head to head
vs
Broken Sword: The Smoking MirrorvsThe X-Files Game
Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror leans Optimization (Light / Casual); The X-Files Game leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Broken Sword: The Smoking MirrorThe X-Files Game
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 X-Files Game leans harder on variance: Story branches are unknown only until explored
Optimization3 vs 4
The X-Files Game leans harder on optimization: Finding the right evidence and choices is a fixed puzzle
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.