head to head
vs
Bad NorthvsVambrace: Cold Soul
Bad North leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); Vambrace: Cold Soul leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Bad NorthVambrace: Cold Soul
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 1
Vambrace: Cold Soul leans harder on reads: Enemies follow scripted AI, not adaptive prediction
Variance5 vs 6
Vambrace: Cold Soul leans harder on variance: Roguelike expeditions hide encounters, traps, and loot rolls
Optimization7 vs 7
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.