head to head
vs
BastionvsWay of the Samurai 2
Bastion leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); Way of the Samurai 2 leans Execution (Practiced Mastery).
BastionWay of the Samurai 2
Axis by axis
Execution5 vs 6
Way of the Samurai 2 leans harder on execution: Stance-based swordplay timing and parries carry combat
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 2
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
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.