head to head
vs
BastionvsSystem Shock
Bastion leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); System Shock leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
BastionSystem Shock
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 3
System Shock leans harder on variance: Citadel's layout and logs are hidden until uncovered
Optimization6 vs 7
System Shock leans harder on optimization: Inventory, routing and station knowledge solve the game
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.