head to head
vs
BastionvsCrusaders of Might and Magic
Bastion leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); Crusaders of Might and Magic leans Execution (Practiced Mastery).
BastionCrusaders of Might and Magic
Axis by axis
Execution5 vs 5
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 1
Bastion leans harder on variance: Minor loot variance.
Optimization6 vs 5
Bastion leans harder on optimization: Weapon and idol builds reward planning.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.