head to head
vs
Borderlands 3vsSystem Shock 2
Borderlands 3 leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); System Shock 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Borderlands 3System Shock 2
Axis by axis
Execution6 vs 6
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 0
Borderlands 3 leans harder on reads: Enemies scripted, no adaptive opponent
Variance6 vs 4
Borderlands 3 leans harder on variance: Weapon rolls and anointments randomize
Optimization8 vs 9
System Shock 2 leans harder on optimization: Deep build tree and resource conservation define the entire skill ceiling
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.