Azkend 2: The World Beneath
Matching tiles needs only modest speed
Starbound
Light platforming and combat, generous margins
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Azkend 2: The World Beneath
Solo with no opponent to predict
Starbound
Procedural NPCs follow simple fixed behaviours
Variance4 vs 4
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Azkend 2: The World Beneath
Board fills randomly, driving each match
Starbound
Procedural planets and loot keep early exploration unknown
Optimization6 vs 7
Starbound leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
Azkend 2: The World Beneath
Planning chains and power-up use is the skill layer
Starbound
Gear tiers, farming, and progression routes dominate
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.