head to head
vs
Broken Sword: The Smoking MirrorvsThe Walking Dead
Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror leans Optimization (Light / Casual); The Walking Dead leans Variance (Light / Casual).
Broken Sword: The Smoking MirrorThe Walking Dead
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance1 vs 2
The Walking Dead leans harder on variance: Branch outcomes are hidden on a first playthrough only
Optimization3 vs 2
Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror leans harder on optimization: item puzzle logic is solvable
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.